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Chapter 439 A Moment of Normalcy
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In less than half an hour, a massive warehouse stood tall. Its four windowless walls were nearly two feet thick, featuring only a single, heavy, iron–banded wooden door. The roof had been sealed completely tight by Twiggy using double–layered logs and heavy tarps.
“Quick, use planks to build a windbreak against the warehouse!”
“Light four Explorer’s Torches around the fields to keep the temp steady!”
As the night deepened, the blizzard outside grew increasingly violent. Thanks to everyone’s combined efforts, the majority of the emergency construction was finished. Riley told them to hold off on the minor, miscellaneous tasks. The temperature had dropped way too low—even the stat–enhanced survivors were struggling to handle the freezing cold, let alone the natives.
TartKing suggested that since everyone had been busting their asses all day, there was no need for everyone to go back and cook for themselves. They should all just gather in the tavern for dinner.
The two massive log doors were pushed open, and a blast of heat–a stark contrast to the freezing hell outside–washed over them.
The tavern hall was roaring with voices.
In the massive stone fireplace at the center, coal burned a bright cherry–red. Dozens of solid wood square tables were packed with survivors who had just finished a grueling day of labor. The tables were loaded with all sorts of food and freshly harvested fruit.
“Come on, come on! To surviving another day–cheers!”
Damian raised a massive wooden mug overflowing with system–produced Oat Ale.
“Have a little ambition, Damian. We’re gonna keep surviving, and we’re gonna thrive!” Hanna raised her mug too, teasing him.
“I’m with Hanna on this one!” Fly chimed in.
The atmosphere instantly ignited.
“Cheers!”
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14:48 Mon, Jul 13
Chapter 439 A Moment of Normalcy
“Thank you, Boss SpicyBurger!”
“Thank you, Pineapple Beer! Thank you, TartKing!”
“Thanks, Riley!”
Someone started the chant, and soon everyone was raising their glasses to the trio.
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The surrounding survivors all raised their mugs. After a few gulps of ale, the freezing chill in their bones finally melted away, replaced by a deep, spreading warmth.
Over at the tavern bar, TartKing was holding a massive pair of iron tongs, beaming as she pulled trays of golden, crispy rolls out of the oven behind her.
“Thanks for the love, everyone! Line up, fresh rolls right out of the oven! Anyone who worked extra hard today gets an extra caramel cookie!”
Everyone lined up, carefully accepting the food and thanking her profusely.
Even the natives blended in seamlessly; there was no awkwardness or divide whatsoever.
Sitting at the edge of the chaos, Riley and PineappleBeer each held a drink, quietly watching the scene unfold.
Riley’s cold, delicate face was full of smiles as she exchanged a glance with Pineapple Beer.
PineappleBeer instantly caught Riley’s drift.
“They’re a bit too enthusiastic,” Pineapple Beer muttered, pulling her hood down slightly, frowning, and shrinking back into the shadows.
Both she and Riley actually had slight social anxiety. While they loved the warm atmosphere, they weren’t big fans of being the center of attention in crowded places. They preferred to just watch other people have fun.
Riley downed the rest of her drink and stood up. “Let’s go. We’ll take a walk outside, then head back to camp.”
Without disturbing anyone, the two quietly pushed open the tavern doors and slipped out while everyone’s attention was focused on TartKing’s freshly baked cakes.
The freezing wind instantly swallowed them.
Leaving the heat of the tavern behind, that familiar, icy grip of reality descended on them
once more.
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14:48 Mon, Jul 13
Chapter 439 A Moment of Normalcy
The two walked side by side along the stone–paved path leading back to Riley’s camp.
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