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Chapter 24 - CONTINUING THE LABOR

In the afternoon, within the now zombie-free Old Berry Town, Stella and her team rolls up their sleeves and began the construction of a protective wall around the town. Frank and Xai arrives at the gates in a large truck, and when they opened the back, numerous people disembarked. Mai spotted this and warmly embraced Frank and Xai, acknowledging their efforts in rescuing as many people as possible from Radiant City. Frank responded by noting that they couldn't get through all of Radiant city but did their best to get as much survivors as they can in the outer city. 

Barbra and a group of laborers had just finished repairing a church, and they welcomed the influx of newcomers into town, particularly the children. Rune, Simbad, Jean, and Kayla joined in the gathering, and Simbad couldn't help but smile as he observed the happiness radiating from the children, knowing that they were now safe.

However, Rune noticed that Jean and Kayla didn't share the same feelingof joy. He knelt down and engaged them in conversation, inquiring if they missed Duke. Both of them nodded emotionally. Rune reassured them, expressing confidence that Frank and Mai would eventually find Duke, urging them not to lose hope.

Mai, Frank, and Xai arrives at the electricity power house. Xai takes the lead, entering to check on Michael, leaving Frank and Mai outside. Frank then suggested that they should remove Radiant City from their search list. Mai, puzzled, asked why. Frank explained that the deeper parts of Radiant City were exceedingly dangerous, and if Duke had been there, his chances of survival would have been slim. Frank was convinced that there were no survivors in the center of Radiant City, and it was time to stop expending resources there and focus on the last location for Duke – New Berry Town.

Mai, after a moment of reflection, confirmed, "New Berry Town," as the last unexplored area near Old Berry Town. She paused, her thoughts clearly racing. Frank inquired if she was okay, and Mai revealed that she was first in New Berry Town when the outbreak began but had narrowly escaped on a train. Frank recalls that Mai had never shared the details of her experiences in New Berry Town in her notes. Mai then stated her intention to return to Robo Mall to check on Adam. Frank nodded quietly, feeling little tension in the air and proceeded into power house.

Frank enters the main power room and observes Michael skillfully manipulating various machines using his lighting powers, while Xai focuses on paperwork nearby. Frank is filled with awe at Michael's effortless control over the lighting. Xai, inquiring about when Michael can provide the entire town with electricity, prompts a response from Michael. Michael steps away from the machines and explains that it will take an additional month of electro charging to ensure the town has a lasting source of electricity for years to come. Frank applauds Michael and expresses his pridefulness in Michael's contribution to reviving Old Berry Town.

Michael, empowered by his newfound abilities, mentions that he will also be prepared to confront the Riders when the time comes, as sparks of lightning magic dance between his fingers. Xai, however, cautions that Mai believes they are not yet ready, despite their access to military weapons and Michael's extraordinary abilities. Frank points out that the Riders possess a formidable army of highly skilled warriors and Rudda, dangerous super Zombie, A-Star.

Michael reflects on his past, acknowledging that taking risks, like the one at the courthouse, led to him gaining these extraordinary powers and that he may just take the risk and fight the Riders by himself. Frank advises him not to become overly confident, reminding him that Volk and the other beast masters have the capability to eliminate them all, and adding A-Star to the equation would only make things worse.

Michael suggests a strategy involving explosive weapons to potentially cripple half of the Rider's army, but Frank deems it too risky, especially considering the presence of innocent people on the island. He also emphasizes that Mai's objective is not a 50/50 war but a complete victory, with Adam fully recovered to ensure a 100% chance of winning the war.

Michael reaches a certain understanding and proceeds to request a bottle of blood from Xai. Xai scans the tables and opens a box container filled with donated blood, then hands a bottle of it to Michael. Michael consumes the blood, experiencing a rejuvenation of his stamina and healing effects. Frank jokingly inquires about whose blood tastes better, to which Michael promptly replies, "Mai's blood." Frank grins and walks away, but before he can leave completely, Michael playfully warns him not to entertain any inappropriate thoughts about pursuing Mai, given the time he's been spending with her lately.

Frank turns back, arguing that Michael that just because he has acquired new powers doesn't mean Mai will be swayed by them. Michael questions who will protect Mai from A-Star zombies if not him. Frank responds that they all will protect her and points out that at least he's actively attempting to break Mai's curse and that he's not power hungry over himself. This response agitates Michael slightly, prompting Xai to step in and prevent any further argument over Mai.

During the night time outside of Robo Mall, Ezzy emerges from the building and settles on a car, sipping on alcohol. As she contemplates her family, her emotions well up, and tears begin to flow down her cheeks. Nhia appears, noticing her distress, and decides to join her on the car.

