Darren checked through the remaining numbered identity cards, only to discover that Sunny, the dog, was actually assigned Identity Number 001. The other illusion dogs, Ivy’s children, and the remaining survivors were all numbered after him.

"This is surprising," Darren murmured under his breath.

He rubbed his eyes and checked the cards again.

The results remained unchanged.

"I can’t believe a dog is ranked above me!"

After working myself nearly to exhaustion every single day, I’ve somehow ended up ranked below a dog. But then again, Mrs. Ivy probably knows what she’s doing. I’d better go and get some rest for the night. Tomorrow is another day.

Shaking his head helplessly, he placed the remaining identity cards back on the table before making his way toward his bunker.

---

The next two days passed in a blur of construction, planning, and endless work.

Hope Base was changing rapidly.

Under Ivy’s leadership, every survivor had been assigned a specific duty. The once-abandoned villa district was gradually transforming into a thriving settlement capable of supporting hundreds of people.

While Ivy’s children, Pearl, Hope, and Mr. and Mrs. Smith’s daughter spent their days playing together inside one of the villas with Sunny, large groups of survivors worked tirelessly throughout the territory.

Teams were dispatched to install solar panels across rooftops and open spaces within the villa district.

Rows upon rows of shining panels reflected the sunlight, creating a dazzling sight visible from almost every corner of the base.

By the end of the second day, basic electricity had finally returned to the settlement.

Although the power supply remained limited, it was sufficient to operate lighting systems, communication equipment, and several essential facilities.

At the same time, another team focused on securing a stable water source.

Following Ivy’s instructions, survivors began digging several deep wells throughout the territory.

The work was physically demanding.

Many people’s palms became covered in blisters from the constant labor.

Fortunately, the effort proved worthwhile.

Fresh underground water was eventually discovered.

The moment the news spread, cheers erupted throughout Hope Base.

"We did it!"

"I thought all the water in the apocalypse had been contaminated by monster blood!"

"Who would’ve thought fresh water still existed?"

"This is amazing!"

The survivors could barely contain their excitement.

Water represented life itself.

Without it, no settlement could hope to survive for long.

To further improve the quality of life within the territory, Ivy decided to establish a formal marketplace system.

Two days later, once the survivors had completed their heavy tasks and gathered together to rest, Ivy stood before them with a serious expression.

"Starting today," she announced, her voice carrying across the crowd, "Hope Base will officially establish a trading market."

The tired survivors immediately straightened in their seats and listened attentively.

"The market will open twice every month. During those periods, residents will be free to exchange food, weapons, tools, medicine, clothing, and other valuable supplies with one another."

A warm smile appeared on her face as she finished speaking. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

The announcement instantly ignited excitement among the crowd.

"Yahhh!"

"This is wonderful!"

"Thank you, Leader Ivy!"

"Things are finally getting better!"

For many survivors, it was the first genuine sign that civilization was slowly returning.

As the infrastructure improved, the territory’s prosperity increased dramatically.

The newly reclaimed farmland also produced astonishing results.

By utilizing mutated soil and optimized cultivation methods, nearly thirty acres of high-yield crops had been successfully planted.

Vast green fields stretched across the territory.

The sight alone was enough to boost everyone’s morale.

Ding!

A familiar notification suddenly appeared before Ivy.

{Territory Prosperity has increased by 30 points.}

{Current Prosperity: 130}

Ivy nodded in satisfaction.

The base was finally beginning to take shape.

However, another problem soon emerged.

A severe labor shortage.

As the settlement expanded, more responsibilities appeared every day.

Unfortunately, there weren’t enough capable individuals available to handle them.

As a result, nearly every important task eventually landed on Darren’s shoulders.

Administration.

Construction supervision.

Resource distribution.

Personnel management.

Security coordination.

Conflict resolution.

Record keeping.

The young man was practically running around the entire base from sunrise to sunset.

Dark circles had formed beneath his eyes.

His cheeks looked slightly thinner than before.

His hair appeared as though it might fall out at any moment from stress.

At one point, Ivy watched him carrying yet another stack of documents while simultaneously trying to answer questions from three different survivors.

She couldn’t help shaking her head.

"We need more capable people," she muttered.

Darren nearly burst into tears after hearing those words.

Finally!

Someone actually understood his suffering.

At that exact moment, another system notification appeared before Ivy.

Ding!

{New Territory Mission Issued.}

Ivy immediately focused her attention on the alert.

A translucent blue panel unfolded before her eyes.

{Mission: Capture United Pharmaceutical R&D Factory}

Mission Description:

{A large pharmaceutical research facility remains occupied by infected creatures and hostile survivors. Secure the factory and bring it under territorial control.}

Reward:

{Electronic Butler ×1}

Ivy’s eyes narrowed slightly.

An Electronic Butler?

Anything rewarded by the system was rarely ordinary.

Besides, a pharmaceutical research facility would likely contain valuable medical equipment, medicine reserves, research data, and possibly even advanced technology.

The importance of this mission could not be overstated.

Without hesitation, Ivy rose to her feet.

"Darren."

The exhausted young man instantly looked up.

"Yes, Leader?"

"Prepare for departure."

Darren blinked in confusion.

"Departure?"

A faint smile appeared on Ivy’s face.

"We’re going to capture a factory."

The exhaustion in Darren’s eyes deepened more.

A new mission meant new opportunities but for Darren, it meant death this time around. His body was screaming for rest but somehow he’s to fight monsters again.

Within an hour, all preparations had been completed.

Ivy equipped her gear before heading toward the base entrance.

Darren followed closely behind, as he had no choice.