Gulp…
Kai knew he had to reveal his Talent since they would eventually see it anyway. However, he wasn't sure if this was the right idea.
His Talent was… strange. Too strange.
He still recalled that at first, the system had given him something not too insane:
[ Weekly Gift Cycle (Rare) ]
It was a Talent that guaranteed he'd be supplied with three Gift Packs of his choice every week. It was already decent, since there were ten Gift Packs to choose from, and he could select what he needed depending on the situation.
But then, an error had flashed across his vision. The system had glitched for some reason, and when it stabilized, his Talent had evolved, or perhaps completely changed!
[ Infinite Gift Pack (SSS): You can claim an unlimited number of Gift Packs at any time. There are no restrictions on frequency, quantity, or type. This talent grants continuous access to supplies, ensuring that Gift Packs are always available whenever you choose to obtain them. ]
Kai still didn't understand why. And he didn't plan to inform them about it, since that would only lead to endless questions.
Whatever the case, his Talent was now ranked SSS, far beyond anything the others had mentioned.
He considered for a moment before speaking. He couldn't reveal everything… not yet.
"My Talent… it's related to Gift Packs," Kai said slowly. "I can get more of them, but only if I fulfill certain conditions. Well, it's not free."
The others straightened as they heard his Talent. It was unusual or strange, even.
"So there's a Talent like that," Ralph muttered.
"I thought everything was related to the body…" Claire added.
"Me too… so weird talents related to the system itself are possible…" Victor said thoughtfully, though he had far more questions in his mind about this ability.
"That's true… then there might be a Talent that gives free Level Ups or something," Wallace remarked with a laugh.
Certainly, since Kai's talent was possible, there might be more absurd abilities out there.
Kai, on the other hand, just smiled faintly.
There was no need for payment or trade to get Gift Packs. However, he decided to condition them into believing he could only obtain Gift Packs if payment was involved. As for what that payment was, he didn't know yet.
He would have to consider it later. Perhaps there was a currency in this Apocalypse, and he would simply claim that was the cost.
Indeed, Kai was already considering the possibilities of earning wealth with these Gift Packs. Since he could claim them endlessly, they could become the most valuable resource in Haven‑45. He could sell them, barter them, control their flow, or even run this whole shelter…
But he kept those thoughts to himself.
Just then, footsteps echoed down the chamber. Two figures appeared at the entrance.
Russel, the one who had found Kai and Claire earlier, entered. Beside him was Augustine, who had discovered Ralph, Wallace, and Victor at the garbage dump before bringing them here.
Russel smiled, seeing that the five recruits had already adjusted. They no longer looked worried or panicked.
"Good. You're all looking great! Again… welcome to Haven‑45."
The two of them were here to inform Kai and the others about various matters. The first thing was the distribution of food, sleeping arrangements, the currency they used, and, of course, the work they would be expected to do for the shelter.
But before that, Augustine reached into a small pouch at his side. His hand emerged holding five simple wooden tokens, each carved into a rough oval shape.
The surface was smooth but they were unpolished. Still, they were etched with faint lines that resembled roots or veins.
He handed one to each of the recruits.
"Take these," Augustine said. "They represent Haven‑45. As long as you carry them, you belong here."
Kai turned the token over in his hand.
At first glance, it didn't look special. It was just a piece of carved wood, lighter than it should be, with no markings that seemed important. But Augustine's tone suggested otherwise.
"These tokens aren't just symbols," Augustine continued. "They can't be detected by any A.I. or machine. That's why we use them. If you're ever outside, or if you encounter another shelter, this proves you're not an intruder. It shows you're part of us."
The others examined theirs curiously.
Ralph squinted at the faint grooves, while Wallace rubbed the surface with his thumb.
"Mhmm… I don't see anything special."
Claire held hers close as if it were a lifeline. "Let's just keep it safe."
Victor nodded as he tucked it into his pocket immediately. He even tried to store it in his System Inventory, but it failed.
Of course, they all wanted to ask where the tokens came from or how they were made, but Augustine's expression made it clear that no explanation would be given.
"They're special," Augustine said simply, as if closing the matter. "That's all you need to know."
Russel added, "Keep them safe. Lose it, and you'll have a hard time proving you belong here."
Kai and everyone else nodded. They didn't understand the origin, but they all understood its importance. In a world ruled by machines, anything undetectable was priceless.
With that said, Augustine straightened and gestured toward the chamber. "Now… let's talk about how Haven‑45 operates."
Soon, it felt as if the five of them had entered a seminar.
They learned that even though the shelter only had forty people, its operation was seamless.
The survivors here were divided into Combat, Technical, Logistics, Sustenance, and Command roles
The Combat Division included Scouts like Russel, who ventured outside to track machine patrols. There were also Frontline Fighters and Marksmen who provided ranged support from elevated positions.
The Technical Division had Boiler Room Operators and Engineers who maintained power and ventilation. Mechanics repaired weapons and salvaged drones, while Electricians or Wire Technicians kept the shelter's systems running.
The Logistics Division was composed of Quartermasters who managed supplies, builders and repair crews, and sanitation workers.
The Sustenance and Medical Division included Cooks and Food Handlers who prepared meals, Medics who treated injuries, and Foragers or Resource Gatherers who sometimes ventured out to scavenge food and materials.
But just as Augustine was about to continue, several steps echoed from behind.
Then, a deep but amused voice rang out…
"Ho~ What do we have here? Wait—a female recruit?! Finally!"
As the man spoke, his eyes locked on Claire, and he couldn't help but lick his lips in excitement.