My 100th Rebirth a day before the Apocalypse novel Chapter 109

Kisha felt a sense of relief wash over her as if a stubborn fishbone had finally dislodged from her throat upon realizing that she had successfully secured the S-class mission this time.

"Also, Host," 008 interjected, as if recalling something important. "I managed to procure the system add-on you requested from a highly advanced civilization in the mid-realm. It didn’t cost much, as it was merely a widget that enhanced my system with futuristic features.

Would you like me to proceed with the system update and integrate it?" 008’s excitement was palpable, akin to purchasing cool outfits for a character in games. That’s how 008 felt at the moment.

"How long would the update take?" Kisha asked.

"Just 5 minutes, host."

"Okay, go on."

Without hesitation, 008 swiftly initiated the update as soon as Kisha gave the green light. Meanwhile, Kisha retrieved another set of fresh meat, vegetables, and other ingredients from her inventory, preparing to cook and depart from their current location before the next wave of death warriors descended upon them.

As Vulture and Tristan took charge of cooking, Kisha made her way to the balcony where Duke’s fallen comrades lay. Positioned atop the bedsheets and shrouded in blood, their serene expressions gave them the appearance of peacefully slumbering. It was evident they had willingly sacrificed their lives to ensure the survival of their comrades and master.

Duke stood beside Kisha, his throat tight as he swallowed hard. His jaw clenched, and veins pulsed on his forehead, betraying the depth of his anguish over the loss of his subordinates. His fist clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white as he grappled with the ’what if’ scenarios—what if he had awakened his abilities earlier, or prepared more thoroughly for the unthinkable?

He was abruptly snapped out of his thoughts when Kisha tugged at his collar. "Duke, you’re losing focus. This isn’t like you," she admonished gently. Kisha understood that Duke regarded his subordinates as family, and their deaths weighed heavily on him. However, his current demeanor, while understandable, was uncharacteristic.

The immense stress he had endured from the outset until now had taken its toll. It was only natural for him to struggle to maintain his composure amidst the chaos and loss.

And that’s perfectly normal; it’s what makes them human. However, they must gather themselves together at this moment because many people are relying on them.

Duke pursed his lips and took a moment to compose himself, feeling momentarily vulnerable in Kisha’s presence. He found solace in the fact that he could reveal his vulnerability to her, something he rarely allowed himself to do. It made him feel more human, unlike his usual self, where he would always restrain his emotions with rationality.

This tendency often led outsiders to perceive him as cold and unfeeling, casting doubt on his humanity.

The more time Duke spent with Kisha, the more he felt himself aligning with what he perceived as normal human emotions and reactions. It was as if, in her presence, he was rediscovering parts of himself long forgotten. As he observed Kisha solemnly praying with her eyes closed for his fallen subordinate, he felt a tremor in his heart.

At that moment, he understood the significance of Kisha’s presence in his life. With this realization, a weight lifted from his heart, and he found himself involuntarily smiling.

After offering prayers for their souls, Kisha gently waved her hands, invoking her power to store their bodies in her inventory. This way, they could be laid to rest in their own territory, offering solace to their living comrades and providing a place for them to visit and pay respects whenever they wanted.

In the post-apocalyptic era, a grave is a luxury. The harsh reality is that bodies are often consumed by zombies or risk becoming undead themselves, making retrieval nearly impossible. Moreover, those fighting for survival rarely have the luxury of pausing to mourn or transport their loved ones’ remains as they flee for their lives.

Everyone present understood the gravity of the situation. Kisha’s actions did not go unnoticed; those witnessing her efforts could only struggle to hold back tears of appreciation and gratitude. Each of them longed to bring their fallen comrades along but recognized the impracticality and danger involved. Kisha’s swift resolution of the matter left them deeply moved and grateful.

This newfound insight into Kisha’s character prompted a gradual opening up toward her, particularly from the Winters. Their perception of Kisha had been shaped solely through hearsay, leaving them with some reservations. However, witnessing her actions firsthand dispelled any lingering doubts. They now felt more comfortable allowing their sole heir to remain in her company.

"Host, the update is complete," 008’s voice echoed in Kisha’s mind, drawing her attention back to the present. Curious to see the changes, she decided to check her status window.

[Kisha Aldens]

Level 0

Strength: 25 (+ 10)

Stamina: 26 (+ 10)

Defense: 22 (+ 10)

Agility: 25 (+ 10)

Mental Capacity: 35 (+ 10)