"Indeed. Surviving in these times won't be easy, after all." He muttered.
The country he was in was an island nation in the pacific ocean which was created when the relations between the USA, China, Russia, India, EU and several other countries were worsening and World War Three was on the verge of erupting.
Several businessmen and powerful people from all over the world, not wanting to be part of it, came together, claimed this small island and established a new country—New Island.
Max wasn't aware why other countries didn't try to stop them, but it was successfully established and was recognised by the UN.
Within two decades, infrastructure was rapidly developed and millions of people from all over the world, wanting to live a peaceful life, flocked to this country.
Since the intention of people establishing this country was to live in peace, no citizen was allowed to possess weapons. Anyone who was found with one would be sentenced to severe punishment.
Because of this, Max wasn't too worried about his survival and was confident he could keep his women safe too. After all, with the system's help, he would become stronger quickly and no one would be able to face him.
However…
People in the city had firearms.
This changed things.
If they came for him and his women, the chances were he wouldn't be able to resist them. After all, the firearms could easily kill him.
'I wonder how high my physical stats must be to ignore firearms?' He thought. Then, his eyes flickered and he clenched his fists, 'I hope they won't come to cause trouble here before I'm strong enough.'
'Also, I need to add Sophie, Emily, Ruth and Nia in my harem as soon as possible, earn Harem Points and become stronger.' He thought.
'I can't afford to waste time doing things to make sure they love me.' His expression became determined.
After seeing the [Love Meter] function, he wanted to do things in ways which would make sure all these women's love for him would steadily increase. Then, he could share the leveling system with them which would ensure they would be able to keep up with him. Now, however, he had no choice but to ignore this aspect temporarily.
'Well, this wouldn't affect Mrs. Martinez, at least.' He grinned. She had submission tendencies and desired to be dominated. So, the more assertive he became, the more she would like him.
…
Soon, he was done connecting the [Electric Fence] to the barbed fence. Then, unlike he had previously planned, he didn't wait for Ruth to finish talking to Nia and Juan and returned to the residence.
When he walked into the living room, he saw Ruth with tears in her eyes, hugging Juan, who was sobbing in her embrace. As for Nia, she was also crying silently.
Seeing this, Max realized Ruth had already told them about Mr. Martinez's passing. Walking over, he sat on the sofa facing Ruth's and looked at her.
Ruth pursed her lips, looked at uncontrollably sobbing Juan before looking at Max with a pleading look in her eyes. She was saying she couldn't tell Juan about him becoming his step-father.
Max stared at her for a moment before glancing at Nia. His response was simple—if you can't tell Juan yet, tell Nia at least.
Ruth felt puzzled, not understanding why he was in so much hurry to let them know that he was their step-father, but glancing at Nia, who was more mature and seemed to be taking the news quite well even though she was also crying, she nodded.
Max nodded in satisfaction. He couldn't wait for Nia to call him daddy with that sweet mouth of her and...
He took a deep breath to calm his rising lust.
Nia could wait... for now, he wanted to taste this top grade milf, queen of his wet dreams.
Giving Ruth a last look, he stood up and walked toward her bedroom.
…
After a while, Ruth managed to placate Juan and with Nia's help, she took him upstairs to their room and tucked him in the bed.
After he was asleep, Ruth sat beside Nia and after thinking for a moment, she asked, "Nia, how do you like Max?"
Nia looked at her with an incomprehensible expression on her face. Just what was her mother asking right now?
"I mean, how do you think he is as a person? Is he good or not?" Ruth clarified.
Seeing her mother's serious expression and recalling how Max had given them water and that delicious bread, she seemed to understand something.
Then, recalling all the times she had interacted with him at his home, she finally said, "He is not a bad person as far as I know."
"Good." Ruth sighed in relief. She then took her hand in hers and said, "Nia, I'm sure you are aware we can't survive on our own."
Nia silently nodded.
"Max… he is… resourceful and strong." Ruth said, "We can survive these tough times if we have his support, and the good news is, he is willing to take care of us three."
Nia just looked at her, waiting for her to continue.
Ruth hesitated for a moment before she looked away, not daring to look her in the eyes as she asked, "Would you… hate me if I made him your step-father?"
Ruth closed her eyes, waiting for Nia to lash out and shout at her, but to her surprise, Nia didn't do that. Instead, she gave her hand an understanding squeeze and said, "Mom, I understand. I won't hate you and I'm sure Juan would also understand, but it would be best if we didn't tell him about it yet."
Ruth opened her eyes and looked at her in surprise. She then hugged her and cried, "Thank you, Nia, baby."
"No, Mom. We should thank you." Nia hugged her back and patted her back, feeling complicated emotions swirling in her heart.
…
Creak~
Max opened his eyes and watched as Ruth entered the room and walked over to him with small, nervous steps.
Arriving next to bed, she stood there with her head lowered, her soft hands clutching the hem of her pink blouse.
Rustle!
Bed sheets rustled as Max sat up and looked at her up and down.
Knowing this beautiful and graceful milf, who he could only dream about previously, was now at his disposal, he was beyond excited.
His breathing had already deepened and in his pants, his cock was rapidly becoming hard.
"Come here." He patted the mattress next to him, his voice low.
"Yes." Ruth secretly gulped, nodded lightly and sat down.