Chapter 12 – Strength in Struggle

-Xyphora , Volaris System, Sector 7-42D-

-Scavenger Clan Headquarters – Underground Base, -

It had been three days since Rei was pulled into this world.

And two days since he and Seyra reluctantly joined the Scavenger Clan.

In that time, Rei had been thrown into relentless training, drills, and sparring matches—and, so far, he had lost every single fight.

Now, he sat on a supply crate, trying to catch his breath after yet another grueling session. His body ached, bruises covering his arms and ribs.

The harsh reality of Xyphora was setting in fast.

Survival here wasn't just about fighting.

It was about not getting left behind.

A familiar voice broke through his thoughts.

"Still sulking, Stray?"

Rei sighed and looked up.

Seyra leaned against a stack of crates, arms crossed, watching him with her usual smirk.

"You look like you got run over by a transport skiff," Seyra teased.

Rei groaned. "Feels like it too."

She raised an eyebrow. "You expected to become a fighter in two days?"

Rei didn't answer.

Because, deep down… that was what he wanted.

Seyra tilted her head, studying him. "You're frustrated."

Rei sighed, rubbing his temples. "I just… I'm tired of being useless."

Her expression shifted slightly. "You're not useless, Stray."

Rei scoffed. "Tell that to Tarek. Or Garek. Or literally anyone who's kicked my ass in training."

Seyra exhaled, pushing off the crate. "Look, you don't get stronger overnight. You keep getting back up, no matter how much it hurts. That's what matters."

Rei frowned. "That's not how it works for you, though, is it?"

She smirked. "No. I was always good at this."

Rei gave her a flat look. "Yeah, that makes me feel so much better."

Seyra chuckled. "Hey, you asked."

She moved toward the exit, glancing over her shoulder. "Come on. Keven wants us in the briefing room. Something about an upcoming mission."

Rei pushed himself to his feet with a groan. "Just when I thought I'd get some rest…"

Seyra grinned. "Welcome to life on Xyphora."

- Scavenger Clan Briefing Room-

The briefing room was more of an open war chamber, dimly lit by flickering holo-projectors. Keven stood at the center, arms crossed, while Garek, Doc Veyna, and a few other key members were gathered around a display.

As Rei and Seyra entered, Keven gave them a nod.

"Good. You're here."

Rei glanced at the holo-map of Xyphora's wastelands, filled with red-marked locations indicating danger zones, AI patrol routes, and scavenger routes.

Garek spoke first. "We've got a supply issue."

Seyra frowned. "What kind of issue?"

Keven turned to the map. "Fuel cells. We're running low."

Rei raised an eyebrow. "Fuel? For what?"

Keven sighed. "Everything. Power generators, weapons, security turrets. If we run out, we're screwed."

Doc Veyna added, "And medical supplies are running low too. We need bio-repair gels and sterile injectors."

Keven zoomed in on one of the marked locations.

"There's an old supply depot about fifteen klicks east of here. We think there might be leftover energy cells and medical stock."

Seyra exhaled. "And let me guess—it's not empty."

Keven nodded. "It was abandoned years ago, but recent drone activity suggests it's being scouted by AI forces. If they claim it before us, we lose any chance at supplies."

Garek crossed his arms. "We need a team to get in, grab what we can, and get out before we're noticed."

Rei blinked. "You're sending people into AI territory just for some batteries?"

Keven's expression darkened.

"This isn't a game, kid. Without those supplies, we might not survive the next month."

Rei swallowed. Right. This was survival.

Keven continued, "I'm sending Garek's squad. Seyra, I want you in as backup."

Seyra raised an eyebrow. "I work alone."

Keven smirked. "And yet, you're still here."

Seyra clicked her tongue but didn't argue.

Rei half expected Keven to send him on this mission too.

Instead, Keven glanced at him and said, "You stay here."

Rei blinked. "Wait, what?"

Garek chuckled. "What, you want to go? You'd just slow us down, kid."

Rei frowned. "I—"

Keven cut in. "You're not ready. This isn't a training exercise. You're staying at the base."

Rei clenched his fists.

He wanted to argue.

But… Keven was right.

He wasn't ready for real combat.

Not yet.

--Meanwhile… Approaching the Volaris System--

A lone starship hovered at the edge of the Volaris System, its pilot watching as warped light and scattered debris drifted through space.

The ship's AI assistant beeped.

[Entering Volaris Space. Caution: High radiation interference detected.]

The pilot adjusted a few controls, glancing at a holographic display showing the scattered wreckage of old Orionis and Draxion warships.

Still a graveyard, huh?

The ship's long-range scanners flickered, struggling to get a clear reading through the chaotic radiation fields.

They exhaled.

This won't be easy.

Setting the ship's course, the pilot entered deeper into Volaris space.

Their destination?

'Xyphora'.

-Back on Xyphora –

After the Briefing

Rei sat alone in the training yard, gripping his weapon tightly.

He felt frustrated.

Left behind.

Weak.

Seyra walked up beside him, arms crossed. "Still mad?"

Rei exhaled. "No. Just… tired of waiting."

Seyra smirked. "Then stop waiting."

Rei looked at her. "What?"

She gestured at his baton. "You're not strong enough to fight yet. So? Get stronger. Train until Keven has no choice but to let you go."

Rei hesitated, then slowly nodded.

She was right.

If he wanted to fight…

He'd have to earn it.

He tightened his grip on his weapon and stood up.

"Alright," he muttered. "Let's train."