Free Web NovelChapter 153: Chapter 153 Tenfold salary increase.
"Alright, everyone, you can go ahead and eat now," Ivy finally said.
The moment those words left her mouth, the survivors immediately rose to their feet and gathered around Mrs. Smith, who was busy serving the food. Excited chatter quickly filled the air.
"Hope Base!"
"Hope Base!"
"Our new home is Hope Base!"
The name spread from one survivor to another until everyone was talking about it with bright smiles on their faces.
Even Darren and Mr. Smith joined the line and soon received bowls of the giant beast meat soup. The rich aroma drifted through the air, making everyone’s stomach rumble with anticipation.
Ding!
{Congratulations, Host. The Super Lord Function has been unlocked.}
{Loading Prosperity Attributes...}
{10% increase in resident loyalty unlocked.}
{10% increase in base production unlocked.}
Nice.
A warm smile appeared on Ivy’s face as she quietly reviewed the information displayed on the system screen.
Ding!
{Current Prosperity Level: 60%.}
{Current Title: Rural Village.}
{Reaching the next prosperity level will grant a special gift package.}
"That’s nice," Ivy murmured under her breath, satisfaction evident in her voice.
Sixty percent already.
The corners of her lips curled upward.
"At this rate, we’ll reach one hundred percent sooner than I expected."
Just then, Darren approached her carrying two steaming bowls of giant beast meat soup.
The rising steam danced in the air as he carefully placed one bowl in front of her.
"Here," Darren said with a smile. "I got your portion too. You should eat it while it’s still hot."
"Thank you, Darren," Ivy replied.
She picked up the spoon, blew gently on the hot soup, and took a mouthful.
The moment the flavor touched her tongue, her eyes widened.
"Whoa! This is delicious, Mrs. Smith!" ƒrēewebnovel.com
Her voice was loud enough for everyone to hear.
Mrs. Smith, who was still busy serving the remaining survivors, turned around and smiled.
"Thank you, Mrs. Ivy. I’m glad you’re enjoying it."
"Oh, yes! Her cooking is amazing!"
"It’s the best thing I’ve eaten in months!"
"Mrs. Smith is really an excellent cook!"
"I could eat another three bowls of this!"
The survivors enthusiastically voiced their agreement while continuing to devour their meals.
For a brief moment, laughter and cheerful conversations replaced the fear and despair that had dominated their lives since the apocalypse began.
Watching the scene, Ivy couldn’t help but feel satisfied.
Soon, everyone finished eating.
The sun had already begun its descent, and it was finally time for Ivy and Darren to return to Hope Base and reunite with Ivy’s children.
The survivors gathered outside to see them off.
Standing beside the armored vehicle, Ivy and Darren faced the crowd.
One of the survivors suddenly stepped forward.
Tears rolled down his cheeks as he bowed deeply.
"Thank you for saving us, Mrs. Ivy."
Another survivor stepped forward immediately afterward.
Tears were also streaming down her face. frёewebnoѵel.ƈo๓
"Thank you for making us believe in life again," she said emotionally. "Thank you for giving us hope."
The rest of the survivors lowered their heads as well.
Many of them had tears in their eyes.
After all, if Ivy hadn’t arrived when she did, they would have either starved to death or been killed by monsters.
"It’s alright, everyone," Ivy finally said, her voice calm yet firm. "You should all go and get some rest. Tomorrow is another day."
Darren nodded in agreement.
"That’s right. Everyone should return to their shelters and rest properly. As long as you stay within the vicinity of the shelter, you’ll be safe."
The survivors nodded.
Only then did Darren climb into the driver’s seat while Ivy entered through the passenger side.
Soon, Darren started the armored vehicle.
Unlike ordinary vehicles, the engine produced almost no sound at all.
This was one of the system modifications Ivy had specifically requested in order to avoid attracting nearby monsters.
Moments later, the vehicle slowly drove away.
The survivors, along with Mr. and Mrs. Smith, stood outside waving until the armored vehicle disappeared into the distance.
Only after it was completely out of sight did they finally return inside.
Inside the vehicle, silence lingered for a while.
Then Darren glanced at Ivy and smiled warmly.
"You’re really a good leader, Ivy."
"Hmm?"
Ivy turned toward him.
"Everyone is lucky to have you," Darren continued sincerely. "Honestly, I’m glad I decided to follow you."
Ivy blinked.
Then a thoughtful expression appeared on her face.
Huh?
Does he want a salary raise?
The more she thought about it, the more convinced she became.
After all, Darren worked incredibly hard.
He fought monsters alongside her.
He helped take care of various tasks around the base.
He was reliable, loyal, and always willing to help.
He’s probably praising me because he wants me to increase his salary, Ivy concluded inwardly.
A smile appeared on her face.
If that’s what he wants, then it’s already decided.
He deserves it.
"System," Ivy said inwardly with a serious expression, "increase Darren’s salary to one hundred points per month starting from today."
After a brief pause, she continued.
"And that’s only for accompanying me during combat missions."
"He’ll still receive separate rewards for any monster cores he collects personally."
"Likewise, any contributions he makes toward farming, production, or base management will be rewarded separately."
"These one hundred points are solely for his combat assistance."
Ding!
{Request granted, Host.}
A satisfied smile immediately appeared on Ivy’s face.
Good.
People who worked hard deserved to be rewarded.
That was one of the principles she intended to uphold as the leader of Hope Base.
Meanwhile, Darren remained completely unaware that his casual compliment had just earned him a tenfold salary increase.
