Global Awakening: Infinite Gift Pack System-Chapter 66: Lurkers

Soon, Kai’s small group confirmed that no one was following them anymore.

With the cover of darkness and the help of their night‑vision goggles from Stealth Gift Packs, they moved swiftly through the ruined streets.

"This device is so cool. Why did I even select Weapons Gift Pack?" Terrence muttered as he couldn’t help but feel impressed with the night-vision goggles.

Although it was not comfortable to wear, he could easily adjust to it.

"Weapons Gift Pack is actually the best option. It can protect from both Survivors and Mechanical Soldiers to some extent." Wallace replied in a low voice.

"Maybe... But thanks a lot, Kai... I’ll do my best to contribute to your shelter. I’ll help you grow it big." Terrence said as he already knew that Kai was the key to prosperity!

Since his Pathfinder Talent was so limited and could only help him escape danger at most, he knew that he had to stick to the best Survivor out there.

Without a doubt, the Rank 1 in the Leaderboard would be the best option.

"Well... If you work hard, then I’ll also want you to stay in my team." Kai replied.

Just like that, they continued moving, and soon, they reached the dilapidated Haven‑45.

Relief washed over them as they prepared to share the good news that they had managed to destroy the enemy base’s source of electricity.

***

Inside Haven‑45, the survivors were thrilled as soon as they heard the news!

After all, they might really succeed in snatching that A.I. Army’s base!

Although it was only housing old-generation Sentinels, it was still an incredible achievement. It was something that Russel, Augustine, and many other original residents of Haven-45 had never even imagined before.

"That’s incredible..."

Aurora, one of the newer arrivals, listened quietly. She had been saved alongside Terrence and Jonas when Haven‑15 collapsed...

Although this new shelter didn’t have any Augmented Humans who could break a Sentinel’s head with their palms, this Haven-45 felt strangely safe for her.

"Aurora... Did you hear the news? We might be leaving this place soon." Irene, one of the nurses of the shelter, said as she patted her shoulder.

"Yes! I’m really excited. I hope everything works out."

"Don’t jinx it!"

"Ahh... Sorry about that!" Aurora covered her mouth as she also realized that she just raised a flag.

"Haha... I’m just joking... Anyway, how’s the plants so far?" Irene asked.

Though only Uncommon Rank, Aurora’s Plant Enthusiast Talent was invaluable.

She had been tasked with caring for their main source of food, the peanut plants growing in the lowest chamber of the underground shelter. The plants were fragile, but under her guidance, they thrived even more.

With her ability, she could accelerate growth, coaxing sprouts into sturdy stalks faster than nature alone allowed.

Soon, Aurora returned to her working area and knelt among the rows of plants...

Her hands brushed gently over the soil before she channeled her Spirit Points into the Talent.

After a few moments, a faint glow pulsed across the leaves of all the plants in the small field as their roots seemed to stretch deeper into the earth.

Just like that, thirty Spirit Points drained from her reserves. Still, the sight of healthier crops filled her with pride. Food meant survival, after all.

"Finally... Time to rest..."

After feeling tired, she left the chamber and made her way to the bathing area. Thankfully, this place was safe even after all the bombardment that this shelter endured.

However, the underground shelter’s facilities were crude... The pipes rattled, the water was cold, and privacy was also scarce.

Indeed, the water was called because the boiler was compromised after the Mech Siege’s bombardment.

Still, this could be endured and wasn’t a huge problem for Auroa.

She stripped off her camouflage suit, folding it neatly beside her, and stepped into the shallow basin.

The water was icy, but she welcomed it, since what was more important was the fact that it scrubbed away the sweat and grime of the day.

Then came the more awkward part.

Aurora washed her undergarments carefully, wringing them out with practiced movement.

It was a small but constant struggle...

Apparently, while they had spare camouflage suits and basic gear from their survival sets, they had no replacements for underwear. Everyone had to make do with the same pair, washing them daily and hoping they would dry in time.

She sighed, hanging the damp fabric on a line strung across the bathing area. "At least they’re clean," she murmured to herself.

It was a reminder of how fragile their comfort was, even the smallest necessities had become luxuries.

Despite the hardship, Aurora didn’t complain...

She knew her Talent wasn’t flashy, but it mattered. Every peanut plant she nurtured meant another day of survival for Haven‑45... at the very least, that was what she wanted to think.

***

The next morning, Wallace followed Kai’s instructions to leave early.

He chewed on a granola bar while fastening the straps of his camouflage suit. The taste was bland, but it was enough to keep him moving.

Then, he adjusted the belt of his survival set, checked the charge on his transceiver, and slipped out of Haven‑45 before most of the others were awake.

"Here we go..." Wallace muttered.

Apparently, it was his task to monitor the situation in the A.I. Base!

Still, he had to be careful since no reinforcements were coming.

Clank!

As soon as he opened the tunnel to leave the shelter, he was welcomed with the familiar pungent garbage field. However, he just ignored it and left the area.

Wallace moved cautiously, as he relied on his Swift Stride Skill to escape if needed.

Then, when he finally reached a vantage point overlooking the compound, he froze...

Another group of survivors was already there!

They lurked near the perimeter, scanning the wreckage, and observing the Sentinels!

Wallace couldn’t tell if they were scavengers, opportunists, or rivals, but he knew one thing... being spotted could mean trouble.

Without hesitation, he pulled back, retreating the way he came. Once he was far enough, he raised his transceiver and spoke in a low, urgent tone.

"Kai, this is Wallace. We’ve got company. Another group is sniffing around the A.I. base. I didn’t engage, I’m heading back now."