My 100th Rebirth a day before the Apocalypse novel Chapter 502

Just like that, the atmosphere shifted into one of celebration, as everyone went about their tasks, working together to prepare.

Duke and Kisha, being the honored leaders, were not allowed to participate in the preparations; their roles were to guide and oversee, like commanders leading their troops.

With a sense of purpose, the survivors moved efficiently, each member contributing their part.

Kisha, in particular, had already reassured everyone that there was no need to worry about the supplies.

They had more than enough to ensure a successful day of festivities, and it was time to unwind.

After weeks of relentless pressure, with one challenge after another coming in, the people had barely had a chance to release the built-up tension.

Today, however, would be different—today, they would take a well-deserved break and let go of the stress that had accumulated in both their bodies and minds.

Hearing this, a wave of gratitude surged through everyone, deepening their respect for Kisha.

Motivated by her words, they silently vowed to do more, to strive for excellence, and to uphold the trust she had placed in them.

In their hearts, they made an unspoken promise: to never betray their leaders, for the consequences of such treachery would be nothing short of a painful, inevitable end.

Of course, Kisha didn’t organize this banquet simply to give everyone a chance to unwind—she had a more strategic purpose in mind.

It was a way to reinforce her "carrot and stick" approach, reminding everyone that hard work would be rewarded, but betrayal would not go unpunished.

This was not just a celebration; it was a subtle reminder.

Everyone at the base knew that Kisha and her team had taken down the previous tyrants who once ruled, and now those tyrants were locked away, their fates unknown.

No one dared to speak of them, and no one knew what had become of them.

In this atmosphere of uncertainty, Kisha’s periodic rewards served as a stark reminder—a comparison to the old regime.

These moments of recognition were meant to solidify the trust and loyalty of her people, ensuring that their commitment to her and her team would only grow stronger.

After all, while the harshness of the world often brings out the darker sides of people, it also exposes their vulnerability.

In their lowest moments, even the smallest act of kindness can ignite a deep sense of gratitude.

But this only holds true for those with a good moral compass, which is why Kisha had to be meticulous in screening the survivors who entered her territory.

By carefully selecting those who would join her base, she ensured that her people remained united and harmonious.

This way, the foundation of her community would be built on trust and shared values, fostering an environment where loyalty and cooperation thrived.

Not long after, the streets within the base, especially the square, were illuminated with oil lamps placed everywhere.

Each table had its own oil lamp, and others dotted the square, casting a soft, flickering glow that created a warm, inviting atmosphere.

It felt almost like celebrating Christmas Eve together, and the sight of it made everyone working feel even more solemn and dedicated to their tasks.

As the others prepared the ingredients, most were setting up camping stoves at each table, placing pots on top.

The cooks had already prepared large batches of rice, bone broth, and a mild spicy broth.

For those who craved more heat, a spicy Sichuan seasoning was available to add as desired.

The air was filled with the smell of food, and the atmosphere buzzed with the energy of people coming together to enjoy a much-needed break.

They also prepared a variety of fried foods, including crispy fried chicken, fried balls, sausage and golden-brown tofu, while making minced meat and seafood mixtures so everyone could enjoy fish balls and meatballs in the hotpot.

As the night went on, the temperature unexpectedly plummeted, turning the evening into one of the coldest nights they’d experienced in a while.

Though it wasn’t snowing, the chill was so intense that each breath they took produced a cloud of visible vapor.

It was strange—winter wasn’t supposed to have arrived yet, but the sudden drop in temperature made it feel as though it had come early.

As the cold grew more intense, a hotpot quickly became the perfect choice for the banquet.