Apocalyptic Rebirth: With a repairman system space, she rises again. Chapter 788 788: Change of heart.

Hours dragged on like a slow, oppressive dream. Outside the formidable fortress walls, drones maintained a heavy patrol, their captured footage relayed back for the viewing pleasure of the base's inhabitants.

Moments before the escape, various cities were ravaged by explosive detonations and onslaughts of mutant beasts. It appeared numerous individuals, unwilling to depart so readily, opted for a final act of retribution.

Upon the bubble of fortress four, the watchers remained motionless. Their gaze was fixed on the base, maintaining a facade of patience, yet their demeanor betrayed a growing frustration. For an extended period, they had awaited action from Sunshine and her team, but the fortress stood as silent and unmoving as a tomb. Residents were instructed to remain indoors, and the gates were firmly sealed.

Compounding their difficulties, the frequency used for eavesdropping on internal communications had once again fallen silent, leaving them effectively blind and deaf, their dwindling patience matching their rapidly depleting time.

High above, the menacing black Repairman robots had proliferated. Their sheer numbers formed a dark, metallic shroud across the heavens. Their synchronized, chilling voices echoed across the scarred earth: "One hour remains until the rift sealing commences. All non-resident entities must depart within the allotted minutes, or they shall be forever trapped on earth."

The announcement was underscored by the blare of warning sirens, a sound capable of striking primal fear into any soul.

Within the Quinn residence, the atmosphere presented a stark contrast to the pandemonium raging outside. Sunshine dedicated a significant portion of the day to watching films, indulging in a family feast, and engaging her children in a board game. Though fatigue was evident, sleep was the furthest thing from their minds.

Only Leo was catching a nap on White's back, both of them emitting soft snores!

The remaining members of the Quinn family had retreated to their respective apartments or the command center. Sunshine, alongside the boys, discussed their aspirations for the future, emboldened by the newfound glimmer of hope.

"When the watchers finally depart, can we visit the beach?" Ariel inquired, his eyes alight with hopeful anticipation.

"I yearn to witness the ocean, to gather seashells, and to sketch in the sand with a stick," Castiel added, his gaze sparkling with longing for a sight he hadn't experienced in ages.

Sunshine offered a smile, though a touch of melancholy touched her heart. She recognized that even after the departure of the Watchers and their monstrous creations, the world would not instantly revert to its former state. The widespread devastation had left scars, mutant beasts still roamed, and fragments of the prime core persisted.

While the most significant threat would be neutralized, the lingering consequences would demand considerable time to rectify. Furthermore, the mutations affecting flora, fauna, and humanity itself were permanent.

Yet, for the sake of her children, she maintained a lighthearted tone. "We shall certainly go to the beach. It may take some time for the shores to recover their former glory, but we will get there," she assured them. She had a plan to take them to Glacis, which could serve as a suitable alternative.

Ariel let out a sigh. "It will likely take years before we can experience a normal beach again, won't it? And with mutated fish, crocodile-like creatures, Shardlings, and those merfolk abominations, no one should venture near any ocean for the next decade."

Sunshine's eyebrows lifted slightly. His words served as a stark reminder that the oceans and seas would require the same meticulous cleansing as the river. This task wouldn't fall solely upon her people, but upon humanity collectively. They would need to hunt down and eradicate all the lethal mutated beasts.

Hades entered the living room just as the robots issued their second, final one-hour countdown. He met Sunshine's gaze and gave a curt nod.

"Everything is prepared," Hades stated, his voice a low rumble. "Moon is in the vehicle. She's... well, Sunshine, she's completely unhinged. Dominic left her in a terrible state. She's secured in the seat, shouting at phantoms and weeping over things that aren't present. She's terrified of her own reflection."

Sunshine let out a short, sharp, cynical laugh. "Her tribulations are only just commencing. She had two lifetimes to embody a decent human being, yet she chose monstrosity in both. Now, she will experience the terror of being the hunted."

She rose, brushing imaginary dust from her pants. "We depart in thirty minutes. Our objective is to execute this at the absolute last possible moment. This strategy will prevent the Watchers from having the opportunity to scrutinize our actions. Their panic over the impending rift closure will compel them to seize what they perceive as the prize and flee."

The ensuing thirty minutes dissolved into a blur of urgent preparations. Sunshine proceeded to the armored transport vehicle where Moon awaited. Her cousin appeared utterly pathetic, clad in a flimsy, artificial exo-suit that offered no actual protection. It lacked shields, strength augmentation, and weaponry; it was merely a costume.

Sunshine acknowledged Dominic with a nod before entering the vehicle. He grasped Moon's neck through the window, locking eyes with her, and began to undo the damage he had inflicted.

With his task completed, Moon shivered, her gaze sweeping nervously across the car's interior. The moment she spotted Sunshine in the back seat, a small whimper escaped her lips.

"I apologize for Dominic's actions; my anger got the better of me when I gave the command," Sunshine stated, her voice surprisingly gentle. "I've given it much thought, Moon. For the sake of our family and our shared history, I've chosen to absolve you. The past grievances are forgotten."

Moon's head shot up, her eyes fixed on Sunshine, brimming with desperate tears. "I knew it! I just knew you would understand! You're my sister, Suni! You're the only one who truly cares for me!"

"I know," Sunshine replied with practiced ease, a fabrication. "However, you've made a great many enemies, cousin. Your only hope of departing this place unharmed is by appearing as I do. If you look like me, no one will dare to approach you."

Sunshine offered Moon a plain, simple hair tie. "Here, secure your hair. It will help the mask adhere properly."

"Mask?" Moon questioned, her brow furrowed.

Sunshine gave a subtle nod.

Moon snatched the hair tie and hastily pulled her hair into a ponytail. The sharp pain in her abdomen barely registered; her entire body throbbed from the brutal beating inflicted by the Stewards.

Then, Sunshine produced an illusion mask. "Close your eyes," she murmured softly.

She positioned the mask over Moon's face, a faint smirk playing on her lips. Almost instantly, the mask began to glow, melding seamlessly into Moon's skin, completely obscuring her original features.

Upon opening her eyes and glancing at the rearview mirror, Moon let out a sharp gasp. The reflection showed Sunshine's face staring back. The disfigurements were gone, her ugliness concealed beneath a facade of beauty.

"Thank you," Moon choked out, her fingers brushing against her borrowed cheeks. "Thank you, Suni."

"My personal security detail will guide you out and ensure your safe arrival at a partner outpost we have an arrangement with," Sunshine explained, handing Moon a hammer and a Dragonoid. "Should any danger arise, use these for your protection."

What remained unspoken was the fact that the Dragonoid was utterly depleted of power, serving no purpose beyond being a decorative object. The hammer, too, was a replica; its true form could only be wielded by Sunshine herself.

"Best of luck, Moon. I sincerely hope you contribute positively to Earth," Sunshine said, stepping away from the vehicle.

"Thank you, sister!" Moon called back one final time, endeavoring to inject sufficient gratitude into her voice. Once she was safely away, her true intentions would surface: planning her vengeance. Her immediate focus, however, was solely on survival, leaving her oblivious to the unfolding events in the sky above.