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After Kisha finished sorting those with gifts and talents to be cared for by their family or other workers and sending those without into isolated quarantine, it was already growing dark.

She took her leave and headed home, where Duke and Winters were waiting for her, sitting in a circle around the living room.

Sparrow, Vulture, and Tristan stayed behind to assist Aston in mitigating and pacifying the fear-stricken populace who had witnessed more people collapsing in the streets or in their homes.

They also strengthened the base’s defense, assigning new recruits their first task of patrolling the base in groups of five.

The reason for grouping them in fives was straightforward: despite the base experiencing a domino effect of mass awakenings, it was unlikely that all five members of a group would fall ill simultaneously. Typically, only two or three out of five might get sick.

This way, if more than one person fell ill, one group member could run to the standby patrol to request help and send the sick to the medical facility.

In Kisha’s home, Marcus’s grandchildren also fell ill, starting with Gant and Mike, who got sick a few hours after Kisha left the territory.

Daisy followed exactly three hours later.

Marcus was busy taking care of the children, so Mrs. Winters gave him time off to focus on them.

Marcus took the children inside the space where time moved faster compared to the outside world.

He brought their blankets and a bucket of ice, ensuring they were well taken care of inside.

Kisha considered using the space as a safe haven for the mass awakening, but she couldn’t invite just anyone in.

Instead, she decided to allow access to those who already knew about the space but had not yet awakened, such as the Patriarch, Mr. Winters, Tristan, Blade Eagler, Reeve, Aston, and their followers.

She also considered using the space for training purposes to manage time effectively and reap all the benefits.

This plan would only work if she were in her territory in City A, where she could build a training area.

The time inside the territory space would sync with the designated training area, allowing them to train intensively without affecting their day-to-day tasks.

With this approach, they could maximize training and strengthen all their warriors and themselves in a short period of time.

Now that Kisha had new ideas for the direction of her territory, she felt more energized.

However, the challenge was figuring out how to achieve these goals.

Without a solid plan in place, Kisha decided to push it to the back burner.

"Out of sight, out of mind," she thought.

Taking a deep breath to center herself, she then joined the Winters, who were talking animatedly in the living room.

"What are you all so excited about?" Kisha asked as she sat beside Duke, facing his parents and grandfather. They were clearly discussing something that had them all animated and giddy.

Duke scooped her off her seat and made her sit on his lap in front of his parents, earning a stifled chuckle from the elders.

Unbothered, Duke acted as if his world had shifted the moment Kisha entered, his entire focus now solely on her.

These actions made Kisha feel bashful, while the elders enjoyed the scene, thinking it was just how a newlywed couple should behave.

They always wanted to be as close as possible, often behaving sweetly as if no one else was around. Their affection and tender gestures not only made those around them feel happy but also garnered support for their relationship. This was certainly true for Kisha and Duke as well.

The two individuals who typically wore indifferent, cold, and stern expressions were now behaving like a typical couple. Duke, unbothered by the gazes of others, rested his cheek on Kisha’s shoulder and inhaled her scent, feeling his body slowly relax as his tired and tense muscles eased.

For once, he sought comfort from Kisha after a long day, something he usually didn’t need because of his workaholic nature. Now, he found himself longing for the soothing presence of his wife, wishing for her to ask about his day and offer a shoulder massage, just like other couples do.

Duke struggled to find the words to express his feelings, so he chose to show them through his actions.

When he saw Kisha acting so bashful and nervous in front of his family, her cuteness sparked an intense desire in him.

He felt an overwhelming urge to kiss her, even though he was surrounded by family.

The sight of her acting so adorably only intensified his feelings and made him want to act on his impulse, despite his initial desire to simply find comfort.

Initially, Mrs. Winters was worried because she had envisioned a different bride for her son, concerned that he had hastily chosen someone.

However, seeing Duke, who was once cold and distant, now so affectionate and unable to keep his hands off Kisha, brought her immense happiness.

She had never imagined witnessing such a transformation, where her son was so openly loving and devoted to his wife.

Duke looked so impatient and wanted to whisk Kisha away and went back to their own room to do what couples do but only to be shot down by Kisha because they have important matters to do.

While Duke was grappling with his internal struggle, Mrs. Winters addressed Kisha’s inquiry.

"We were discussing the positive changes you’ve brought to this base.

Everywhere we go, we hear people praising you.

Despite the fear caused by the mass awakening, many are doing their best not to be a burden.

I believe it has a lot to do with the difference in how the Coltons and the Minister of Defense treated them before, compared to the more supportive environment they’re experiencing now. This shift has played a significant role in winning their trust and loyalty."

The Patriarch also chimed in, "That’s absolutely true. The people working with me are incredibly dedicated. They’re so concerned about not doing enough that they refuse to leave our temporary office until all the laws and other tasks are completed.

Even those working on the warehouse for the Supply Center are putting in tremendous effort—they only stopped when my son insisted, and they returned to their work right after.

My son has shared with me just how hard everyone is working to ensure that tasks are completed efficiently and swiftly.

This dedication has significantly accelerated our progress and allowed us to achieve more in a day. "

Kisha chuckled as she listened to the enthusiastic praise about the workers’ accomplishments while they waited for Aston and the others.

It seemed the Winters had enjoyed a productive day, smoothly completing their tasks while working alongside the survivors.

Kisha hoped the survivors would maintain their current dedication and not become complacent or take their progress for granted.

Not long after, Aston and the rest arrived at the villa.

By then, Kisha had already joined Mrs. Winters in the kitchen, where the Winters’ men were also busy pitching in.

They helped with cooking, prepping ingredients, and washing dishes, ensuring that they lightened the load for Kisha and Mrs. Winters.