My 100th Rebirth a day before the Apocalypse novel Chapter 772

Duke couldn't help but smile to himself as he stole glances at her serene face, his mood lifting with each look.

The exhaustion that had weighed him down seemed to fade away, and for the rest of the ride, he felt a warmth spreading through him until they finally reached the hidden base.

By the time they reached the hidden base, the sky was already growing dark—just in time to prepare for dinner. As soon as Dracon and the others jumped down from the truck, they stood frozen, awestruck by the sight before them.

The base, already illuminated by warm, steady lights, filled them with excitement and hope. Unlike the ruined cities and abandoned towns they had passed through, where electricity was nothing but a memory, this place was alive with power.

The presence of electricity meant more than just light—it promised warmth during the cold nights, cooling during brutal heat waves that could lead to heatstroke, and maybe even running water.

Judging by how clean and well-kept Kisha and the others appeared, there was a high chance the base had working facilities. The thought of finally washing up properly and living with a semblance of comfort made their hearts race with relief and anticipation.

Everyone's faces lit up with excitement as they looked around. Just then, Hugo and the others, who had spent the entire day plowing the fields, were returning, their clothes stained with mud and dirt and farming tools slung over their shoulders. The Blythes followed close behind, carrying baskets filled with fresh vegetables for dinner.

Seeing this, the newcomers grew even more eager, their giddiness almost impossible to contain. They itched to run over, introduce themselves, and help out in any way they could.

After all, joining a shelter with enough resources to support everyone was a rare blessing in these times. Like Hugo and the rest, they wanted to prove their worth, to show they could contribute.

Deep down, their biggest fear was being cast out—and they were willing to do whatever it took to secure their place in this sanctuary.

Kisha, too, stirred awake when the truck finally came to a stop. Groggily opening her eyes, she climbed down and took in the scene before her.

Seeing the newcomers—Hugo's group and Dracon's group—mingling with the others, a thought quickly crossed her mind. With two new groups joining their base and a new mission ahead, it was the perfect time to start recruiting. Without wasting another second, Kisha pushed aside her fatigue and got to work.

The Evans family also climbed down from their trucks while the rest of the Winters' men drove the vehicles to the designated parking area, leaving everyone else to walk toward the entrance of the building.

After this mission, however, the Evans looked at Kisha and her people with a newfound respect. There was a clear reverence—and even pride—when their gazes fell on her.

But along with it came a bittersweet ache, because they understood that true strength was often forged through hardship. They could only imagine the difficulties Kisha must have endured to become this remarkable and resilient, aside from her natural talent.

Without even realizing it, the Evans had unconsciously drawn closer to her. The Aldens and Winters did the same, gathering around Kisha and Duke as they all made their way inside together, like a family.

It had already become a habit for them: after finishing up with their work, no matter how exhausting, they would always share a moment of togetherness.