New Island

Almost two weeks had passed since Julian started his daily routine of morning training and smithing.

Whenever he could, he also helped Michael repair machinery, and in his spare time, he assisted Mrs. Suzi in the kitchen.

The elderly woman was clearly struggling to keep up, and Geo — who still hadn't found a clear role in the enclave — often stepped in to help her.

But a new problem had surfaced.

Mrs. Suzi's health had begun to decline. She could no longer stand for long periods, leaving Geo alone to cook for more than twenty people.

Even with Emma stepping in from time to time, it was clear the enclave needed someone else to help soon.

Still, despite the chaos, Julian felt proud of the progress he had made.

He could now do a hundred push-ups without collapsing. He had learned to shape blades at the anvil — even if Kevin still refused to let him touch the forge itself.

More importantly, people had started recognizing him. The hardworking, dependable newcomer.

And then there was Emma.

She had made it her mission to wake him up every morning, banging on his door loud enough to make sure he couldn't fall back asleep.

At first, Julian hated it.

Now... he found himself looking forward to it.

But today was different.

For the first time in two weeks, there was no knock.

No Emma.

Julian glanced at the small clock by his bed, then reluctantly got up and cleaned his room. He figured maybe she was busy and decided to give her a few more minutes before heading out.

When no one came, Julian sighed and left his small room behind.

The enclave felt... off.

Quieter than usual. The usual morning chatter and clatter were missing.

Curious, Julian made his way toward the central gathering area.

As he approached, he noticed almost everyone was already there, packed tightly around the podium at the front of the enclave.

Their faces were serious.

Whispers filled the air, low and tense.

Julian pushed forward, weaving through the crowd, his chest tightening with a sense of unease.

Something big was happening.

And he was about to find out what.

Standing on the podium were four figures.

Among them were Harris and his daughter, Emma — both wearing conflicted expressions that hinted at the seriousness of the situation.

Beside them stood two others — faces Julian instantly recognized.

Juliet and Ulises.

The two guards who had accompanied Emma the day they first rescued him after the plane crash.

Now, seeing them again in this new light, Julian finally remembered their roles.

Juliet and Ulises weren't just guards. They were scouts.

Their main task was to venture out whenever a new transmission appeared — signals that indicated a nearby island had surfaced and might be reachable through a time gate.

Julian remembered what little he had read about it.

The islands typically fell into two categories.

The first were new islands—untouched and rich with resources, just like the one Julian had come from. They would drift about the strange ocean, at times getting close to other islands.

The second... The second were far more dangerous.

Those islands could belong to other enclaves, and worse, to bands of rogues or pirates; they were stabilized, causing them to stop drifting about.

Fighting other humans was often far bloodier than dealing with creatures.

Because humans fought for survival with all the cunning and cruelty they could muster.

Julian tensed as he listened.

Harris raised his hand to quiet the restless murmuring of the crowd.

"Everyone, settle down," Harris called out, his voice steady but commanding.

"We'll evaluate the situation carefully before sending out a group this time."

Around Julian, the seasoned residents immediately moved into action, preparing for what came next.

Julian wasn't sure what he should be doing, but instinct pushed him forward.

He made his way toward Emma and Harris, hoping to get some instructions.

As he approached, he caught the hesitation on Harris's face.

Unlike Emma.

Emma's expression didn't waver.

Where Harris looked conflicted, Emma stood firm — radiating the same quiet strength that had impressed Julian from the moment they met.

Something big was coming.

And for the first time, Julian wasn't sure if he was ready for it.

"Don't worry, Dad. I'll be careful. It's my fourth mission — it shouldn't be hard, right?" Emma pleaded, her voice firm but laced with a hint of frustration.

"No means no," Harris said sharply, rubbing his temple with one hand.

"I said we'll check what kind of island it is before making any contact. For that, Juliet and Ulises are enough. Until they give the all-clear, you stay."

"Fine," Emma snapped back. "I'll wait. But if they say everything is fine, I'm going."

She didn't wait for another argument.

Emma spun around and stormed off, heading toward the restricted area where the warp suits were kept.

Julian, caught between confusion and concern, hurried after her.

"Hey — what's happening? What should I do?" he asked, matching her fast pace.

Emma didn't even slow down.

"Look," she said over her shoulder, her voice serious. "This is dangerous."

"If you want to follow, make sure you're ready to die."

Her words made Julian stiffen.

"We never know what's waiting on the other side when a gate opens," she continued.

"Sometimes it's dinosaurs fighting. Sometimes it's rogues waiting to ambush anyone stupid enough to walk through."

Emma reached the security checkpoint, flashed her key, and pushed open the heavy door.

Inside, rows of specialized suits lined the walls — reinforced gear made to handle both rough terrain and unstable rift energy.

Without hesitating, Emma made her way to her own suit.

She grabbed it and turned, pointing to another suit hanging nearby — one designed for men.

The message was clear.

If Julian was serious about going...

It was time to suit up.

"Take that one," Emma said, pointing at a suit hanging by the far wall.

"It used to belong to my father — he stopped using it after he became the leader."

Julian nodded and made his way to the changing area.

The suit fit better than he expected.

The stretchable material clung snugly to his frame, adjusting to his size. The only downside was the pants — they felt a little tighter than the rest, making it slightly uncomfortable.

He stepped out, a robe tucked under one arm, feeling a bit awkward.

Emma grinned when she saw him.

"Looking good there," she teased. "Now, let's go."

She motioned toward a rack by the door.

"Grab a helmet — and make sure you put it on when we warp. Otherwise, you'll lose your mind slightly from the noise the gate makes when it opens.

After that, everything will feel normal."

Julian quickly grabbed one and followed Emma outside the enclave.

Waiting for them were Juliet and Ulises.

Each held a baton-like device — the tools they used to open the time gates.

With calm precision, Ulises entered a sequence into the baton.

Moments later, the air shimmered and twisted.

A portal appeared — a swirling mirror of distorted light.

Harris stood nearby with several others, all armed and alert.

From behind the wooden barricades, even more residents watched anxiously, gripping spears, knives, and homemade guns.

Everyone's gaze was locked on the gate.

Treating it like it could spit out a monster at any moment.

Seconds passed.

Nothing emerged.

The tension in the air broke slightly.

Several people sighed, shoulders loosening.

Juliet and Ulises exchanged a quick look.

Then they signaled to Harris — they were ready to proceed.

Without a word, they stepped toward the glowing portal.

And vanished.