Chapter 10: Foundations Of Survival
The countdown hovered in the back of all their minds, a constant, quiet pulse that none of them could escape. 364 days, 23 hours, 59 minutes. A ticking shadow that loomed over the air like a stormcloud. Yet the strangest part was not panic or despair. It was the stillness that settled over them in the wake of Cream Puffs's declaration.
They had been preparing for this in one way or another since the day Ava first received the system. Every training session, every odd test, every moment of secrecy—they had been bracing for the day the truth would become undeniable. And now that it had, they found themselves… steady.
Brian leaned back in his chair, his ring gleaming faintly in the dim room light. His face was grim, but his voice, when he finally spoke, was almost calm. "One year. That's… actually more than I thought we'd get."
Alyssa, fingers resting lightly on her necklace, gave a small nod. "It's a blessing disguised as a curse. Most people won't know until it's too late. We do. That means we have a year to prepare. A year to outthink the Collapse."
Zephyr whistled low, though even his usual antics were muted. He tugged at his bracelet like it was some kind of talisman. "So we're the lucky ones? Knowing doomsday is coming and all that?"
"It's not luck," Kael said flatly, arms crossed as he leaned against the far wall. His chain glinted under the faint light. "It's responsibility. Knowledge makes us accountable. If we waste this year, it's on us."
Lyra hugged her knees tighter, her earrings pulsing faintly like stars. "It's strange… I thought I'd be terrified. But it almost feels better, having a date. At least we know when the hammer's going to fall."
Ava looked around at them, heart caught between pride and dread. She had feared chaos, shouting, maybe even rejection. But instead she found steel. Raw, young, unpolished—but steel all the same. The bond between them, that living hum in the background of her mind, seemed to keep them aligned, as though their jewelry wasn't just decoration but anchor.
"Exactly," Ava said softly. "We know, so we act. Every day counts. Every choice matters. And we don't waste time doubting ourselves."
The pendant at her throat pulsed, and as if summoned by her words, Cream Puffs flickered back into view. The orb's light danced in shifting patterns, like stars flickering in water. Its voice, bell-like and mechanical at once, rang through the air.
"Correct. Host Ava's assessment aligns with system parameters. One year remains until Collapse. Without preparation, survival probability falls below 0.02%. With preparation, probability increases substantially."
Zephyr raised a brow. "Substantially? That's vague. Like, 'your odds of surviving are less terrible than before.'"
Brian shot him a look. "Don't mock it. At least it's telling us we have a chance."
"Correction," Cream Puffs said. "You do not merely have a chance. You have a directive."
The orb brightened, and new text bloomed across the system interface, visible to all of them now.
[System Directive: Phase One – Foundation]
Establish a hidden supply cache (minimum capacity: 90 days per person).
Identify and secure at least one fallback safe zone within accessible distance.
Initiate skill training protocols: endurance, combat readiness, medical proficiency.
Conduct cohesion drills: unit coordination, emergency responses, resource management.
Deadline: 30 days.
Failure Penalty: Increased Collapse mortality risk by 28%.
The words hung in the air, sharp and final.
Alyssa inhaled slowly, her mind already moving in numbers and logistics. "Thirty days. That means we have to secure food, water, medical supplies… discreetly. Without tipping off anyone. Parents, neighbors, anyone who could interfere."
Brian's eyes had already gone sharp with calculation. "Supply cache first. That's priority. Non-perishable food, water filters, medical kits. Hidden, but accessible. I can handle the planning."
"I'll help," Alyssa said immediately. "We'll need to spread out purchases, use cash when possible, and avoid suspicious quantities. If we work together, it's manageable."
Kael pushed off the wall, voice calm but commanding. "I'll handle the safe zone scouting. I know a few places already, but they'll need reinforcement. I'll check terrain, water access, concealment. And I'll report back."
Lyra shifted slightly but raised her hand, almost shy. "I'll take drills. I'm not… strong like you guys. But I'm organized. I can set up practice scenarios, communication codes, coordination plans. If we drill until it's second nature, we'll be ready."
Zephyr blinked at her, then smirked faintly. "Look at you. Disaster planner Lyra. Alright, I'll help with drills too. And communications. If this jewelry-link thing is our secret chatroom, I'll figure out how to maximize it. We'll need protocols."
Ava looked around at them, stunned again by how quickly they shifted from stunned teens to… something more. Something determined. "Then I'll oversee everything. Keep us aligned. Cream Puffs said cohesion matters. If I'm the anchor, then I'll make sure none of us drift."
Cream Puffs pulsed approvingly. "Delegation acknowledged. Host Ava remains primary, but contributions from all linked individuals enhance probability of success. Phase One has begun. The countdown continues."
The orb shimmered and faded, though the system interface remained, glowing faintly in their vision.
For a moment, silence lingered again, but this time it wasn't heavy. It was electric.
Zephyr was the first to break it, running a hand through his hair. "So that's it. We're officially apocalypse apprentices."
Brian snorted, a rare smile tugging at his lips. "You're ridiculous."
"Ridiculously prepared," Zephyr corrected, tapping his bracelet. "Seriously though, this is the first time in forever I feel like I actually know what I'm supposed to do. Feels good."
Lyra let out a shaky laugh. "Feels terrifying. But… yeah. Kind of good too."
Ava exhaled, the weight of leadership pressing down on her but also buoyed by their responses. She had expected cracks, denial, maybe even betrayal. But instead she had a team. A small, fragile team standing against the end of the world. And somehow, that was enough to make hope stir in her chest.
"Alright then," she said. Her pendant pulsed with her words. "Phase One begins tomorrow. No delays. We stick to the plan, no excuses. Together."
One by one, they nodded.
Brian, steady and sharp.
Alyssa, calculating and calm.
Zephyr, reckless but loyal.
Lyra, anxious but determined.
Kael, quiet but unwavering.
And Ava, holding them all together.
Their jewelry pulsed once more in perfect sync, a reminder of the invisible bond tying them to one another. The hum of unity settled over them, deeper now, as though the system itself acknowledged their pact.
Beyond the windows, the world went on oblivious. Cars drove past. Neighbors watered lawns. The night was quiet, peaceful, unknowing.
But inside that small living room, a storm was forming. Not of panic, but of resolve.
The countdown ticked on.
[364 days, 20 hours, 12 minutes.]
And six souls, bound by fate and system alike, had already begun their war against the inevitable.