Visiting the Market

The new awakenings, while offering hope for survival, also brought out the worst in some individuals.

Some, emboldened by their newfound abilities, began using them for personal gain. A group of young men with enhanced speed started using their powers to steal from people under the cover of night. They waited near dark alleys where people carrying supplies passed by, quick as shadows.

Worse still, some of the awakened began threatening their neighbors. One woman, with a minor fire-based ability, started intimidating a local family into handing over their extra supplies. "If you want your house to stay standing tonight, you'll give me the rest of your supplies," she hissed, flames dancing on the tips of her fingers. The elderly couple, too frightened to resist, handed over everything they had.

It didn't take long for the soldiers to catch wind of the growing threats.