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Everyone turned their attention to Kisha.

They had considered this method before, but the fire-type awakened ability users weren’t strong enough yet—their fire essence couldn’t fully incinerate the zombie carcasses in one go.

It would take multiple attempts before they could properly cremate the bodies.

Despite this, Kisha urged them to move forward with the plan.

The excavator operator began scooping up the surrounding zombie carcasses, barely needing to move as the bodies were already piled around the machine.

With each scoop, he dumped them into the center, gradually forming a towering mound that soon stood taller than the excavator itself.

Once the first pile was ready, Kisha signaled for the fire-type awakened users to ignite it.

The excavator operator didn’t pause; as soon as one mound was burning, he shifted position and began creating another, just as tall and not far from the first.

The cycle continued, ensuring a systematic disposal of the bodies.

After the fire-type awakened ability users set the bodies ablaze, thick black smoke billowed into the air.

However, as the fire began to weaken, they saw that only blackened, charred remains were left—far from being reduced to ashes.

Without hesitation, Kisha ordered them to reignite the flames.

They complied, repeating the process several times.

Each time, the bodies burned further, gradually breaking down.

It took patience and multiple attempts, but eventually, the remains were reduced to fine ashes.

Once the cremation was complete, all that was left to do was shovel through the ashes to uncover the crystal cores buried beneath.

With this method, they no longer had to spend excessive time cleaning the crystal cores of black blood and brain matter.

A simple rinse with water and a quick wipe were enough to make the process significantly faster and more efficient.

While waiting for one mound to finish burning and for the fire to die down, they could focus on setting the next pile ablaze.

With Kisha present, they didn’t have to worry about recovering their spiritual energy—she ensured they had the support they needed.

Once the fire in one mound faded, they reignited it and repeated the process, while a dedicated team shoveled through the ashes to retrieve the crystal cores.

With this process, everything became significantly easier, allowing them to clear a small section of the streets efficiently.

Meanwhile, Kisha focused on clearing the abandoned vehicles to ensure the excavator operator could maneuver smoothly without obstruction.

She carefully gathered and stacked the cars in one place, ensuring they were securely positioned to prevent any risk of collapse.

The slightly dimmed sky was illuminated by the ongoing fires burning in the streets.

If any zombies emerged from within the city, snipers were on standby to provide support.

Although the zombies had reverted to their normal state and were no longer enhanced or buffed by the event, they remained stronger and more agile than before, requiring everyone to stay vigilant.

Fortunately, after surviving numerous life-and-death situations, even the soldiers who had yet to awaken their abilities were becoming more accustomed to battling the undead.

While they still suffered from nightmares and PTSD, they now faced the zombies with greater confidence and resolve.

Knowing that Kisha was watching over them, everyone felt a renewed sense of confidence, almost as if they were invincible.

The fear of dying outside no longer weighed as heavily on their minds, knowing that countless eyes were watching over them, ready to provide cover and support at a moment’s notice.

"Host! I’m back!" 008’s voice suddenly rang inside Kisha’s mind, bringing a small smile to her lips.

"Welcome back, little one. I’ve been waiting for you," Kisha said, casting one last glance at the people outside the wall before shifting her focus to 008.

She had been anticipating its return ever since it began its Level 6 upgrade. Now that it was complete, she could finally start the Gachapon Draw and check her other rewards.

Of course, she could have done all of this even while 008 was undergoing its upgrade, but having it around made the system’s operations much smoother.

Besides, there was no rush—after all, the storm had passed, and a rare moment of calm had settled over everything.

With that in mind, she allowed herself to take her time, enjoying the peace and spending it with everyone inside her territory space.

After confirming that 008 was back, Kisha turned to the gatekeeper and handed over command.

"Keep a close watch on everyone outside. Don’t let them overexert themselves—once they start feeling tired, have them return inside the walls to rest. And make sure no one engages in battle alone without proper support," she instructed, her tone firm and authoritative.

"I need to step away for a bit to handle something important, so I’ll be counting on you to guide them from here." Her gaze remained steady, reinforcing the seriousness of her orders.

Hearing Kisha’s words, the gatekeeper’s eyes lit up with determination, realizing the weight of the responsibility she was entrusting him with.

He straightened his posture and saluted with a confident smile. "Don’t worry, City Lord. I’ll keep a close eye on everything here. You can rest assured."

Kisha gave him a firm nod before making her way down from the wall. Just as she descended, she ran into Duke, who had been searching for her.

"Wifey, we’re currently burning the bodies outside to make it easier for everyone to harvest the crystal cores—" He paused mid-sentence, his gaze shifting toward the billowing smoke rising from beyond the western wall.

His brow lifted slightly before he let out a chuckle. "Looks like we’re so in sync that we had the same idea..."

With a teasing smirk, Duke pulled Kisha closer, wrapping an arm around her waist. "I’ve already instructed the others to implement this method at the other walls so we can finish the cleanup as quickly as possible."

Kisha smiled and nodded. "Just as expected from my husband—competent and smart," she teased, giving him an approving look before tugging him along.

Duke raised an eyebrow but followed without hesitation. "Where to?" he asked, matching her pace. Your journey continues on Lokepub

"To make a draw..." Kisha replied, her voice laced with mystery. She shot him a mischievous smile before turning toward their villa, leaving Duke both intrigued and amused.

"Draw?" Duke repeated, his mind latching onto the keyword.

Then, it clicked—Kisha had said the same thing before about that Gacha-something, and that was when he got his beloved spear.

Now that he remembered, excitement bubbled up inside him like a kid on the morning of a long-awaited trip. ’This is going to be fun!’ he thought, his anticipation growing.

Without another word, Duke eagerly grabbed Kisha’s hand and practically dragged her toward the villa.

His long strides easily outpaced hers, making her take three steps for every one of his.

But instead of protesting, Kisha simply smiled, amused by the pure excitement in his eyes.

He knew exactly what she meant by "Draw," and she could already tell he was looking forward to it just as much as she was.

On their way back to the villa, they were greeted by survivors along the road, who smiled warmly and invited them to join their meal.

However, Duke, too caught up in his excitement, barely slowed down—his beaming smile the only acknowledgment he gave before hurrying past them.