Chapter 267 I have a deal.

On getting back to Hope Base, the strong aroma of food filled the air, accompanied by the chattering sounds of survivors who were standing in straight lines, collecting their own portions of goat meat pepper soup prepared by Mrs. Smith, Darren, and Elliot.

They weren’t aware of the cold front Ivy had just witnessed. Instead, they continued to enjoy the treatment they were receiving, their attention focused on the warm food in their hands and the rare sense of comfort it provided.

The moment Ivy walked into the building, Darren and Elliot, who had spotted her, immediately walked up to her. They also caught sight of the harsh temperature outside as Ivy opened the door to walk in before closing it behind her.

"We need to talk," Ivy said, her expression serious as she walked toward a nearby chair and settled down.

Darren and Elliot exchanged a glance before settling down in front of her, immediately realizing from her expression that something important had happened.

---

Meanwhile, at Fierce Hunter Base.

The same cold front had also affected every other base in the apocalypse, including Fierce Hunter Base.

Commander Erick stood on the base’s high wall, dressed in thick winter clothes as he gazed far into the horizon.

The cold wind whipped against his clothes, while the heavy snowfall continued to fall around him, making it increasingly difficult to see the distant surroundings.

"And what is the next thing to do, Commander?" one of his trusted soldiers asked as he stood beside Erick. "The cold is too much. At this rate, what we have isn’t enough to keep the survivors moving."

His voice carried obvious concern as he glanced toward the base below.

Before Erick could reply...

Ping!

His phone rang, prompting him to check the caller ID.

There was no name.

Despite that, Erick picked up the call.

Every call in the apocalypse had to be answered, especially when it came from an unknown number. It could be an emergency, a warning, or information that could determine whether people survived the next disaster.

"Yes? Who’s this?" Erick asked as he put the phone on loudspeaker.

"This is Commander Raymond. Popularly known as Antelope."

The cold voice came through the phone, making Erick’s eyes widen in shock.

Antelope.

The same Antelope whom Ivy had made sure didn’t receive any resources during the raiding of the grain reserve.

And why is he calling him now?

"And how can I help you, Commander Antelope?" Erick asked, letting out a scoff as he leaned slightly against the wall.

"Relax, Commander Erick. I called today because I have a deal for you. Just because of what happened at the grain reserve between that female leader and me doesn’t mean you and I should fall out," Antelope replied, a scoff escaping his lips as well.

"And what kind of deal are you talking about?" Erick asked, raising an eyebrow, curiosity flickering in his eyes.

"As you can see, the cold front is affecting everyone," Antelope began, his tone gradually becoming more serious. "I want to trade with you. I believe that’s the best thing every base leader should be doing right now. None of us can afford to waste resources when the weather is deteriorating this quickly."

"Just go straight to the point. I have things to do," Erick replied, already growing impatient with the conversation.

"Alright, alright," Antelope said, chuckling lightly before continuing. "I need your higher-purity, lower-side-effect evolution liquid in exchange for food and cotton to help us get through this weather. I know you need food and cotton to cater to the numerous survivors under your command who refuse to leave. It’s a great deal, right?" Antelope asked with a smug smirk, completely unaware of what was about to be revealed to him.

It was indeed a great deal for Erick.

The problem was that he didn’t have the evolution liquid.

Not when Ivy had the best one.

"Hope Base has impurity-free, side-effect-free evolution liquid at low prices," Erick revealed, seriousness etched into his tone.

"Are you for real?" Antelope asked, raising an eyebrow, an unbelievable expression appearing on his face. "She has the evolution liquid I need?"

"Yes. Hence, if you want it, she’s the only person who can help you with it. I can put a call in to her now," Erick replied calmly with a smirk on his face.

With everything that had happened between Antelope and Ivy, he knew Antelope wouldn’t want to call Ivy.

Just before Antelope could respond...

Erick second phone began ringing.

He frowned slightly before reaching into his pocket and pulling it out and the moment he glanced at the caller ID, his expression changed.

It was Ivy.