My 100th Rebirth a day before the Apocalypse novel Chapter 699

He had a keen ability to recognize those who could help him survive, which was precisely why he had chosen to overshare his plans when first meeting the Winters' men.

For someone like him—who had spent his life working at the bottom of society—wariness was second nature. People in his position often had no voice, easily overlooked or discarded without consequence.

Seeking help was futile because, more often than not, it simply didn't exist for people like them.

They were frequent targets for human trafficking and other crimes, which had ingrained in them a habit of keeping information close to their chest and being wary. _{frёewebnoѵel.ƈo๓}

Yet, despite this ingrained caution, Hugo instinctively recognized when it was worth taking a risk and revealing more than usual—an insight that set him apart.

For someone who had ingrained wariness and caution into his very being, Hugo's decision to openly share his future plans with complete strangers was nothing short of remarkable.

He had no way of knowing their identities or intentions—whether they were good people, opportunists looking to take advantage of him, or, at worst, cannibals.

After all, Kisha had witnessed such horrors in her previous life, and in desperate times, it wouldn't be surprising if some had turned to such extremes.

Yet, despite the risks, Hugo chose to gamble. This meant he had already assessed the Winters' men, recognizing them as strong individuals from a well-supplied shelter—all from pure observation, a skill honed over years of navigating the docks as a porter while keeping his eyes peeled.

It was this keen awareness that had kept him out of trouble for so long. More impressively, he didn't make it seem like a calculated move. Instead, he presented his openness as a casual, honest conversation, ensuring that the other party never even realized he was testing the waters.

Kisha was convinced that Hugo would be a valuable addition to her team. He was humble and down-to-earth—qualities that made him approachable even to those who distrust authority.

She knew from experience that there were always people skeptical of those in power, herself included.

While such individuals hadn't yet reached City B or her territory, it was only a matter of time before they did. When that day came, unrest would be inevitable.

But having someone like Hugo—someone who could bridge the gap between leadership and the common people—would be an invaluable asset. He had the ability to earn their trust and keep tensions from escalating into outright conflict.

Especially since Kisha planned to open HOPE Base's gates to other shelters and bases soon, she knew she would inevitably encounter groups like Hugo's—communities of people who had been oppressed for so long but had now managed to carve out their own sanctuary.

Having fought to build their own oasis, these people would naturally be wary of larger, more powerful bases. Some might even see them as threats or competitors rather than allies.

If Kisha was unlucky, these groups could turn hostile, and during those struggles, they might even use her own people against her—just as it had happened in her previous life.

Back then, a well-known base built by laborers union, one powerful enough to rival military-run strongholds, had set its sights on her territory.

They had manipulated the laborers within her own base, stirring resentment and turning them against her. Before she even realized what was happening, they had stripped her of her resources—and, ultimately, her life.