Concerned, Nhia inquires about Ezzy's well-being. She wipes away her tears and confides him, sharing her thoughts about her mother, who is still on the island for two years now. She expresses her uncertainty about her mother's fate. Nhia, understanding her pain, gently takes the alcohol bottle from her and takes a sip himself. Nhia admits that he, too, grapples with a similar uncertainty regarding his girlfriend's whereabouts. He acknowledges that all they can do is have hope. Ezzy, however, believes that perhaps hope alone is insufficient.

Nhia nods in agreement and retrieves a music box, playing a melancholic tune that mirrors their shared sorrow. They both recline on the car's hood, gazing up at the night sky. Despite the comfort of the moment, Ezzy's thoughts return to her family, evoking a mixture of longing and resentment. Nhia, likewise, tears up as he reminisces about the cherished moments he shared with his girlfriend during their phone conversations. Together, they continue to drown their sorrows in the alcohol as the night progresses.

Meanwhile, Barbra finds herself magically transported back to the luminous tree. Determined to press on with her mission to rescue Adam, she quietly reaffirms her readiness. The magical heart at the center of the grassy field emits a radiant glow as Barbra steps into its radiance, instantly transporting her to a cemetery. As she strolls through the graveyard, Barbra eventually spots Adam, seated next to his own gravestone, his countenance devoid of any emotion. Calling out his name, Barbra rushes toward him, but the ground beneath Adam begins to give way, pulling him into the dirt. Desperate to save him, Barbra immediately starts digging, trying to grab a hold of Adam.

With an overwhelming sense of urgency, Barbra continues her frantic digging until she abruptly plummets into a dark abyss. Landing on top of a casket that Adam is inside of. However, her attention is diverted when she hears approaching footsteps. Turning around, she sees the sight of Lia and Sam walking away together. In addition, Conor arrives beside Barbra and sadly informs her that his father died but when he came back to life, he learned that he was in an affair and that his son sealed the deal and cause his death again.  Refusing to accept defeat, Barbra holds Conor and assures him that Adam is not truly dead and that he'll save everyone. 

Conor gradually dissipates from Barbra's arms, leaving her alone with the casket. Suddenly, Barbra and the casket containing Adam plummet deeper into the darkness, eventually landing on a molten lava surface. Witnessing her own body starting to liquefy, Barbra desperately inches toward the casket as it slowly submerges into the scorching lava pool. Overwhelmed by excruciating pain, Barbra screams, but a protective magic envelops her, preventing her form from melting away entirely.

Summoning incredible strength, she dips her hands into the lava pool, enduring the intense agony as she manages to grasp Adam and pull him from the searing depths. The immense magic surrounding her begins to flicker, barely maintaining her physical form. With Adam in her arms, Barbra takes flight, escaping the lava and returning to the darkness above.

Eventually, they crash onto a dirt surface that begins to give away, and as Barbra clings to the edge of a massive sinkhole, one hand gripping Adam, she gazes up at the distant sky, realizing the arduous journey ahead. Fueled by determination, Barbra raises her voice in a resounding yell and begins her painful ascent. After a relentless climb, she finally emerges from the big pit with Adam.

Placing Adam on his back, she exposes him to the warming rays of the sun. Barbra pleads for him to wake up, emphasizing the vast opportunities life holds instead of death. A solitary tear escapes from her eye, falling onto Adam's face. In response, Adam opens his eyes, greeted by Barbra's presence in the radiant sunlight. Enchanted by the beauty of the moment, Adam's body gracefully fades into a beautiful black hue.

As the surroundings dissolve into a magical aura, Barbra descends onto a grassy field, observing the beautiful black hue infusing the magic heart, causing it to radiate in shades of purple and black. She smiles, murmuring, "One step at a time." Subsequently, Barbra, too, fades away, awakening in Adam's room in the morning light, utterly drained from her extraordinary journey. Barbra gazes into the mirror, noticing subtle signs of aging on her reflection. Without dwelling on it too much, she proceeds with her day.

Rune spends time with the children at the church, observing Jean and Kayla as they forge new friendships. He also notices a few adults eyeing him and his formidable blade. Meanwhile, Simbad enjoys a meal at Chief Spice's bustling restaurant inside Robo Mall, taking in the lively atmosphere. Agustin and his brother pay their respects to Cameda and Will's graves in the middle of the street. Agustin reflects, wishing Will could witness the newfound sense of hope spreading through the town.

Xai conducts a tour for a group of several dozen people at the electrical power house. He guides them into the main power room, where Michael showcases his remarkable lighting magic charging batteries that provides electricity to the entire town. The crowd claps for him and Michael warmly greets the visitors. Meanwhile, Frank and Mai are diligently filling out numerous documents in her room, preparing for their upcoming mission to New Berry Town. Afterward, Frank heads to the rear of Robo Mall to gather the necessary resources for the mission. 

