Chapter 48: The Outland Decision

Chapter 48: The Outland Decision

Silvia's POV

The Outland Clans' settlement was a patchwork of steel and stone, built within the skeletal remains of an old industrial complex. Makeshift barricades and high towers lined the perimeter, manned by watchful warriors dressed in scavenged armor. These people had survived on their own terms, cut off from the city-states, untouched by corporate rule. They were exactly the kind of allies the resistance needed.

Silvia walked alongside Dragon as they followed their escort deeper into the camp. The air smelled of smoke and metal, a sign of the constant work being done to reinforce the settlement's defenses. Several Outlanders paused in their tasks to watch them, suspicion clear in their gazes. A few murmured among themselves, eyeing their weapons, their armor, their stance. Trust would not come easily here.

A large fire pit sat at the center of the settlement, ringed by warriors and clan elders. At the head of them sat Commander Garrik, the man who had met them at the gates. He was even more imposing up close, his cybernetic eye gleaming as he observed Silvia and her team with interest. The Outlanders did not bow to titles, but Garrik was their unchallenged leader, forged by hardship and blood.

"You claim you have something that could change the course of this war," Garrik said, his deep voice carrying over the crackling fire. "Let's hear it."

Silvia stood firm. "We stole classified data from Titan Industries. It proves they've been orchestrating this war, pushing for full control over the last free territories. We plan to expose them and rally forces against them—but we can't do it alone."

A murmur rippled through the gathered warriors. Garrik leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "You expect us to throw our lives away for a war we didn't start?" He shook his head. "The corporations and the city-states abandoned us long ago. We fight only for ourselves."

Silvia expected this reaction. She took a slow breath before replying. "I'm not asking you to fight for the city-states. I'm asking you to fight for your own future. If Titan wins, they'll eventually turn their sights on the Outlands. You think they'll let this settlement stand forever? They'll see your independence as a threat. And when that day comes, you won't just be fighting to keep your land—you'll be fighting for your survival."

Garrik's cybernetic eye whirred as he studied her. A long silence stretched between them before he finally leaned back. "You make a good argument, Earthstar. But words aren't enough. If you want our help, you'll need to prove yourself."

Dragon's POV

Dragon had been quiet, letting Silvia take the lead, but now he stepped forward. "What kind of proof are we talking about?"

Garrik grinned, a sharp, dangerous expression. "A trial. A test of strength, endurance, and strategy. If you want our warriors, you need to show that you can lead them."

Silvia crossed her arms. "Fine. What's the trial?"

Garrik stood, his sheer presence commanding the attention of every Outlander present. "We have a problem. A group of rogue raiders has been harassing our borders, stealing supplies, and ambushing scouting parties. Take them down. Succeed, and we'll talk about an alliance. Fail, and you won't leave here alive."

Dragon smirked. "Sounds fair."

Silvia glanced at him, and he could see the calculation in her eyes. She was already formulating a plan, weighing the risks, doing what she always did—carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders.

Dragon nudged her lightly. "We've got this, princess. Don't worry."

She huffed but didn't argue. That was progress.

The Raider Hunt Begins

At dawn, Silvia and her team set out, joined by a handful of Outland scouts who would lead them to the raider's last known location. The sun cast a harsh glow over the barren landscape, making the long stretch of dunes and cracked earth seem even more unforgiving.

As they traveled, Dragon found himself watching Silvia more than the road ahead. The way she held herself, how she scanned the horizon for potential threats, always ahead of the situation. She was a leader, through and through. And that made his growing feelings all the more dangerous.

Silvia adjusted her rifle strap as they moved. "We need to take them by surprise. If they see us coming, this could turn into a bloodbath."

Tarren nodded. "I can get us into position without them noticing, but we'll need to move fast. They're expecting easy targets, not a fight."

Dragon grinned. "Then let's make sure they regret underestimating us."

They camped for a few hours once they reached the canyon where the raiders were last spotted. The Outland scouts whispered among themselves, sharpening their blades, checking their weapons. This was more than just a test for Silvia—it was a test for all of them.

Dragon sat beside Silvia, passing her a water canteen. "You ready for this?"

She took a sip before handing it back. "We don't have a choice. We do this, or we lose any chance of gaining their trust."

He watched her for a moment before smirking. "You could just let me handle it. I'll take out a dozen raiders before you even draw your blade."

Silvia arched a brow. "Oh? And I suppose I'm just supposed to sit back and let you have all the fun?"

Dragon chuckled. "Wouldn't dream of it."

She rolled her eyes but the corner of her lips twitched, almost smiling. Almost.

The Outland scout leader approached them. "We move at sundown. Be ready."

Silvia nodded, her gaze steely. This was it. If they failed, they wouldn't just lose the Outland Clans—they'd lose their lives.

Expanding the Plan

As the sun dipped toward the horizon, Silvia gathered her team for a final strategy discussion. She knelt beside a rough map drawn in the sand, marking key points with small stones. "The raiders are holed up in an abandoned power station. Tarren, you and Raleth will take the east ridge. Dragon and I will circle around the back and take out their sentries."

Raleth frowned. "If they spot us too soon, they'll bunker down. We need to flush them out."

Dragon leaned forward. "Then we smoke them out. We set controlled fires at their exits and force them into the open."

Silvia nodded. "That works, but we need to be careful. If we overdo it, we could cause an explosion."

Tarren smirked. "Then we don't overdo it."

Dragon shot Silvia a look. "Think you can keep up, princess?"

She smirked back. "Try me."

As the wind picked up, kicking dust into the air, Silvia felt the tension in her chest settle. They were ready. This was their chance to prove themselves. And she wouldn't fail.