Free Web NovelChapter 99: Chapter 99 Are there really monsters outside?
The next morning, Ivy decided to spend some time with her children before heading out once again to continue expanding her territory. freёwebnovel.com
The early morning breeze swept gently across the compound while the golden sunlight illuminated the shelter beautifully.
Ivy sat quietly outside with little Hope resting comfortably in her arms.
Not too far away, Aria and Lila were already playing together energetically.
"Mommy?"
Lila’s voice suddenly interrupted Ivy’s thoughts.
"Hm?" Ivy hummed softly while looking toward her daughter.
"Why did Pearl look so sad yesterday?" Lila asked curiously while fiddling with one of her toys. "Even while we were all playing together, there were moments when she suddenly looked really sad."
Ivy blinked slightly.
"Sad?" she repeated thoughtfully before smiling faintly. "Maybe she was just upset because she had to leave you girls."
Lila slowly shook her head.
"No... I don’t think that was all."
Her expression became more serious afterward.
"She mentioned monsters," Lila continued quietly. "She said Aria and I are very lucky because we get to live inside this shelter safely."
Aria immediately stopped playing too and turned toward her mother curiously.
Lila continued speaking innocently, completely unaware of the emotional weight behind her words.
"She said her parents have fought lots of monsters before," Lila added softly. "And that she finally feels like she has a happy home now because our mommy defeated monsters and protected them. Are there really monsters outside?"
The moment those words left her mouth, Ivy froze slightly.
"Oh, fuck..." Ivy cursed quietly under her breath before sighing heavily.
She had worked so hard to shield her daughters from the horrors outside that she never truly considered another child might accidentally expose the truth to them first.
Still...
Perhaps it was finally time.
Her children were growing older.
Even if she refused to let them witness the apocalypse firsthand, they at least deserved to understand why their lives had changed so drastically.
Ivy remained silent for a few seconds before finally speaking again.
"Oh yes, darlings," she began gently. "There really are monsters outside."
Aria and Lila immediately became attentive and sat down before Ivy.
"There are creatures out there killing people," Ivy explained carefully. "Some humans even turn into monsters themselves now. There are also dangerous people taking advantage of the chaos." freewebnøvel.com
Her expression softened afterward.
"The outside world isn’t safe anymore for people who aren’t prepared. But I’m thankful that I was able to prepare for both of you... and that I’m strong enough to protect you."
Lila slowly lowered her gaze while listening quietly.
Ivy reached forward and gently stroked her daughter’s hair.
"And I don’t want you girls worrying too much about it," she added reassuringly. "Mommy will always protect you no matter what happens."
Aria looked thoughtful for a moment before speaking softly.
"So that’s why we stopped going to school..."
Ivy nodded slowly.
"Yes, darling. The world is in ruins right now," she admitted honestly. "But everyone is still hoping the government will eventually fix things."
Though even as she said those words, Ivy herself wasn’t fully convinced anymore.
Just then....
"Good morningggg!!"
A loud cheerful voice suddenly echoed from outside the compound.
The girls immediately turned toward the entrance.
Pearl came running toward the shelter excitedly while carrying a large bag in both hands. Although the bag wasn’t too heavy for her to handle, it was still obvious she had struggled carrying it all the way there.
"Pearl!!!"
Aria and Lila screamed excitedly before immediately rushing toward the gate.
Ivy couldn’t help chuckling softly as she stood up and opened the entrance for the little girl.
The moment Pearl entered, Sunny came running excitedly toward her too.
"Bark! Bark!"
Pearl laughed brightly while petting Sunny quickly.
"You came alone?" Ivy asked curiously while taking the heavy bag from Pearl’s hands. "What about your parents?"
"The road is already free of monsters now, so I could come safely," Pearl replied immediately. "Besides, my father escorted me here. He only left after seeing me reach your compound safely."
Then she pointed toward the bag proudly.
"He also said I should give you the vegetables."
"Oh..." Ivy’s expression softened warmly. "Then thank him for me later."
"And thank you too, Pearl."
She opened the bag slightly before smiling in satisfaction.
Fresh lettuce.
Spinach.
Tomatoes.
Peppers.
The vegetables looked surprisingly healthy despite the apocalypse.
Suddenly....
Ding!
{+3 Points}
Ivy’s eyes widened instantly.
"Oh? I even earned points too?" she muttered excitedly under her breath.
The corners of her lips curled upward slightly.
Then she suddenly turned toward the three girls dramatically.
"Now then..." Ivy began with a mischievous smile. "Who wants candy?"
"Meeeee!!!"
The three children shouted excitedly in unison.
Their loud voices immediately filled the entire compound with laughter again.
Ivy laughed softly at their reactions.
"And Pearl," she added afterward, "I’ll also give you some seeds to take back to your father later."
Pearl’s eyes widened.
"Really?!"
"Of course," Ivy replied with a smile. "But that’ll be after I return from my outing."
Then she pointed toward the shelter entrance.
"But for now... all three of you should follow me inside if you want candy."
The girls gasped dramatically before immediately running after Ivy excitedly.
"Wait for me!"
"I want strawberry flavor!"
"No! Chocolate!"
Ivy shook her head helplessly while laughing softly as the sounds of childish excitement echoed warmly throughout the shelter.
