CHAPTER 213: CHAPTER 213: DING!...MISSION ALERT

Liora stirred awake in her room, the soft blanket slipping from her shoulders as she slowly sat up. The light pouring in from the tall windows was no longer bright and sharp—it was golden, warm, and slightly faded, hinting that the day had moved well past morning. A faint breeze stirred the curtain at her window, and beyond it, the base buzzed quietly with life.

She blinked slowly, still drowsy, but her mind began to clear as a gentle chime echoed in her consciousness.

["Time: 1:07 PM. Host should wake up."]The system’s voice rang inside her mind. and she was quite speechless with the time that she actually slept till this late, no wonder she felt refreshed.

As Liora moved to freshen up and dress, the distant scent of cooked food wafted in through the air. She paused near the window, brushing her fingers over the sill. From here, she could see people moving along the walkways, heading toward the canteen or the farming plots. There was no panic or any kind of tension, Only calm and Joy. The kind of peace that was rare in the post-apocalyptic world.

When she finally stepped out of her residence and into the heart of the base, she didn’t expect to be greeted by such a lively sight.

Residents had gathered not out of trouble, but out of sheer happiness. The moment Liora was seen walking down the main pathway, several people turned toward her with expressions of delight. A few children pointed, and others quickly jogged up to her, eyes bright with gratitude.

"Miss Liora!"

"Thank you so much!"

"Today’s meal was amazing!"

She was surrounded almost instantly, not by formality, but by warmth. A woman with tired but kind eyes stepped forward, cradling a child on her hip.

"My daughter had her first real bowl of rice in a year. She was so happy that she cried tears."

Another man raised a small bag, the scent of fresh herbs escaping through its folds. "I cooked my own meal with ingredients from the convenience store. It was just rice and wild onions, but it tasted better than anything I’ve had since the first rain."

They spoke over one another with excitement, but there was no chaos. Only joy. Liora stood and listened patiently, smiling as each person thanked her. She didn’t interrupt or try to leave. She welcomed their gratitude quietly, letting them have their moment.

A middle-aged woman who wore a patched scarf and sturdy gloves stepped forward, her tone calm but sincere. "Miss Liora, we know Lord Atlas is away... but please tell him we are thankful. We live today because of him. And because of you. Please... thank him for all of us."

Liora nodded softly, her gaze steady. "I’ll make sure he hears it."

That answer alone seemed to satisfy the entire group. A few clapped lightly. One or two children waved at her again before being pulled gently along by their parents. Slowly, the crowd began to thin out as people returned to their work, carrying smiles with them.

With the warmth of their voices still fresh in her heart, Liora made her way toward the canteen.

The afternoon sun cast long, gentle shadows across the canteen’s outer wall. As she stepped inside, the scent of food hit her immediately—thick, rich, and savory. Cooked rice, roasted meat, and stir-fried vegetables filled the air, stronger and more fragrant than usual.

She glanced at the terminals near the entry. The canteen, unlike the shop, had no AI voices. Instead, there were clear digital menus displayed on sleek machines. Residents could browse through the available meals—each dish with its picture, description, and cost. They could scan their ID cards to deduct points or place a small crystal into the reader slot to pay directly.

Liora’s eyes paused on the menu of the day.

[Special Meal: Steamed basmati rice, stir-fried seasonal greens, slow-roasted beast meat marinated with spices. Optional dessert: steamed milk bun or citrus jelly.]

Just as she had ordered the night before, half of the million kilograms of premium basmati rice had been allocated to the canteen. The other half had been stored neatly in the convenience store for residents who preferred to cook their meals at home—or couldn’t afford to dine out daily. After all, while the base was growing, not every family had surplus crystals. Some chose to cook together at home to save on expenses.

This balance between warmth and independence was exactly what she wanted for her people.

She scanned her card at the terminal and received her tray. The rice steamed softly, each grain separated and fluffy. The greens shimmered with just a touch of oil and salt, and the meat gave off a savory aroma with hints of garlic and pepper. It was a simple meal, but to her—and to everyone else here—it was a symbol.

Not of survival.

But of living.

She sat down at a nearby table, quietly watching the others eat. Across the room, a group of farmers were laughing over their meal, their hands still stained faintly with soil. A young couple sat close to the corner, feeding their toddler carefully while talking in soft voices. Even the older survivors, those who usually kept to themselves, seemed at peace today.

The entire base had shifted.

Their hearts had grown lighter. Their eyes were brighter. It wasn’t just the food. It was hope. A future that no longer looked so grey.

And as Liora took her first bite of the warm rice and soft meat, she closed her eyes just for a moment. There was still so much to do. So much to build. But for this single afternoon, she allowed herself to rest... and enjoy the silence of peace after long working night.

She sipped the last of her warm broth, letting the flavors linger on her tongue, when suddenly—

Ding!

A sharp chime echoed in her mind, clear and jarring. It wasn’t the usual low reminder or inventory update. It was louder, more urgent. Her fingers froze around her spoon. Her heart, which had been relaxed only a breath ago, now clenched with unease.

Then came the voice of her system. Calm as always, but firm and Direct.

[Mission Alert: Defend the Base – Mutated Beast Tide Incoming]