My 100th Rebirth a day before the Apocalypse novel Chapter 717

Kisha, who had a cheat system of her own, couldn't help but feel like Duke was an even bigger cheat.

It was almost unfair. Without her system, she would have been left in the dust, nothing more than a burden to him. No wonder he became the strongest man in her previous life.

'Comparison truly breeds pain,' she thought with a defeated sigh, shaking her head as she made her way toward the gathering.

Meanwhile, Duke had already bathed in the same spot she had used earlier, cleansing himself of the grime and impurities his body had expelled. At least now, he didn't have to worry about carrying the filth outside her territory space to the hidden base for washing.

"Is everyone here?" Duke asked as he stood before the Winters men.

To his surprise, even his parents were present, along with the Evans family. Both Kisha and Duke couldn't help but twitch their eyebrows—once again, their numbers had grown.

At this point, it really felt less like a mission and more like a full-blown field trip.

Duke shot Kisha a worried look, only to find her already looking at him, her eyes searching as if she had something to say.

She bit her lip, holding herself back. If she specifically asked the Evans not to join this mission while bringing her entire family along—and if Duke seemed willing to let his own family tag along for the experience, keeping them close to the Aldens—wouldn't that make it seem like they were isolating and targeting the Evans?

They openly stated that this mission would give them the experience of facing stronger opponents and understanding what it was like to travel outside on their own while being surrounded by evolving zombies.

This way it would prevent them from becoming people sheltered in a greenhouse, ensuring they were better prepared for the worst and wouldn't panic when the time came. The same principle applied to everyone in the hidden base—they all deserved this opportunity as well.

Because of this, Duke remained silent, pretending not to notice the Evans. However, what concerned him more was Melody. She seemed to have her own intentions of joining, lurking in a secluded spot as if trying to fade into the background.

It was clear she was attempting to lessen her presence, possibly to sneak into the group unnoticed, ensuring Kisha wouldn't be able to call her out or stop her from coming along.

But what was she expecting? She wasn't a combatant, nor did she have an awakened ability, so why was she even trying to come? Did she think people would protect her like before—just so she could stay close to Duke?

Well, that was exactly her plan. Since Duke and Kisha had emphasized how dangerous it was outside, Melody intended to tag along, knowing that Duke, as the leader, would be responsible for everyone's safety.

And as the so-called damsel in distress, she would naturally need his protection. Using that excuse, she could stay close to Duke, ensuring he would have no choice but to look after her.