Chapter 12: The Forging of Survivors

The dawn bathed the bastion in a reddish hue.It was a constant reminder: the old world was dead.Only the strong would build the new one.

Rob knew it better than anyone.Leveling up was vital, but if he was the only one evolving, everyone else would simply become more attractive prey for the threats to come.

That's why he made a decision: to forge true survivors.

From that morning onward, the bastion's routine changed.

Under Rob's command, three main units were created:

Attack Units: agile, offensive teams made up of those with fast combat-oriented abilities.

Defense Units: resilient teams led by Marlon, focused on protecting vital areas.

Support Units: builders, healers, and strategic assistants.

Additionally, Apolo and Maya were integrated into patrol tactics, receiving specialized training.

Each day began with strength exercises, endurance drills, hand-to-hand combat, and basic ability management.

The bastion was slowly transforming into a true living fortress.

The Efforts Began to Pay Off

Matthew reached Level E, gaining a significant boost in speed and danger perception.

Alan also leveled up to E, and his Construction ability now allowed him to create larger and more durable structures.

Marlon, thanks to his role as Tank, began developing a natural defense against physical attacks: his skin would instinctively harden in the face of danger.

These achievements sparked a new sense of hope among everyone.The message was clear: advancement was possible.

But the Brutality of the New World Gave No Respite

External sensors detected massive movement in the sky.

—"Swarm of creatures approaching!"—shouted the sentinel.

Rob rushed up to the watchtower.In the distance, thousands of dark dots crossed the sky.

Mutated flying creatures.Level E.Fast.Deadly.

—"Everyone to defensive positions!"—Rob roared.

The automatic turrets spun into action.The attack units climbed onto rooftops and walls.The defense units reinforced doors and access points.

The aerial battle began.

The skies turned black.

The flying beasts attacked in relentless waves: razor-sharp beaks, wings capable of slicing through metal, shrieks that pierced the eardrums.

But the bastion held strong.

Marlon defended the main entrances.

Matthew, using his speed, intercepted creatures that managed to get through.

Alan reinforced weak spots with emergency constructions.

Victoria, in the rear, healed the wounded while Amélie, from the safe zone, maintained her calming aura, an incredible help during the chaos.

It was a long, exhausting battle.

But at dawn, the bastion was still standing.

The outer fields were covered with winged corpses, and among them, new crystals gleamed: elemental wind crystals.

There were several serious injuries, but thanks to Victoria, no one died.

After the Battle

When the combat ended, a new notification appeared in front of everyone:

[Survival System: Evolution detected in mutated species. Threat levels will periodically increase. Recommendation: Continuous evolution or guaranteed annihilation.]

Rob read the message silently.

There was no time to relax.

That Night

While everyone rested, Rob climbed the main tower.

He gazed at the cracked sky.

The spatial rift… had expanded.

New small fractures branched out around it, like dark veins.

The true enemy hadn't arrived yet.But it was getting closer.

He felt it in every fiber of his being.

Rob returned to the bastion.

In the safe zone, Victoria was sleeping while hugging Amélie, and Matthew rested nearby, exhausted but smiling.

Rob sat beside them, wrapping his arms around them.

—"No matter what comes,"—he whispered, kissing his daughter's forehead—"I'll protect this home. I'll protect all of you."

In silence, he swore to be the shield that would stand firm until the end.

And in his eyes, the determination of a true Guardian of the Last Human Bastion burned bright.