Chapter 140: The Task of Defending the City is Completed!

The tide of corpses had finally receded.

Three intense days passed under the watchful eyes of countless evolutionaries from across Kepler. The live broadcast, which captured the attention of the entire Faeloria Country and even the whole of Kepler, had reached its conclusion.

With the collapse of the corpse wave a few days ago and Novak's defeat of the Lord controlling the horde, the once-organized sea of zombies reverted to their primitive, chaotic state—mindless, bloodthirsty beasts. Even though the cosmic will might attempt to rally another wave, it was clear that the gathering place would no longer be threatened.

"It's finally over!"

"Incredible! I'm on my way to De M-anila, hoping for a safe journey!"

"White Emperor, can you share the requirements for living in the gathering place?"

"Didn't someone mention in the live stream before? It's one copper coin per person per day to enter the city. Though now that the city's completed, the prices might go up!"

"One coin? Wooo... I'd better start saving!"

"If you don't have money, join the Evolutionary Guard. Not only is city entry free, but you also get paid. Plus, you can join dungeon raids. If you're lucky, you might score some high-quality gear and make a fortune!"

Discussions about the construction of De M-anila took over the livestream chat. After three days of relentless battle, the atmosphere within the gathering place had transformed completely. Almost every evolutionary and resident had participated in the defense of the city.

After Daphne ended the livestream, she waved her hand and announced that all the elderly who had stayed behind in the gathering place were now granted permanent residency. They would no longer have to pay any fees to enter or exit the city. However, if they wanted to buy homes, they would still need to pay out of pocket.

For most evolutionaries, this was already a rare privilege.

The gathering place united as one, and the sight of the zombie corpses piled against the city walls contrasted sharply with the cheers of the victorious evolutionaries. In this moment, in the midst of the apocalypse, a glimmer of hope flickered in everyone's eyes.

This was the true meaning of the gathering place—the City of the Evolved.

Daphne, deeply moved by the scene, quickly ordered her people to clean up the battlefield and clear the remaining zombies wandering outside the city. As she did, Zogwort appeared once more atop the city wall.

"An outcome that was not unexpected," he remarked, his tone calm. "Madam, you should count yourself lucky. You've found a truly formidable ally in this trial ground."

Daphne smiled.

"Your Excellency Zogwort, perhaps this is also a testament to my potential and ability?"

Zogwort chuckled.

"Ha... ha... ha... of course! Beautiful women being blessed by powerful men is a universal phenomenon across all civilizations. But I must say, madam, you are exceptionally fortunate. Novak has the potential to ignite divine fire here in the trial grounds. Among all the evolutionaries I've seen in this gods and demons battleground, he's by far the most outstanding."

Daphne's pupils involuntarily contracted at his words.

Zogwort wasn't sparing in his praise for Novak. With a smile, he extended his hand, and the Golden City-Building Token slowly floated out of Daphne's grasp, glowing with a radiant light. Zogwort then produced a contract.

"Madam, we can sign now. Once the contract is in effect, this Golden City-Building Decree will truly belong to you."

After carefully reviewing the contract, Daphne nodded, her satisfaction evident as she accepted it. Zogwort smiled, pleased.

"Alright, I have other matters to attend to, so I'll be on my way. Give my regards to Novak. If he completes his mission requirements, he can summon me anytime. I'd be honored to witness his rise!"

Before Daphne could respond, Zogwort's figure vanished without a trace.

Left standing alone, Daphne stared at the Golden City-Building Decree in her hands, lost in thought.

Initially, she had assumed she would immediately use the decree, especially since it had been given to her by the God of Trade. But now, she realized she needed to think carefully.

With this in mind, Daphne hurried back to the villa.

Inside, Dane lay lazily on the sofa, her eyes glowing with a soft blue light as she browsed the forum.

"Where's Novak?" Daphne asked.

"He's in seclusion! Don't bother him unless it's urgent! Mom, are we famous now?" Dane replied, her tone casual.

Glancing at her daughter, Daphne couldn't help but feel exasperated. This was the same girl she had brought back from the city—just as old as her own daughter but already taking on responsibilities in managing the gathering place. Meanwhile, her own daughter seemed as carefree as ever, without a thought in her head.

Daphne sighed. Sitting beside her daughter, she looked at Dane, who was lounging on the sofa, her long legs stretched out, glowing white against the light. 

"You should start taking things more seriously. Either join the battle to improve your strength or learn how to manage things. What will you do if something happens to me in the future?"

Dane gave her mother a disdainful look. How could she say something like that? But she didn't bother arguing. Though she wouldn't admit it, she preferred to stay relaxed, just lying around, content to remain a princess to her father.

Fighting? Managing? What was the point?

Dane had no desire to become someone else's ideal.

As for Andrea, Dane had seen her back at De M-anila University—she wasn't much different. Hugging someone else's thigh and trying to stir up waves wouldn't get her anywhere.

She could only dream.

Just as Daphne was about to scold her daughter for her attitude, a sudden and indescribable pressure spread from the roof of the villa. The moment it appeared, every cell in Daphne's body trembled with fear.

This was the genetic instinct of lower life forms submitting to a higher evolutionary being.

Daphne knew instantly: Novak had awakened.