After Surviving the Apocalypse, I Built a City in Another World

”Ah, Helios! You’re back!”

They were set aside and inspected before entering (no other village would dare do this to a person who could afford a beast car) and the guards were surprised to see one familiar person in the group of aborigines.

The guards became a lot less guarded with them from that point forward. ”You can just deposit the beast cars in the Inn,” the guard said, pointing in a direction inside the walls and to their left. ”A lot of aborigines had gone home (with a lot of reluctance, mind you) so we have a lot of openings now.”

”I see, thanks!” Helios said and he guided the driver to enter the gates, which opened to a lively plaza with small stores, parked bikes, stores, and so on.

There was a clear path for them there so the beast cars were unhindered as they entered, though they did make everyone there stare curiously at them, the new arrivals.

The group went down the carts as it was deposited there and everyone looked around in interest. Other than the mercenary team, there was also Sahara’s guards.

Sahara’s guards—except for the level 20 Glio—was actually composed of upper level 20 guards and even a level 30, though because of the exclusivity of Bleuelle’s inner city most of her guards had to stay at the periphery inns.

According to their rules, ’outsiders without positions’ could not be bringing threats with them. The average level of normal citizens in a City was around Level 20-25, and outsiders beyond that (from non-affiliated territories) were considered threats and could not enter the inner circle without a stringent process.

When they heard that the princess had encountered such trouble, they felt extremely bad, but at the same time, they knew going against the rules was a guaranteed way to get even worse fates.

Anyway, they were greeted by Balzy’s Staff who kindly led the beasts to the beast hotel. While they arranged themselves, gathering a lot of curious stares, the occupants of the first cart went down.

It was none other than Helios, Sahara, her servants, and Maomao.

Hugo, who was with the caravan, saw this and immediately went over them. ”Helios!”

”Uncle!” the younger one yelled, hugging his uncle. Hugo’s eyes twitched, unused to the sappiness, but he allowed the young man to do what he wanted anyway.

Near them, there was also a small crowd forming. Rather than around Helios or Sahara though, the crowd took particular interest to the tallest one of them all—the bunny!

It couldn’t be helped: She was… so CUTE!

”A bunny!”

”So cute!”

”Ow! Her ears twitched! Did you see? DID YOU SEE?!”

Like how Gochi and Baku were, Maomao was understandably very shocked by the reception.

Should she be scared? She didn’t feel hostility… but she should feel scared regardless, right?

While the adults were chattering with her or about her, Maomao felt some tugging on her skirt. She looked down and saw cute little human cubs staring up at her with rounded eyes filled with curiosity.

”What’s your name?” a little girl asked, and the kids around her nodded as if asking the same thing.

Her lips twitched. ”M-Maomao...”

”Are you friends with Gochi too?”

Gochi…

Unconsciously, her pawed hands held her necklace. She looked around to check if Gochi was there, but was a little disappointed not to see him.

She looked so pitiful, her rounded eyes teary and her long ears dropping down a bit.

It broke people’s hearts.

Someone immediately turned in a direction. ”Oil! Someone tell the Guards to send Gochi and Baku a message!”

They turned to look at Maomao’s large teary eyes and suddenly felt the mission was urgent. ”DO IT NOW!”

This made Maomao flinch, surprised. Baku was like her precious older brother!

”Baku is here too?” She uttered, her voice the softest and the fluffiest they heard from an adult critter. Those who heard it felt cute attacks all over.

Anyway, Maomao was large but she was really a cute bunny in Terran’s eyes. ”Yes, yes,” they softly said. ”He just arrived before the heat wave, they’re out hunting right now.”

”We’ll make sure they get here as soon as possible,” another said, patting his chest as if reassuring her.

Other than him, the other humans were focused on other things. ”Can I touch your ears?”

”Yes, you must be tired. Do you want carrots?”

Without exemption, the people’s voice were soft and gentle. Even the big men with gruff voices talked this way.

Maomao was really imbalanced. Why were they talking to her like this?!

...

More and more curious onlookers checked out the commotion and many of them had their snacks. The more time passed, even if they were just staying mostly within the territory, the people were made more and more aware of the huge world out there.

Some were also feeling dreamy, hoping they would be part of the future caravans (should they have the capital to do so).

They also want adventure! Sadly, their levels (the level requirement increased a bit) were not enough yet so they could only work hard within the region of safety Alterra created around it.

How many more half-orcs, goblins, and other creatures were there?

Just… how big was this continent, exactly?

…

In another area, a certain trio was still talking. It was a certain handsome uncle and nephew and a girl with sparkly light-colored hair.

”You’re back,” Hugo said. ”To be honest I’m surprised you actually found her,” he said. ”And so quickly, too.”

He greeted Sahara as well, quite kindly. She seemed like a nice lady, and his worry settled down.

Similarly, Sahara’s servants—who were tensely waiting not far away— heaved sighs of relief. Not only was the village they went to impressive so far, but Master Helios’ family seemed to be alright with their lady!

Helios grinned as he looked at his uncle, gently pulling a beautiful woman almost flush to him. ”Well, the patron goddess of Love smiling upon us,” he said. ”It’s destiny, uncle.”

Hugo wanted to rub his forehead. On the contrary, Helios was just giddy that everything was going so well! He’s just on top of the world right now!

”Oh and, uncle! I have great news!” Helios said, voice unconsciously loud because he was so happy that everyone in the vicinity could hear.

He looked at Sahara with eyes filled with warmth and pride. His eyes then shifted down to her stomach before turning back to look at his uncle with the widest shit-eating grin.

”Congratulations,” he said. ”You’re a grandpa now.”