Chapter 264 Kindly gather the residents.

By the end of the month, the last greenhouse was finally completed.

Rows of sturdy greenhouses stretched across the agricultural area of Hope Base, their transparent walls gleaming beneath the pale winter sunlight. The frames had been reinforced to withstand strong winds, while the heating and irrigation systems had already been tested several times to ensure everything was functioning properly.

Ivy stood beside the window, looking over the completed project with a satisfied expression.

The entire project would not have been possible without the help of her system, though that was something none of the survivors knew.

As far as everyone was concerned, Hope Base had simply managed to gather enough resources and manpower to complete the greenhouses before winter arrived.

"Finally," Ivy murmured under her breath, her gaze remaining fixed on the newly completed structures.

She stood inside one of the villas, looking through the large window while carrying little Hope in her arms. The baby was already seven months old, and she rested comfortably against Ivy’s chest, her tiny fingers occasionally gripping the fabric of Ivy’s clothes.

Ivy gently patted her back while admiring the rows of greenhouses outside.

They had made it.

Everything had been completed before the arrival of winter.

At least, that was what she had hoped.

The residents had barely finished celebrating the successful completion of the greenhouses when the weather suddenly changed.

That evening, a bitter wind swept across the base.

The temperature dropped rapidly, and the once-comfortable air became unbearably cold within only a few hours.

By midnight, the temperature had already fallen below zero.

The following morning, the residents woke to a completely transformed world.

Snowflakes drifted down from the sky, covering the roofs, roads, fields, and trees in a thick layer of white.

The once-busy agricultural area had become almost unrecognizable beneath the snow.

"It’s snowing!"

A child pressed both hands against the window, staring outside with wide, excited eyes.

"It’s our first blizzard!" he added enthusiastically.

His excited voice carried through the room, making several other children rush toward the windows to see the snow for themselves.

Ivy, who was nearby, couldn’t help but let out a light chuckle at their excitement.

To the children, the sudden snowfall was beautiful but for the adults who understood just how dangerous the weather could become, the sight of the snow brought a completely different feeling.

Several adults who had stepped outside to begin the day’s activities lasted barely a few minutes before rushing back indoors.

The cold was far harsher than many of them had expected.

Although everyone had prepared for winter, no one had anticipated just how quickly the temperature would plunge.

Ivy stood near the entrance of one of the buildings, her expression gradually becoming more serious as she watched the residents struggle against the cold.

"The cold is too much," Darren said as he approached her.

His breath came out in visible clouds, and his brows were furrowed with concern.

Ivy turned toward him.

"The children are especially affected," Darren continued, glancing toward the residents who were huddling together inside the building. "Some of them are already shivering badly."

Ivy’s expression softened slightly as she looked toward the children.

She had expected this and that was precisely why she had prepared long before the first snowflake appeared.

"Kindly gather all the residents," Ivy instructed immediately, seriousness evident in both her voice and expression. "I want everyone to receive proper winter clothing."

Darren nodded.

"Understood."

"I already predicted that something like this would happen," Ivy continued calmly. "That’s why I’ve prepared everything in advance. No one in Hope Base should have to suffer through the winter without proper protection from the cold."

Before Darren could respond, Elliot’s voice suddenly rang out from nearby.

"Everyone, please assemble!"

His warm voice immediately drew the attention of the residents as he stood where everyone could see him, a warm smile on his face.

"Captain Ivy has something for all of us," he announced.

The survivors exchanged curious glances as whispers spread through the crowd aa the survivors gathered.

Without wasting much time, Ivy made her way into one of the inner rooms and a few minutes later, she returned carrying a huge sack filled with winter clothing and the sight immediately caught everyone’s attention.

Darren and Elliot quickly followed behind her.

They disappeared into the room as well, only to return moments later carrying several more enormous sacks.

The residents stared in shock and curiosity.

"Alright, everyone," Ivy said, her voice carrying clearly across the gathering. "These are winter clothes and it will be distributed to everyone. There is more than enough, so no one needs to worry about being left out."

A wave of relief swept through the crowd.

Ivy gestured toward the sacks.

"They contain everything you’ll need to stay warm throughout the winter period....cardigans, thick socks, duvets, head warmers, gloves, scarves, and other winter clothing."