Rakesh_Kumar_3235

The world is dying—storms rage, the ground cracks, and civilization is in ruins. Survival is uncertain, but Dr. James isn’t just another desperate survivor. He has a Technology System—one that grants him blueprints, tools, and knowledge far beyond human understanding.

Stranded on an island, he builds in secret while the world tears itself apart. Rival survivors fight for power, governments scramble for control, but James?

He’s preparing for something they’d never expect.

Because survival isn’t his true goal.

And when the time comes, the world will realize too late—he was never meant to stay.

Doomday Engineer

The wind cut through the ruins like a ghost, carrying the scent of ice, rust, and something bitter—something human. The small group of survivors walked behind us, their footsteps uneven, dragging. They were weak, exhausted, but still alive. That alone made them valuable.

As we neared the facility, I stole a glance at Daniel. He was tense, his fingers flexing near his rifle. He didn't say anything, but I knew what he was thinking.

Bringing strangers back was a risk. A big one.

My system chimed softly in my mind.

New Survivors Detected – Analyzing Status…

A translucent display flickered before my eyes, listing quick data points on the group.

Alice – Malnourished, but stable. Capable of first aid.

Ethan – Malnourished, unstable mental state. Previously armed.

Liam – Underweight, but physically strong. Former mechanic.

Hana – Dehydrated, non-combatant. Minimal threat.

Samuel – Elderly, limited mobility. Severe frostbite detected.

I suppressed a sigh. This wasn't a warrior squad. These people were barely holding on.

Daniel finally spoke, his voice low. "Are you sure about this?"

"No," I admitted. "But we need people. They need us."

He didn't argue, but I could feel his unease.

The facility loomed ahead, its reinforced doors covered in a thin layer of frost. I stepped forward, pressing the access panel. With a heavy groan, the doors slid open, revealing the dim, sterile glow of the interior.

Alice, the woman who had spoken earlier, took a slow step inside. Her eyes darted around—calculating, assessing. Behind her, the others followed, their expressions a mix of relief and wariness.

Samuel, the oldest, let out a wheezing breath as he leaned against the wall. "Didn't think I'd ever feel warm again," he muttered.

Hana, the youngest, barely in her teens, stared in quiet awe at the clean floors and intact lighting. "It's… real," she whispered.

I nodded. "Welcome to your new home."

Alice turned to me, crossing her arms. "You haven't asked who we are, where we came from."

"I don't need to," I said. "Not yet."

Trust was earned, not given freely. And right now, I had no reason to trust them.

Ethan, the man who had held the rusted pistol, still looked on edge. His fingers twitched, his gaze darting toward our weapons. He wasn't comfortable. That made him dangerous.

Survivor Ethan – Potential Hostile Intent Detected. Recommending Precautionary Measures.

I kept my face neutral. "Rules are simple," I said. "You work, you eat. You contribute, you stay."

Alice gave a sharp nod. "Understood."

But Ethan scoffed, shaking his head. "And what if we don't want to be your workers?"

Daniel tensed beside me, but I raised a hand, stopping him. My voice was calm. "Then you leave."

Ethan looked around, probably realizing that outside was still hell. He muttered something under his breath but didn't push further.

I turned back to the others. "Rest for now. Tomorrow, we start figuring out how to keep all of us alive."

As they settled in, my system sent another update.

Survivor Group Acquired: Processing Benefits…

New Facility Unlock: Basic Hydroponics Blueprint Available.

New Upgrade Option: Security Access Control – Restrict Entry for Unverified Personnel.

I exhaled. The system was adapting. I would, too.

But one thing was clear—this wasn't just about survival anymore.

Chapter 20: Shadows of Trust