Layla’s Plant Enthusiast Talent allowed her to recognize growth patterns, soil conditions, and the natural characteristics of anything connected to plants. However, Max knew that her abilities went far beyond simple identification.Layla had already shared the details of her Gene Skills with him, which was exactly why he had brought her to this shelter. Her Gene Skills were considerably more impressive than most Survivors understood. They allowed her to analyze plants, alter their properties, and help them adapt to completely different conditions.If she continued improving those skills, Max believed there might eventually come a point where she could grow plants in places that should never support life, perhaps even on lava.[ Verdant Insight Lv2 ][ Skill Type: Passive ][ Description: Allows the user to break down the composition of a plant, identifying toxins, accelerants, or artificial compounds. Provides detailed insight into hidden properties. ][ Plant Alteration Lv3 ][ Skill

The warning hammer strikes rang across Freedom Shelter, echoing from one building to another. It was a crude alarm, but everyone understood what it meant.Survivors rushed toward their assigned positions with weapons in their hands. The farmers abandoned their tools and grabbed the Signal Jammers Max had trained them to operate.There had been forty slaves when Max first rescued them. After assessing everyone, he assigned only eighteen to the fields, where Layla was gradually modifying the strange crops one type at a time. The others, who appeared to be in slightly better condition, were given simpler responsibilities as wall guards or workers responsible for keeping the shelter clean.Max had already used Status Crystals on all of them, hoping to discover some hidden talents or exceptional potential. Unfortunately, the results had been disappointing. None possessed particularly useful skills, and their Health Points, Spirit Points, and Physique Ratings were all below average.Russel

Max smiled the moment the enormous flying vessel finally settled onto the ground. Despite his exhaustion, he immediately brought up the Appraisal Result again, studying every detail the system had revealed.[ You have discovered Aerial Gunship: “Impulse” ][ Grade: Advanced War Machine ][ Status: Incapacitated ][ Description: A twin-rotor aerial gunship designed for both transport and heavy assault. Equipped with a machine gun, side-mounted plasma cannons, and deployment hatches. ][ Note: Current condition is disabled due to rotor damage and system overload. ]So our UFO is called Impulse…Max couldn’t help feeling satisfied.This was exactly the kind of machine he wanted to get his hands on. It wasn’t merely another weapon that could be dismantled for parts. If he could repair it, the Impulse could become one of the most valuable assets their shelter possessed.Riyah finally canceled her Living Camouflage and stepped out of the smoke, her Plasma Rifle resting against her shoulder.

Max sat up a little straighter as Riyah closed the door behind her. The faint scent of soap filled the room, a refreshing change from the smoke, dust, and oil that had clung to both of them throughout the day.Riyah didn’t bother with small talk. “Max… those cores you found. What are they for?”‘Ohhh… So you’re for that?’Max thought then quickly composed himself before answering.“Just like that C-Grade Core you absorbed to break through Level 5, they’re the same kind of item. But this time, only Survivors at Level 30 can use them. If you reach that level, I’ll share them with you. Until then, they’re useless and dangerous to anyone else.”He immediately decided to put the remaining cores into his limited Inventory Slots. Someone might get curious and attempt to absorb one without meeting the requirements, and Max had no intention of allowing an accident like that to happen.Riyah nodded slowly. She had already suspected as much, but hearing Max confirm it still made her happy.“So t

Dax let out a brief laugh, but there was nothing friendly about his expression.Even though Max’s group now knew that his people had access to spare motorbikes and fuel, Dax wasn’t concerned. His side had already discovered something equally valuable. The shelter in front of them had MREs.“Call it whatever you want. Threat, warning… doesn’t matter. Just remember, we’ve survived worse than this. If you think you can keep everything locked away, sooner or later someone will come knocking harder than we did today. It’s not too late to trade with us…”Max remained completely calm.“Then let them try.”There was no reason to waste any more words.Max didn’t know what Talents or Gene Skills the bikers possessed, but that uncertainty worked both ways. Dax’s group had no idea what Freedom Shelter was truly capable of either. Neither side knew enough about the other to make a confident move, and that uncertainty was the only thing keeping the situation from turning violent.For several second