The shelter settled into uneasy quiet once the door was secured.
The distant sounds of the city still filtered through the thick concrete walls, muted but persistent. Explosions echoed faintly. Occasionally, something heavy passed above ground, its footsteps reverberating through the structure like distant thunder.
Kael moved through the central corridor slowly, checking each section again. The emergency lighting flickered but held steady. Water reserves were intact. Several sealed ration crates remained untouched, their expiration labels long ignored but still usable.
It was enough to survive for a short time.
Not enough to stay comfortable.
One of the officers approached him cautiously. His name tag read Mason. He had been quiet since entering the shelter, but now his expression showed restrained urgency.
We counted supplies, Mason said. If we ration strictly, we can last maybe four days. Less if more people arrive.
Kael nodded,That had been expected.
The fire-bloodline man, whose name Kael learned was Aaron, sat nearby with his back against the wall. He looked stronger than before, but exhaustion still clung to his posture. The new power inside him had not erased fear. If anything, it had added more questions than answers.
Another officer spoke up from across the room. There are survivors outside. We passed at least two groups on the way here. If they find this place…
His voice trailed off. Everyone understood what he meant. Shelter attracted attention. Attention attracted conflict.
Kael remained quiet for a moment, listening to the low hum of emergency generators.
Then he spoke, We can't hide forever. Supplies won't magically refill. And if someone stronger finds this shelter before we prepare, we lose everything.
The room fell silent. Mason frowned slightly. So what's your plan?
Kael looked at the map panel mounted near the old command desk. It still displayed outdated harbor layouts, but many key locations remained marked.
There's a logistics warehouse three blocks east, Kael said. Reinforced structure. It used to store emergency equipment and fuel reserves. If it hasn't been completely destroyed, it's our best chance to secure long-term supplies.
Aaron shifted uncomfortably. You're talking about going back out there already.
Yes, There was no hesitation in Kael's voice. Silence followed again.
No one wanted to leave safety behind so soon. But everyone knew the truth. Staying still meant waiting to be surrounded by hunger or enemies.
The Codex pulsed faintly.
Decision Pressure DetectedGroup Stability: DecliningLeadership Influence Increasing
Kael ignored the system prompt and focused on the people in front of him.
I'm not forcing anyone, he said. But I'm going. Whoever comes with me needs to understand something. He paused.
We don't hunt civilians. We don't steal from people who can't defend themselves. But if monsters or armed groups stand in the way, we don't hesitate.
Mason was the first to nod. I'll come.
Aaron hesitated, then slowly stood up. I won't sit here waiting to starve. Two others followed. Not everyone volunteered, but enough did.
Kael selected a small team. Too many people would draw attention. Too few would be dangerous.
They prepared quietly. Makeshift armor from reinforced vests. Tools repurposed as weapons. Limited ammunition distributed carefully.
Before leaving, Kael stood at the shelter entrance and looked back once.
This place was temporary. If they survived the next few hours, it could become something more. The heavy door opened slowly. Cold air rushed in. Smoke and salt filled Kael's lungs. He stepped outside first.
The hunt for survival had begun.