Chapter 66: A Fragile Foundation

Rebuilding wasn't easy. Each step toward creating decentralized networks was met with obstacles that seemed insurmountable. Isaac and Nyla had gathered a skilled team, but resources were scarce, and old-world technologies had crumbled beyond repair in most regions.

Small victories kept them going. They managed to reconnect isolated communities, reestablishing communication lines with rudimentary systems that provided hope to people left in the dark for months. But the fragility of their progress was apparent. Every new network was vulnerable, held together by sheer willpower and makeshift technology.

Isaac could sense the tension in their camp. His team worked long hours, often in dangerous conditions, and morale was low. People were exhausted, afraid that all their efforts might be for nothing. More than once, Isaac caught whispers of doubt—whether the world could ever be saved, and whether he was the right person to lead them.

Nyla did her best to hold the team together, but even she was showing signs of strain. Every day was a battle for survival, and Isaac knew they were walking a thin line between progress and collapse.

"We're doing the best we can," Nyla told him one evening, as they worked late into the night. "But we can't do this alone. We need more help."

Isaac nodded. He knew she was right. But help was hard to come by in a world that was still falling apart.