My 100th Rebirth a day before the Apocalypse novel Chapter 818

Chapter 818: Chapter 818 Kickstarting The Trade 5

"Everyone, please stay close and follow our lead!" Fred called out as he glanced at Jason and the others.

Without wasting a second, his team swiftly moved into formation, surrounding Jason and Adam’s group from all sides. The sudden movement made them tense up instinctively. Unease flickered across their faces as they exchanged glances, and almost in unison, their eyes turned to Kisha for reassurance when they realized Fred’s team had encircled them.

Seeing their worried expressions, Kisha hoarsely reassured them, "Don’t worry. They’re warriors from HOPE Base. Their job is to protect the base and its people. They’re here to escort us back, just like I promised."

Although Jason and the others already knew this, the aura surrounding Fred and his team was on a completely different level. Especially during combat, their sheer strength was intimidating. But thanks to Fred’s team, the journey back to HOPE Base was smoother and safer than any of them had expected.

That was until they were just a kilometer away from the base.

Suddenly, Fred and the others broke into a sprint, moving so fast it was nearly impossible for Jason, Adam, and their team to keep up. Their lungs burned, their breathing turned ragged, and sweat poured down their faces, soaking their clothes as they pushed themselves to the limit. But they had no choice—they couldn’t afford to fall behind. A massive horde of zombies was chasing them from behind, and slowing down meant death.

After all, they were already deep within the heart of the City.

Most would avoid building a base in such a dangerous area. Those who did settle within city limits typically chose safer zones—locations with easy access to the outside. But HOPE Base was different. It was established right in the city’s core, a place swarming with the undead. To whoever built this base, the endless zombie hordes weren’t just a threat—they were a natural barrier, a wall of death that shielded the base from intruders.

At the same time, however, this so-called natural barrier was a double-edged sword. If things ever went south, the horde could just as easily turn on them—waves upon waves of zombies crashing against the base, potentially overwhelming its defenses. But if managed well, these millions of undead surrounding the city could become a terrifying weapon. Any intruders foolish enough to try and spark a territory war would have to face the swarm first—HOPE Base wouldn’t even need to lift a finger to wipe them out.

Right now, though, the tide hadn’t turned in their favor.

Jason and the others were struggling to keep pace, running at full speed as they pushed toward the safety of the base’s perimeter. Then—finally—they saw it: a towering 10-meter-high wall, sturdy and formidable, with soldiers stationed on top holding rifles at the ready. And just below them, an imposing iron gate loomed ahead.

Compared to this fortress, their own camps seemed like nothing more than a roadside outpost.

"Move, men! Move! Open the gate! The City Lord has arrived!" the gatekeeper shouted from atop the wall, waving frantically to signal the ground crew. Warriors and soldiers immediately jumped into action. Some worked the gate’s heavy metal doors, while others prepared to lay down covering fire.

As Kisha and the others crossed into range, the warriors launched their awakened abilities at the zombies trailing close behind—flames, earth, wind, and more exploding through the horde and cutting their numbers down before they could get too close.

Meanwhile, additional soldiers and warriors were stationed just inside the gate, weapons drawn and eyes sharp. Any undead that managed to slip through the opening would be dealt with instantly. No one would get past them.

Because of the commotion at the gate, several people nearby gathered to see what was going on. Word had already spread that the training warriors along with their captains, were frantically searching for their City Lord, who had suddenly run off into the city.

Of course, they were worried about her—Kisha had gone out alone, and everyone was well aware of how dangerous the city had become with the rise of evolving zombies. No matter how strong she was, they couldn’t help but worry about her like she were family.