Page 441

There was still a gap in their experiences that left Rose feeling lost.

Sensing her struggle, Kisha decided to offer further guidance.

"If you genuinely want to help someone but aren’t sure about their character, just bring them to me, and I’ll assess whether they can join our base.

And if they happen to discover our location and spill the beans to other shelters, it won’t matter—we’re strong enough to protect our home and our people. "

"I’m offering you this opportunity so you don’t think I’m heartless." Kisha ended with a lighthearted tone, a playful smile gracing her lips.

This brought a sense of levity to the serious conversation, and Rose felt a wave of relief wash over her.

How can Kisha be this confident in selecting people?

Of course, it was because she had the ’Eye Of Truth’ where she could not only see people’s abilities and potential but also see where their morality inclined, just like how she first checked the former bodyguard of the Evans’ and his people’s morality before she jumps into action, she first made sure that they are worthy of receiving help who will not backstab her and her people and use them as nothing but meatshield.

After only confirming that they are good and upright people did she decided to help, after all, it’s better for them to die in the hands of zombies like that than be saved and later on bite the hands that feed them.

However, Kisha had no intention of abandoning the young or leaving them to perish.

Once she confirmed that the group didn’t include any dark-hearted individuals, she acted swiftly, determined to provide help while ensuring their safety.

She was also considering the other survivors, including those still in Port City.

However, attempting to rescue them now, when they were completely reliant on the hope of government aid rather than actively seeking food and resources, could lead to complications.

Their lack of motivation to fend for themselves might turn them into liabilities for the base, potentially fostering discontent.

Worst of all, they could feel entitled, rallying others to demand changes in the management of the base, which would only exacerbate the situation.

They say one bad apple can spoil the bunch, and Kisha wasn’t willing to take that gamble.

If Sparrow and the others rescued people from the Port City Shelter without knowing their true natures, it would fall to her to sort the good from the bad.

How could she possibly justify her choices to those rescued, especially when they would likely refuse to return to the Port City Shelter after experiencing what her base had to offer?

No one in their right mind would choose to go back to starvation when a thriving base like Kisha’s was right in front of them.

"Are you really serious, City Lord?" Rose asked, a playful smile dancing on her lips.

"Yes, but only if you have a good impression of the person."

"As you know, even with our power, we can’t save everyone. They have to want to save themselves for us to help them. That’s why we need to be selective about who we allow into our base—it’s essential for everyone’s safety."

Kisha spoke cryptically, but she knew Rose would grasp the underlying message: some people simply wouldn’t meet the requirements to join them, and that meant they would be left to fend for themselves outside.

No matter how it might sound, Kisha didn’t feel guilty about her stance.

While many would advocate for helping one another and sticking together during tough times, she understood that such ideals often proved impractical.

In reality, she couldn’t afford to offer indiscriminate help to everyone.

Rose’s expression turned serious as she considered Kisha’s words, eventually nodding in agreement.

With that topic settled, they moved on.

Kisha briefed them on the city patrol’s findings about the sewers and shared the troubling details of Duke’s activities beyond the walls.

As she spoke, both Rose and Sparrow exchanged uneasy glances, their faces darkening with concern.

They struggled to envision the implications of Kisha’s words, knowing deep down that their base was facing serious threats.

Despite the grim news, Kisha urged Sparrow not to abandon his mission to secure more cargo trailers.

Their territory expansion depended on acquiring additional trailers, and Sparrow understood the necessity.

Reluctantly, he agreed, placing his trust in Duke’s ability to protect himself.

It was natural for Sparrow to feel protective; he had been raised and trained to serve as Duke’s sword and shield.

The thought of Duke undertaking a dangerous mission alone weighed heavily on his mind, but he knew they had to press on.

Once Sparrow calmed down and began to think more logically, he steeled his resolve and nodded in agreement with Kisha’s decisions regarding her husband.

He recognized the strength of the couple and understood that worrying about them would not help the situation.

Instead, he realized it was more prudent to focus on his own progress and responsibilities.

Kisha noticed Sparrow’s expression soften, indicating his complete trust in Duke.

A smile crept onto her lips at this realization, and she decided to move on to the next topic.

Kisha then asked Sparrow to assist the five STAU members in preparing to level up today, ensuring they’d have a larger space by tomorrow.

There was no need for Kisha to supply them with crystal cores; Sparrow and the other awakened ability users had plenty on hand.

After all, he insisted that his team harvest crystal cores from every zombie they killed, refusing to leave any behind.

Like Kisha, Sparrow had developed a bit of a hoarding tendency and was determined to ensure that the cores they collected didn’t fall into the hands of others.

As a result, many in his team carried pouches brimming with crystal cores, eagerly awaiting the signal to use them.

Thanks to their collective efforts, they had now reached a multiplier of x10 and were on the verge of hitting the cap for their level.

Even without Kisha needing to remind them, they could feel the change in their bodies.

With a nod, Sparrow exited the study to find the five, leaving Kisha, Aston, and Rose behind in the room.

"Rose, I need you to head to this coordinate," Kisha said calmly, handing the map to Aston.

The route was already circled and underlined, so Rose only had to follow it.

With the Scarlet Bees as her bodyguards, Kisha felt confident that nothing would happen to her.

Moreover, Rose’s impressive offensive and defensive skills made her nearly invulnerable.

Kisha had chosen the safest route, avoiding main roads and large establishments.

While she considered potential challenges along the way, she believed Rose could handle them.

With that thought, Kisha felt a wave of relief, knowing that Rose would be able to manage whatever obstacles arose during her journey to the designated location.

"When should I leave, City Lord?" Rose asked, her seriousness underscoring her commitment to the mission.

"Tomorrow morning at the latest," Kisha replied nonchalantly.

"As you know, traveling at night is far more dangerous. My husband and his team are likely already camped out, and setting out now would be futile."

She was confident that Duke had considered all variables when choosing a location in the east where they could meet halfway.