Securing Stronghold

The early morning air was crisp as Lian climbed into the armored truck. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a hazy glow over the city. It was quiet too quiet.

She didn't like it.

Chen sat in the passenger seat, his fingers tapping lightly against his knee. In the driver's seat, Yan Rui adjusted the mirrors, grinning like he was about to embark on a joyride.

Behind them, Yu Xian sat with a rifle balanced on his lap, his expression unreadable.

"This better be worth it," Xian muttered.

Lian exhaled. "It will be."

The factory they were targeting was their best chance at long-term survival. It had space, high fences, and an underground storage area. If they could secure it before chaos erupted, it would be their haven.

But it wouldn't be easy.

Yan Rui started the engine. "Alright, let's go claim our castle."

---

A Dangerous Road

Driving through the city felt surreal. People still went about their daily lives, oblivious to what was coming.

Lian clenched her fists. Four months. That's all we have left.

She watched as children laughed on the sidewalks, as office workers hurried to their jobs. None of them knew they were living on borrowed time.

Chen must have noticed her tension. His hand brushed against hers, a silent reminder: We're in this together.

She nodded slightly, grounding herself. There was no point in mourning what was about to be lost. They had a mission.

But the moment they reached the outskirts of the city, her unease deepened.

A roadblock.

Two large trucks blocked the street leading to the factory. A group of men stood nearby, armed.

Lian's stomach twisted.

Chen cursed under his breath. "Looks like we weren't the only ones eyeing this place."

Yan Rui whistled. "Well, this just got interesting."

Xian checked his rifle. "Do we engage?"

Lian studied the group. They weren't military. They looked like ex-gang members or mercenaries men who had already started preparing for the worst.

She exhaled. "We need to know what we're dealing with first."

---

A Negotiation or a Threat?

Yan Rui killed the engine, stepping out first with an easy swagger. Lian followed, keeping her hands loose at her sides. Chen and Xian flanked her, staying close.

The leader of the group a burly man with a scar running down his cheek watched them approach.

"Private property," he said, his voice rough. "Turn around."

Lian didn't flinch. "Private? Last I checked, this factory's been abandoned for years."

The man smirked. "Not anymore."

Chen crossed his arms. "You claim it, but can you hold it?"

The leader's eyes narrowed. "You looking for a fight?"

Yan Rui chuckled. "Relax. We're just here to talk."

The man studied them for a moment before jerking his head toward the factory. "Inside."

Lian's gut told her this was a trap.

Chen leaned closer, whispering, "This isn't smart."

She agreed. But they needed that factory.

With a silent nod, she followed the man inside.

---

A Clash of Wills

The interior of the factory was exactly what they'd hoped for spacious, well-fortified, with thick walls that could withstand a siege.

The only problem?

The mercenaries had already begun turning it into their base.

Lian counted at least ten of them, scattered throughout the area. Some were stacking supplies, while others stood guard. They were organized.

That made things harder.

The leader stopped in the center of the main floor, turning to face them. "I don't know who you are, but we don't take kindly to intruders."

Lian met his gaze evenly. "We're not intruders. We're survivors. And we want the same thing a safe place when the world falls apart."

The man chuckled. "And what makes you think we'll share?"

Xian stepped forward. "Because if you don't, we'll take it."

Silence.

Then, the man laughed. "I like you. But you're outnumbered."

Yan Rui smirked. "Numbers don't mean much if half your men don't walk away."

The tension was thick enough to cut.

Lian knew this was a gamble. But she also knew something the mercenaries didn't.

She wasn't normal anymore.

Her powers were still growing, but she could already feel them humming beneath her skin.

And if a fight broke out?

She was ready.

---

A Warning and a Deal

The leader studied them, his eyes narrowing.

Then he exhaled. "Alright. Let's make a deal."

Lian raised an eyebrow. "I'm listening."

"You want the factory? Fine. But you bring something to the table."

Lian exchanged a glance with Chen. "Such as?"

The man smirked. "Protection. Supplies. Strength."

He wasn't wrong. A base meant nothing if they couldn't defend it.

Lian tilted her head. "We can provide that."

The man nodded. "Then we have an agreement."

She didn't trust him. But for now, they had secured their place.

And when the time came?

They'd make sure they were the ones in control.

---