My 100th Rebirth a day before the Apocalypse novel Chapter 817

Chapter 817: Chapter 817 Kickstarting The Trade 4

To prevent that, Kisha deliberately alternated between easing their path and exposing them to real danger. At times, she allowed the zombies to approach in their original numbers—nearly a hundred strong—reminding everyone of the true threat that lurked in the city. During those moments, she made sure to step in and assist directly, striking a balance between support and challenge to keep the group alert and prepared.

"Alright everyone, just a few more kilometers and we’ll reach HOPE Base. Let’s push a little harder!" Kisha whispered, signaling for the group to keep moving. Thanks to her passive skills that helped replenish their stamina, everyone was able to keep running with shorter rest breaks.

After three hours of running, resting briefly, and snacking on chocolate or energy bars to stave off hunger and replenish energy—while staying hydrated with water—they were all surprised at how little fatigue they felt. The excitement of finally nearing the base kept their adrenaline pumping, driving them forward despite the exhaustion.

As soon as Kisha finished speaking, excitement surged through the group—they started running toward the zombies even before the undead reached them. Kisha’s heart jumped to her throat watching their reckless charge, and she had to sprint after them, providing support.

Luckily, she was just in time.

Jason’s team charged forward when suddenly, an agile level-1 zombie lunged out from behind the horde, aiming for Jason’s neck.

Swoosh!

A dagger whizzed past Jason’s ear, the sharp whoosh freezing him in place. His eyes widened in alarm as a thin, pale zombie—its body marked with gashes and crawling with maggots—sprang from the crowd. The creature moved with terrifying speed, but before it could strike, it tumbled to the ground, black blood oozing from a wound in its head.

Kisha swiftly yanked on the rope in her hand, loosening the dagger embedded deeply in the zombie’s skull. Jason’s chest tightened as he realized just how reckless his impatience had been—if Kisha hadn’t acted so quickly, he might have been dead.

He pursed his lips, drew his dagger, and signaled to his team to stay alert and move carefully, following their usual disciplined approach.

The incident snapped everyone back to reality, reminding them how they needed to act. But retreat wasn’t an option—stepping back risked stumbling and losing ground, which could be just as deadly. They had no choice but to hold their positions and kill the zombies as quickly as possible.

What they hadn’t realized in their excitement was that at least a hundred undead were closing in on them. Worse, more zombies were surging in from the corner, rushing forward with terrifying speed. It was only a matter of time before they were overwhelmed.

Panic began to ripple through Adam’s group as the gravity of the situation set in.

Just as Jason, Adam, and their team began to panic, a bright orange flare shot up into the sky nearby. Their fear instantly shifted to excitement — it meant help was close. Kisha’s earlier words about her people being near suddenly felt real, filling them with renewed hope.

Then, the walkie-talkie strapped to Kisha’s waist—the same one she had absentmindedly taken from the gatekeeper before jumping down from the wall—crackled to life.

"City Lord, City Lord, do you copy?!" Fred’s voice crackled urgently through the radio. He waited patiently for Kisha’s response.