The days following Kira's arrival passed in a blur of preparation and planning. The hideout buzzed with renewed energy — the faction was growing, slowly but surely. Every new face meant more hands to fight, to scavenge, to protect the fragile hope they had left.
Jaden found himself caught between exhilaration and exhaustion. Leadership was heavier than he'd expected.
He wasn't just fighting for himself anymore. He was fighting for all of them.
One morning, as sunlight filtered weakly through the cracked tunnel entrance, Jaden gathered the group around the central table. Maps, scavenged tech, and notes covered every inch.
"We're running low on supplies," Marcus said bluntly. "We need to expand our search zones. Risks will go up."
Kira nodded. "I know a place — an old pharmaceutical warehouse. Could be a goldmine for meds and equipment."
Tess frowned. "It's on the edge of a known horde zone."
Jaden's gaze hardened. "Then we'll prepare accordingly."
He tapped the Lock System interface briefly, the familiar hum reassuring beneath his skin.
But the system had remained silent on loot for days now.
He didn't mention it.
Not yet.
That night, Jaden stood watch at the tunnel's mouth, the cool air biting at his skin. Kira sat nearby, cleaning her weapon, while Tess and Marcus spoke quietly by the generator.
Jaden's mind wandered back to the last fight — Cole's power, Lena's death. The losses still burned fresh.
He clenched his fists.
The system wasn't just a tool. It was his edge.
His curse.
And his only chance.
As the faction prepared for the dangerous run ahead, Jaden silently vowed one thing:
No matter what it took, he would keep his people alive.
And become stronger.
For them.
For Lena.
For the future.