"That’s enough of them."

Nina Jacobs had actually wanted to deal with them herself, but it seemed handing them over to the base would make their punishment a more effective deterrent.

Once it was on their records, they would be subjected to strict inspections every time they entered or left the base.

"Speaking of which, it’s a bit of a shame that house is empty,"

"the feng shui of these three houses is quite good."

Sherry Renner had checked the feng shui of all three houses. She had to admit, the base was really good at picking locations.

"Don’t worry. Someone will move in within three days."

「The next day.」

With no missions on their plate, Nina Jacobs decided to let everyone rest for the day.

Just after dawn, Chase Gallagher brought the people Nina Jacobs wanted to see.

"Miss Jacobs, did you ask for us for a reason?"

It wasn’t just Wayne Abbott; the remaining nineteen members of his team had come as well.

"I hear you’re planning to disband your team?"

Nina Jacobs had Walsh prepare tea for everyone.

Wayne Abbott and the others couldn’t help but be surprised. ’How did she know?’

They had only made that decision last night.

Wayne Abbott decided not to hide it anymore and recounted the events of the past several weeks.

"Disbanding the team is for everyone’s own good."

After Wayne Abbott finished speaking, everyone fell silent.

It wasn’t that they didn’t want things to be like they were before.

They had all been through countless hardships and dangers together; they were the most trusted of partners.

It had been bitter and exhausting, but there was always something to look forward to.

But now, it seemed they had hit a dead end, completely devoid of goals or hope.

"As it happens, I’m short on people. Are you interested in joining me?"

Nina Jacobs asked.

’Short on people?’

Wayne Abbott was taken aback.

He had only met Nina Jacobs briefly yesterday.

"Is it because of what happened with Mr. Hale? Actually, Mr. Hale has already helped us more than enough. You really don’t have to..."

"I have my conditions for recruitment, of course.

Superpowers and special skills are both essential.

If you don’t meet my standards, then my apologies."

After Nina Jacobs spoke, the expressions of everyone in the room changed slightly.

"Are you serious?"

’But what would she do with so many people?’

Just then, a fully recovered Holden Shaw walked out, holding two short wooden batons.

"Anyone who can last three rounds against my friend here will be considered qualified.

Those who last two rounds can be put on probation."

"Also, you’ll need to declare your Superpowers beforehand,"

Nina Jacobs said.

It wasn’t entirely because of Daniel Hale that she wanted to recruit these people.

Every one of them was a Superpower User with extensive combat experience.

’They should all be able to last at least two rounds against Holden Shaw.’

"Since Miss Jacobs wants a demonstration,

then let’s give her one!"

Warren Ramsey’s voice was booming. Hearing it, Treasure, who was in the courtyard, perked up his ears.

For the past few months, they had been fighting zombies outside almost every day. There was no way the skills they’d honed would only be good enough for three rounds against this young brat.

"I look forward to your instruction." 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝒆𝔀𝒆𝙗𝓷𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝓶

After introducing his Superpower, Holden Shaw had already assumed a combat stance.

"Have you guys noticed that Holden has changed a lot recently?"

Wendy Marshall, who had been watching from the side, couldn’t help but comment.

Especially after the incident with Sheila Rhodes, Holden Shaw had become quieter, but also more driven to improve himself.

Every morning, he could be seen practicing his moves in the courtyard at the crack of dawn.

"Mmm, he’s faced a powerful enemy and killed someone. Of course he’s different now.

He’s all fired up. That’s not a bad thing,"

Chase Gallagher said.

Pressure creates motivation. On top of that, Nina Jacobs provided sufficient resources and understanding. Who wouldn’t want to become stronger?

The sparring matches went just as Nina Jacobs had expected.

Out of the twenty people, four lasted three rounds against Holden Shaw.

The rest basically lasted two rounds.

"How could this be..."

The Gold Element Superpower User, Alaric Fletcher, stood there in disbelief.

He had been defeated after only one round.

He had always thought he was quite strong.

Even the four female members of the team had lasted two rounds.

"Don’t lose heart. I’ll be waiting for you to challenge me again."

Holden Shaw clapped him on the shoulder.

Most people rarely had the chance to spar with a Speed Element Superpower User.

And Superpower Users who integrated the Speed Element into their weapons and techniques were even rarer.

This Alaric Fletcher had suffered due to his inexperience.

Wayne Abbott also looked toward Nina Jacobs.

For some reason, he had a feeling that Nina Jacobs knew exactly how this would play out.

It was as if she had already determined beforehand that three rounds was the most any of them could last.

"Not bad. Here are the conditions for joining the team.

It’s up to you whether you accept them or not."

Nina Jacobs took out a list of terms she had prepared in advance.

Wayne Abbott and the others gave it a quick read and were somewhat shocked.

"You want us to participate in the base’s Superpower User tournament?"

Warren Ramsey asked directly.

He had heard that this tournament wasn’t just open to the public; even members of the rescue teams could sign up.

’Could it be that Nina Jacobs wants to use them to get those three "Mystic Ice Cores"?’

"Mystic Ice Cores?"

Nina Jacobs shook her head.

"I have no need for those things. I’m having you participate simply to improve your strength."

This would also allow them to gain a certain amount of prestige.

"Alright, we’ll participate. We’ll join the team!"

Wayne Abbott decided.

Even though the conditions stated that all Crystal Cores obtained on missions had to be turned in.

But as long as the team didn’t have to disband, he could accept that.

Wayne Abbott and the others were certain.

If their team disbanded now, they might never find such reliable teammates again in their entire lives.

"Alright. In that case, you can move in today,"

Nina Jacobs said.

"Move... in?"

Warren Ramsey was stunned.

’Move in where?’

"Abbott, Building 73 next door is still empty.

You guys can move in there for now,"

Leo Hale said with a smile.

Now, no one would be coveting that empty house anymore.

Besides, Wayne Abbott’s group were Daniel Hale’s saviors. This was something they deserved.

"For us to live in?"

Eleanor asked in disbelief.

’Could it be? Not only did they not have to disband the team, but they’d also found a place to live?’

"You have seven days to challenge Holden again. Anyone who can last three rounds may stay.

That includes you, Alaric Fletcher,"

Nina Jacobs said.

Alaric Fletcher had been completely disheartened. After hearing Nina Jacobs’ words, he was first shocked, then his face lit up with joyful surprise.

’In other words, he still had a chance?!’

"I’ll definitely work hard!"

Alaric Fletcher promised.

"Here’s the key. I’ll be waiting to see your results in a week.

I hope Building 73 can become your home."

Nina Jacobs tossed the key to Wayne Abbott.

"Miss Jacobs, thank you."

How could Wayne Abbott not understand by now?

Nina Jacobs was helping them in the way they would be most willing to accept.

After Wayne Abbott and his group left, Leo Hale was already chattering away:

"I was so startled when they all showed up.

How did you know they would perform to this level?

What if someone couldn’t even last a single round?"

"That wouldn’t happen. We already looked into each of them before they came,"

Chase Gallagher answered.

Besides the Superpower level of everyone in Wayne Abbott’s team, the investigation also covered their individual character, social connections, and other aspects.

"No wonder! You can even find out things like that?"

Leo Hale’s admiration for Nina Jacobs grew even stronger.

"I had someone do me a small favor."

Nina Jacobs took a sip of her tea.

She had simply asked Adrian Shaw to help her look up their personal information.

As for the other aspects, Chase Gallagher had been the one to investigate them.

And when Daniel Hale found out about this, his first reaction wasn’t happiness.

It was surprise that Wayne Abbott and his team had actually agreed.

Before this, Wayne Abbott had refused his help on multiple occasions.