Ezzy assists in constructing a wall, and Stella joins in to help her. All of a sudden they hear the sound of approaching cars from beyond the walls. They hastily make their way to the gate, where they spot six Rider cars drawing near. Stella promptly radios Mai and Rex, alerting them to the pressing issue. Filled with a fiery determination, Ezzy goes up to the gate.

Jarvis emerges from one of the cars and proceeds toward the gate. Meeting his gaze, Ezzy firmly declares that the Riders are not welcome in this town. Jarvis responds, acknowledging that they've been ensnared by the system for some time, but Old Berry Town has managed to resurrect itself. He explains that, on behalf of the system, they seek new recruits, specifically aiming for an 80% female and 20% male composition, comprising fighters and workers.

Ezzy vehemently asserts that no one will join them, highlighting the previous failed attempts with the people from Robo Mall. Jarvis reminisces about those past encounters with Rex and his group, emphasizing that this time, they've come better prepared and won't face defeat. Rex drives up to the gate, disembarks from his vehicle, and joins the conversation. He reminds Jarvis of their previous agreement, to spare their lives in exchange for leaving his people alone. 

Jarvis smirks and acknowledges that indeed, such a deal was struck. He adds that he holds the position of the leader within the Rider's scouting team. Volk, on the other hand, deals directly with the system's matters, while his role involves handling external issues. He mentions that the system demands more entertainment. Rex, in response, bluntly states that if the Riders are seeking their own demise today, it would be wise to reconsider their course of action.

Jarvis remains undaunted, and a multitude of Riders emerges from their cars, armed with blades and firearms. He confidently asserts that they've devised a strategy to overcome Rex, one that involves fighting unfair. In response to this provocation, Rex signals to Stella and her men, who are positioned atop the walls, to aim their rifles at the Riders. Simultaneously, Ezzy readies her pistol, taking aim at Jarvis.

Rex, determined, warns them that he won't offer this warning again. Jarvis cryptically states that earlier, they mentioned that his people were not invited to this town, but, in reality, they've already been invited. Rex, perplexed, demands an explanation. Jarvis reveals that they have a several dozen spies in Old Berry Town that they thought they saved from the outbreak and that these spies are closely observing the residents and identifying its strongest individuals. He further warns that if he issues the orders, all of Rex's strongest men will meet their end and it'll plunged Old Berry Town into chaos. He presents the choice of either a peaceful resolution or a losing war. Suddenly, three members of the new combat team pivot their rifles toward Stella and her men.

Rex firmly asserts that they have fought tirelessly for their freedom and that he will not betray any of their own to the Riders. Jarvis then reminds Rex about the essence of the Riders, emphasizing that their freedom revolves around doing as they please. He gazes at Ezzy and makes a disparaging comment about her resembling one of his sex slave back at home. This infuriates Ezzy, as she recognizes that Jarvis is referring to her mother.

In a fit of rage, Ezzy discharges her weapon at the railing supporting Stella, her men, and the three spies. The railing shatters, causing them to tumble. Stella and her men engage in a physical struggle with the spies. Jarvis coldly remarks that they have made their decision. He communicates through his radio, issuing an order to kill them all. In response, Rex unveils his robotic arm and fires a laser at Jarvis. Swiftly evading the attack, Jarvis retaliates by returning fire at Rex. The Riders then open fire at the gates, prompting Ezzy and Rex to seek cover.

Agustin suddenly becomes aware of a flying dagger hurtling towards him, narrowly evading it but but it lands onto his brother's arm. He swiftly draws his own daggers, finding himself encircled by four attackers armed with blades.

Simbad, in the midst of about to savor a meatball, is suddenly ambushed from behind, getting strangled as a cook emerges from the kitchen, brandishing a knife and making a beeline for him.

Meanwhile, Rune is in a heated swordfight with three armed attackers within the church. In the midst of the battle, he notices Jean and Kayla being forcibly taken away by other children. A sharp pain in his side makes him aware that one of the kids has stabbed him with a knife. With a forceful shove, Rune pushes the child aside and resumes combat with the remaining three attackers.

In another part of the scene, a attacker breaks down Mai's door and lunges at her. Frank, occupied with loading a van with a box of supplies, suddenly hears approaching footsteps and engages in combat with a pair of attackers.

Six attackers quickly moves towards Michael, thrusting many blades into his heart. Simultaneously, the seventh assailant draws a pistol and aims a shot at Michael's head.

Meanwhile, in Adam's room, Barbra valiantly holds the door against a group of five attackers, reassuring Adam that everything is under control. He watches her with concern.