Chapter 260 They’re preparing for the future.

Ivy couldn’t help but wonder what the next three years would be like.

She knew the weather would become increasingly harsh, and despite seeing how hard the survivors were working to rebuild their lives, she couldn’t help thinking about her past life....the countless survivors who had lost their lives when the world continued to deteriorate.

But this time, things would be different as she had prepared supplies, strengthened Hope Base, secured food production, established defensive systems, and gathered capable people around her. She had no intention of allowing history to repeat itself.

"And what are you thinking about, Captain?"

Darren’s voice suddenly pulled Ivy out of her whirlpool of thoughts.

He was standing beside her, his gaze following hers toward the large construction site where several survivors were busy working.

"The greenhouses are already under construction. There’s nothing to worry about anymore."

"Nothing much," Ivy replied, her expression remaining calm. "I’m just thinking about what will happen if the monsters eventually undergo another evolution."

The moment she said those words, the relaxed atmosphere around them disappeared.

Ivy’s expression became serious.

"Suppose they become even stronger than they already are."

She couldn’t tell Darren the truth.

She couldn’t tell him that she wasn’t simply guessing.

She had lived through the apocalypse once before. She had seen how terrifying the monsters could become after every evolution, and she knew that what they had encountered so far was nowhere near the end.

But Darren didn’t know that.

To him, Ivy’s words were nothing more than a frightening possibility.

"The monsters are already this strong," Darren replied, his brows drawing together. "What kind of evolution could they possibly undergo again?"

He looked genuinely troubled.

"That would be a dead end for humanity."

Ivy’s gaze remained fixed on the construction site.

"That’s why we can’t afford to wait until it happens before making preparations."

Her voice became increasingly serious.

"Major bases may have originally planned to restart factories, restore production lines, manufacture weapons, and gradually rebuild civilization. But if the monsters evolve again, all those plans could become nothing more than empty dreams."

Darren swallowed hard.

He knew Ivy wasn’t someone who spoke without thinking.

If she was taking the possibility this seriously, then there had to be a reason.

Ivy lowered her gaze to the large map in her hands.

Several areas surrounding Hope Base had already been marked.

Some were potential agricultural zones. Others contained abandoned buildings, warehouses, mines, construction sites, and industrial facilities that could potentially provide materials and resources.

Hope Base had already begun developing rapidly, but Ivy knew that it still wasn’t enough.

"Hope Base can’t remain dependent on outside supplies forever," Ivy said calmly.

Her finger traced several locations on the map.

"We can’t keep going outside to hunt monsters every time we need supplies. If the monsters undergo another evolution, the danger outside will increase dramatically. Eventually, even a simple supply run could become a death sentence."

She paused for a moment.

"One wrong move could put the entire base at risk."

Darren couldn’t help but nod as he understood what she meant.

Ivy slowly folded the map slightly before continuing.

"We have a stable period right now. That’s our greatest advantage, and we need to use it."

She pointed toward Hope Base.

"Hope Base has already become one of the safest human settlements in the surrounding region. Food production is increasing, survivors have proper shelter, the defensive walls are being reinforced, and the greenhouses are already under construction."

Her gaze moved toward another section of the base.

"Professor Thomas and his team are also working continuously to improve agricultural production."

Ivy’s expression hardened.

"But I want more."

Darren immediately straightened.

"And what’s that, Captain?"

His tone was respectful and determined.

"Give your orders. I’ll make sure everything is carried out immediately."

A slight smile appeared on Ivy’s lips.

"Only a fool would ignore your words," Darren added with a faint chuckle.

Ivy shook her head before turning her attention back to the map.

"Expand the steel walls."

Darren raised an eyebrow.

"The outer defensive perimeter needs to be reinforced again."

He didn’t immediately question her decision. Instead, he waited for her to continue.

"We’ll divide the work into several stages," Ivy explained.

"The agricultural sector will continue expanding the greenhouses. The livestock area must also increase its production. We need enough food to sustain the base even if we are unable to obtain supplies from outside."

She pointed toward several abandoned industrial areas marked on the map.

"At the same time, we’ll begin collecting scrap metal and usable steel from abandoned factories, construction sites, warehouses, and any other locations where we can find them."

"Anything that can be recycled must be brought back."

Darren nodded firmly.

"Understood."

"The energy system must also be strengthened," Ivy continued.

"If the base becomes too dependent on a single energy source, we’re putting ourselves at risk."

Her voice remained steady, but every word carried weight.

"We need backup systems. Multiple sources of power. If one system fails, another must be ready to take its place."

Darren’s expression became more solemn.

"From now on, Hope Base needs to prepare for the possibility that the outside world may eventually become completely inaccessible."

Silence followed.

Darren stared at the map for several seconds before finally nodding.

"I understand."

He looked toward Ivy with determination.

"I’ll carry out your orders, Captain."

"Good."

Ivy folded the map and handed it to him.

"I’ll leave the division of labor in your hands. Make sure the survivors understand that these preparations aren’t temporary."

"They’re preparing for the future."

Darren accepted the map carefully.

"Understood."

Ivy turned around, her gaze moving toward the armored vehicles parked not far away.

"I’ll be leaving the base with the Illusion Dogs, as well as Sunny."

Darren immediately looked up. "You’re leaving?"

"I have something to do."

"What about me?" Darren raised an eyebrow, a hint of worry and curiosity appearing in his voice. "You don’t want me to follow you?"

"Nope." Ivy answered without hesitation. "Stay here and handle the tasks I’ve given you."

Darren frowned.

"But..."

"I’ll be fine." Ivy interrupted him calmly. "You have enough work to do here. Someone needs to oversee the construction, coordinate the survivors, and make sure everything proceeds according to plan."

Darren stared at her for a moment before finally sighing and nodded his head in understanding.