Three hours passed. The group had already quenched their thirst at the deep‑well chamber, where survivors could scoop water freely.
The supply was abundant, though the taste carried an earthy aftertaste that clung to the tongue.
Still, it was drinkable, and no one had fallen ill from it. For now, it was enough.
Just as fatigue began to weigh on them, Russel returned.
He carried a wide platter, the scent of roasted nuts even drifted through the chamber. The smell was kind of bitter, smoky, and strangely comforting, though it reminded them of how little variety the shelter had to offer.
Apparently, the day shift's work had ended. More people filtered into the chamber…
The sanitation crew arrived first, their hands still stained from cleaning waste channels. Behind them came the boiler operators, their clothes damp with sweat from the heat of the furnace rooms. Foragers and resource gatherers also moved in next, their faces tired from scavenging trips outside.
A few scouts leaned against the walls with their rifles slung casually over their shoulders, while other fighters entered last…
All of them turned their eyes toward the five new recruits.
"Fresh blood."
"Where did you all find them?"
"They look too clean… must've just arrived."
Claire shifted uncomfortably under the attention, while Wallace straightened his back, trying to look tougher than he felt.
Ralph adjusted his cracked glasses nervously, and Victor kept his gaze low, studying the chamber instead of meeting anyone's eyes.
Russel set the platter down on a crude table made of scrap metal.
"Dinner," he said simply. The roasted nuts were portioned into small bowls, each barely enough to fill half a stomach.
He served the five recruits…
Of course, the others from the Food Handler Crew also brought more for others.
The workers lined up, taking their share without complaint. Yet their eyes kept flicking back to Kai's group.
The newcomers were outsiders, untested, and everyone wanted to know what they would contribute.
One of the sanitation workers, a thin man with a scar across his chin, muttered loud enough for them to hear. "Hope they're not freeloaders. Food's tight as it is."
A boiler operator snorted. "Russel wouldn't bring them here unless they had something. Still… five mouths to feed."
The tension was subtle but growing. The recruits could feel it pressing in, the weight of suspicion from dozens of tired, hungry survivors.
Well, they could understand their concern…
Kai glanced at his companions. They had already eaten the granola bar from the Gift Pack earlier, so they weren't that hungry anymore. Still, the large peanuts weren't as bad as they thought.
At this time, Russel noticed the stares and raised his voice. "They'll be assigned work soon. Don't worry… they'll earn their share."
That calmed the crowd slightly, but the curiosity remained. The five recruits were marked now, watched closely by every division of Haven‑45.
Claire whispered. "Hmph… They're all looking at us like we're intruders."
Kai smiled, unbothered by their reaction. "Then we'll prove we're not."
***
Soon, the chamber had begun to quiet as most workers returned to their quarters.
The recruits thought the night might finally end in peace, until the sound of boots echoed once more.
Keagan, Julian, and Damon strode in. As expected, their presence immediately soured the atmosphere. The crowd parted instinctively, giving them space.
Keagan's scarred face smirked. "So, the new recruits are settling in. Good. Tomorrow, you'll be put to work."
Julian clasped his hand as if he was so excited to reveal their task. "Ahem… Your mission is not inside… Since you all have healthy bodies, you can work outside. Patrol duty. I'm sure it wouldn't be dangerous."
Damon grinned… "Hey… It's a little dangerous, no? But that's necessary. If you survive, you'll earn your place here."
Russel couldn't help but fee shocked at their shamelessness. "They just arrived. Sending them outside already…"
Keagan silenced him with a glare. "They'll do as they're told."
Julian gestured toward a fighter lingering near the wall. The man stepped forward, rifle slung across his back. His eyes immediately locked on Claire, and they stayed there far too long.
"This one will accompany you," Julian said. "A guard. To make sure you return alive…"
As he said this, he turned to Claire with a smile.
Claire stiffened, her stomach twisting. The guard's stare wasn't protective… it was possessive. Everyone could feel it, though no one dared speak.
Wallace muttered under his breath, "Bastards…"
Victor clenched his fists, but Ralph tugged at his sleeve, silently warning him to stay quiet.
Russel and Augustine exchanged grim looks but said nothing. They knew better than to challenge the leaders openly. They still needed the gold liquid in order to get stronger.
Keagan chuckled after seeing their reactions. "Rest well, recruits. Tomorrow, you'll prove your worth."
The three leaders left, with their laughter echoing down the corridor.
The guard remained for a moment with his gaze fixed on Claire before vanishing silently… Without a doubt, his level was far above theirs.
Kai couldn't help but sigh at this…
He understood instantly… Their first task wasn't just survival against machines. It was survival against the corruption inside Haven‑45.
"We have to learn how to level up…" Kai muttered.
Of course, they knew that it must be related to the A.I. Army.
They probably have to destroy them to get experience and level up, like some games, considering the format of their status panel.
However, they have the Beginner Protection!
"Should we leave the shelter and break away from the Beginner Protection zone?"