Aya and Ryan had chosen the Weapon Cache, wanting something they could use to fight the machines. They believe that the revolver would surely help, even with its limited bullets. Ralph, on the other hand, had selected the Shelter Cache, believing that good sleep and recovery from fatigue would be just as important as weapons. It didn’t just include a tent, but also a sleeping bag that assured him that he’d get some comfort in this harsh world. Jett has gone with the Stealth Cache. In his mind, hiding was always better than fighting. With its camouflage suit, smoke grenade, and other tools, he felt his chances of survival would be higher if he avoided direct confrontation. However, none of it was important in front of Max ... His unusual talent allowed him to obtain Caches endlessly... though at a price. Now, the four had the same thoughts, perhaps they could purchase Food Caches or other essentials through him... Unfortunately, they knew it would be difficult since they had not

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, Corin 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 agains

Max subtly signaled to Aya and Ryan, who had both selected Weapon Cache like him. He placed his hand inside his dark jacket, the Tier 1 Survivor Jacket they all have. Both of them understood immediately. Like him, they had revolvers hidden beneath their dark coats, concealed from the guard’s eyes. Moments later, the ground trembled with a low mechanical sound... From afar, a massive Transporter rolled into view. It was a towering machine, shaped like a cargo hauler, its body plated with black steel and streaked with glowing red lines. Six enormous wheels churned through the garbage, and due to their weight, they could hear it crushing metal and bone alike. The stench grew worse as its cargo bay opened, revealing heaps of waste. Before unloading, a Reaper dropped down from the Transporter’s side. The humanoid machine was indeed quite tall, as they were told. Its armored body seemed durable as well, and they knew that their revolvers would probably not work against that

"Ahh... What?" Everyone was confused for a moment as they heard Max ’s words. After all, they were too focused on the death of the guard and the dangerous situation where they could be detected by the Reaper... This time, however, they were able to calmly think about what had happened. The rifle, having no bullets, was definitely crucial information! Ryan paused for a moment as he processed this, before his eyes lit up. "You mean... they don’t have real weapons?" Max nodded. "Exactly. And we do. Three revolvers, real ammunition. Plus, I can generate more with my Weapon Cache . That means we’re stronger than they are, if we play this right." Aya ’s lips parted as she realized what Max wanted to happen. Max then smiled as he looked at them all. "Should we take over this shelter?" As expected, they also reached this conclusion, considering how unlikable those three leaders were. "So... Ark‑45 isn’t as secure as they pretend. Since even the person guarding five people d

At this time, Max repeated his words. "Hands up!"Keagan’s face twisted with rage.He refused to raise his hands. Instead, he gripped his metal bat tightly and charged forward.Normally, he would only use this bat to punish the workers he didn’t like. He wouldn’t bring other weapons, like a knife or blade, but now he had no choice but to rely on it."Do you think I’ll bow to you?" he shouted, swinging the bat at Max .But Max didn’t move. He already knew he didn’t need to fire.Bang!The shot came from Xander , echoing through the room.The sound was dizzying in the confined space, but they endured it.Keagan staggered back, clutching his side in pain. Then, he realized what had happened!"No... Mom!"His eyes widened in disbelief as blood seeped through his clothes.Perhaps, due to shock, he collapsed against the table as the bat slipped from his grip.They didn’t know if he had died or simply lost consciousness.Aya and Jett froze, their hands trembling. Neither of them had the h