Once outside, the survivors couldn’t help but become lost in thought once again.

The scene before them was simply too unbelievable.

There were monsters everywhere.

Some staggered across the streets with blood dripping from their mouths while others growled viciously as they charged forward. However, what truly confused the survivors wasn’t the presence of the monsters themselves.

It was what the monsters were fighting.

Or rather...

What they appeared to be fighting.

The monsters swung their claws wildly through the air.

Some bit at seemingly empty spaces.

Others were suddenly thrown backward as though something invisible had struck them.

The survivors exchanged bewildered glances.

Of course, none of them could see the illusion dogs.

Only Ivy and Darren could see the massive beasts as they tore through the monster horde with frightening efficiency.

The illusion dogs darted across the battlefield, ripping apart monsters and drawing their attention away from the survivors.

To everyone else, however, it looked as though the monsters had collectively lost their minds.

"Are the monsters going crazy?" one of the survivors asked.

His voice was barely above a whisper as his gaze remained fixed on the chaotic scene.

Another survivor blinked repeatedly.

"I don’t know," he muttered. "But I’ve never seen anything like this before."

A younger man suddenly scratched the back of his head.

"Do monsters drink alcohol and get drunk?" he asked with complete seriousness.

The surrounding survivors slowly turned toward him.

"What?" a woman asked in disbelief.

The man pointed toward a monster that had just slammed itself face-first into a wall.

"I’m serious!"

He gestured animatedly toward the battlefield.

"Look at them! They’re attacking empty air, falling over themselves, and punching walls. Maybe they’re drunk!"

A look of genuine contemplation crossed his face.

"Could alcohol affect monsters too?"

Several survivors stared at him for a few moments before one of them pinched the bridge of her nose.

Meanwhile, Ivy paid no attention to their conversation.

Her focus remained entirely on the battlefield.

The illusion dogs were performing exactly as intended and this made Darren’s and Ivy’s job significantly easier.

BANG!

BANG!

BANG!

Gunshots echoed continuously throughout the area.

Every pull of the trigger was followed by another monster collapsing to the ground.

After observing the battle for a few moments, Ivy finally spoke.

"I’ll be back."

The survivors immediately turned toward her.

"I need to retrieve my armored vehicle. You’re all safe for now."

Without waiting for Darren or the survivors to respond, she turned and walked away.

The survivors exchanged confused looks.

Several minutes later, the loud roar of an engine echoed through the streets.

Vroom!!

The survivors quickly turned toward the source of the sound.

Their eyes widened instantly.

Several survivors couldn’t help but stare in awe as the armored vehicle soon rolled to a stop in front of them.

The growls of monsters were gradually becoming fewer.

The battlefield was slowly growing quieter.

However, the disgusting stench of rotting flesh and dried blood remained thick in the air.

Several survivors had their nose covered, some fought the urge to vomit.

Without wasting any time, Ivy stepped out of the armored vehicle.

She raised her weapon and immediately joined the battle.

Soon, Ivy and Darren stood on opposite sides of the survivors, protecting them from every direction.

The survivors remained safely positioned between the two fighters as monster after monster fell.

The sight was both terrifying and inspiring.

Eventually the battlefield finally became still while monster corpses littered the ground.

Just then, Ivy lowered her weapon and turned toward the survivors.

A thoughtful expression appeared on her face.

Is there anyone among them with abilities, System? she asked inwardly.

Her gaze slowly swept across the group.

If there are ability users among them, they should be able to see the illusion dogs if I choose to reveal them. Of course, that will only happen if they’re willing to serve me.

Curiosity flickered in her eyes.

Ding!

{There are individuals among the survivors who possess abilities, Host.}

Ivy’s eyebrow rose slightly.

{Most of them don’t even realize they possess abilities. Others may have noticed unusual changes but have yet to discover how to properly use their powers.}

A small smirk appeared on Ivy’s face.

And that’s exactly why I’m here.

Pushing those thoughts aside, Ivy shifted her attention back to the survivors.

Every eye was fixed on her.

Many looked at her with gratitude, others with admiration.

After all, she had just saved their lives.

Ivy folded her arms across her chest.

"Would you all like to join my base?" she asked calmly.

The question immediately stunned the survivors.

Several exchanged surprised glances.

Others blinked in confusion.

Ivy continued before anyone could interrupt.

"If you join me, you’ll have a safe place to live.You won’t have to spend every day hiding from monsters."

Her voice remained calm yet confident.

"You’ll have access to food, clean water, protection."

Several survivors immediately swallowed hard.

Food and water alone were enough to make the offer tempting.

Ivy continued.

"And through completed tasks, you’ll gain access to resources that many survivors in this apocalypse can only dream of obtaining. So tell me...will you join my base?"