My 100th Rebirth a day before the Apocalypse novel Chapter 464

Then, as if something suddenly occurred to him, Sparrow glanced at Rakan again, this time with a contemplative look.

Since they hadn’t seen any movement from this Victor character, it was likely he had set up an ambush on Sparrow’s return route, planning to capture one of his team members alive to lead them back to the base.

If they were really planning to use explosives against Sparrow and his team, this could be their way of ensuring they hit their target.

Since Rakan and his men acted as informants, Sparrow found their story too dubious to accept without prior investigation, carefully considering all factors.

However, one thing was certain: based on Rakan’s and his subordinate’s behavior and their simplistic account of Victor and their shelter, it was clear none of them were yet aware of superhuman abilities or awakened powers.

This oversight would work to Sparrow’s advantage as their trump card.

Confident in their plan, he realized they wouldn’t even need to involve Kisha in this fight, especially since she and Duke were preoccupied with the sewer issue back at the base.

Adding this problem to their workload would only strain their resources further.

Using Rakan and his people as a resource seemed reasonable—after all, this was something Sparrow could handle himself. If he couldn’t manage a minor issue without guidance, it would be shameful, especially since he is one of Duke’s direct subordinates.

With a decisive nod, Sparrow made up his mind. "Alright, let’s set this aside for now."

Turning to his men, he commanded, "Get the others ready. We’ll be heading back, so make sure we’re well-prepared, well-rested, and fully stocked. Everyone needs to stay on high alert."

Despite the clear instructions and the sense of an impending clash, Sparrow’s calm, almost casual tone left Rakan puzzled—it was hard to understand how he could sound so relaxed.

Feeling he’d achieved his purpose, Rakan stood and signaled his men to leave, only to be blocked by Sparrow’s crew.

They didn’t look particularly strong or intimidating, yet their expressions made it clear they’d gladly take Rakan down if he took another step.

Each held only a dagger, which added to Rakan’s confusion—and even more so for his steel-jawed subordinates, who were clearly thrown off by this bold, unassuming group.

Rakan couldn’t understand where Sparrow and his crew got their strength, but he and his men felt as if they were completely outmatched.

They slowly raised their hands in surrender, clustering together.

Glancing around, Rakan realized Sparrow had no intention of letting him leave, likely suspecting he’d come to gather intel on Sparrow’s numbers or capabilities.

But if that were the case, how could he explain his own brush with death just moments ago?

Reflecting on it, Rakan vividly recalled being stabbed deeply, bleeding heavily, and feeling his life slipping away—so much so that he’d planned to do one final good deed before he left this wretched world.

Yet, as he stood there now, he noticed something strange: he felt no pain whatsoever.

In fact, he felt better than he had in years, even his persistent back pain was gone.

Forgetting the men around him, Rakan began inspecting his torso and touching various parts of his body where his wounds should have been, only to find… nothing.

Rakan was certain that last night hadn’t been a dream.

He could still feel the memory of gut-wrenching pain, and he remembered watching some of his people die.

In fact, their absence now was undeniable proof of what had happened.

Yet, as he looked at his six remaining subordinates, he recalled that each of them had been on the verge of death, just as he was.

Now, though, they were moving around as if nothing had happened, appearing as healthy as ever.

Their clothes still bore the bloodstains and even the torn holes where they’d been injured—but the wounds themselves had vanished without a trace.

Rakan stood there, utterly stupefied.