In the meantime, while Max was busying himself to obtain more treasures, the Codebreaker Shelter remained busy...After all, this place still needed more construction even if the wall was already done.What had once been a forgotten ruin was slowly becoming a thriving hub of survivors, thanks to Max’s decision to converge all scattered shelters into one unified base.Maris stretched her arms, feeling the faint ache of muscles that had grown stronger since her days in the Blue Grass Shelter.Back then, she had been Level 5, barely surviving on scraps and water she could forage.Now, at Level 9, she had responsibilities and a role that mattered.[ Name: Maris ][ Title: None ][ Level: 9 ][ Health: 210 / 210 ][ Spirit: 120 / 120 ][ Physique Rating: D‑ ][ Active Skills: None][ Passive Skills: Forager’s Instinct Lv2, Gentle Touch Lv1 ][ Forager’s Instinct (Level 2): Improves ability to identify edible plants and safe water sources. Increases efficiency when gathering food by 15%. ]

Layla adjusted the ledger in front of her..."Everything’s in order..." Layla muttered. The ink was still fresh from her morning notes.As the leader of the Provision Division, she had the responsibility to ensure that they had enough food supplies, rationing, and farming experiments.Her Plant Enthusiast Talent gave her an edge in identifying edible plants and nurturing sprouts, but her responsibilities stretched far beyond the soil.The kitchen crew worked under her guidance, ensuring meals were prepared before missions and that survivors had the energy to fight.Today, however, her focus was not on crops or rations. It was at the meeting that had gathered all division leaders in the central hall.Around the table sat Irene from the Medic Division, Xander and Aya representing the Assault Divisions Team A and Team B, Jett from Engineering, Ryan from Security, and Corin, who spoke for the Support Units that include drivers, scavengers, scouts, and trapsetters.Layla’s eyes focused as

The clearing was filled with cheers as the Golden‑Horned Bull finally collapsed, its golden horns were still warm and filled with energy even as life left its body.The Super Soldiers lowered their weapons, while Xander’s Team also raised their rifles in triumph."It’s done!" Xander shouted, and his voice carried across the battlefield.Cade then stepped forward with excitement. His Appraisal had confirmed what they all hoped for... the carcass was pure, edible, and rich in energy.The horns contained condensed spiritual power, and the hide was durable enough for crafting protective gear.For a moment, the exhaustion of battle faded.Survivors laughed, clapped each other on the shoulders, and even the stoic Super Soldiers allowed themselves a faint smile.Cade grinned wider than anyone."I was planning to head to Blackreach City soon... but forget that. I’m not leaving until I’ve had a taste of this Golden Bull!""Hahaha!""Makes sense!""Don’t hurry to leave the shelter!"The others

Atom stood in the courtyard the next morning... It remained standing there without moving since there weren’t any threats or orders given prior. Nonetheless, its black armor was now polished from the previous night’s cleaning. The Rank S Reaper did not move, did not speak, but its eyes scanned the surroundings constantly, recording every detail. Just like a normal day, the shelter was filled with activity. Survivors moved around as they were all trying to rebuild this shelter... This time, everyone woke up quite early as they were all filled with energy from Golden Bull broth... Atom’s sensors picked up laughter, footsteps, and the clatter of pots from the kitchen. Its processors cataloged voices, tones, and words, though it never responded to them... Near the mess hall, two riflemen whispered. "Did you hear? Mila’s crew is cooking the tongue today." "Only a few people can taste it. Do you think you’ll get one?" "I want to have taste for sure. I heard it was chewy

Riyah was still scrolling through the Reputation Store interface when a sudden static noise jolted her...It was coming from a radio.The noise was irregular, like metal grinding against stone... She frowned after hearing this since she felt that it was a bad sign... She then adjusted the dial.Sshh~ Ssshh~Then, through the distortion, Corin’s voice burst out... He was panicked, hurried, almost trembling!"Riyah! Do you copy? This is Corin! I’m being chased... seven of them! New type of Reapers... humanoid, but their arms... are blades! Both arms are blades!"The words spilled out fast... It was broken by static.Riyah stiffened as she realized that her hunch was right!There was indeed something wrong.Around her, survivors nearby stopped what they were doing, sensing the urgency in his tone.Corin’s voice could then be heard again, louder this time."They’re fast! Too fast! I had to abandon the hill! Wait... I’ve got... escape route planned, motorbikes ready... I need instructions!