Chapter 279: The Night Screams

A cold wind moved through the half-finished camp, stirring embers from the central firepit and rattling the makeshift perimeter stakes.

Kain awoke with a start.

For a second, he didn't understand why. His body ached, his mind still groggy. But then he heard it—distant screaming, faint but sharp. He sat up. Around him, silhouettes moved through the dark. His Exo Knight suit rested beside him.

Across the camp, the others had stirred. ISSD soldiers and paladins alike were gathering, whispering, glancing westward. Smoke curled into the night sky from the direction of the settlement.

Veyers rushed over, rifle slung on his shoulder, breathing heavy.

"Sir, what should we do? There's something happening in the village. Screaming, fire. Looks like an attack."

Kain stared toward the horizon, watching the glow grow brighter behind the trees.

"Scan it. I want full details. Now," he ordered.