After scavenging whatever was left of the fallen raiders, the group headed towards their goal. The blond woman who led the raiders introduced herself as Selena as they continued their journey. After hours of walking, they finally reached their destination.
Shinon felt a sense of relief wash over him at the sight of the camp. For the first time since he had been transmigrated to this world, he thought he might be safe.
Ahead of them lay a sprawling survivor's camp, its walls made of sturdy concrete and steel. A large building compound that had been converted into a base of operations. Its once vibrant colours were faded and peeling, giving it a ghostly appearance.
The windows were boarded up with rotten planks of wood as vines and weeds grew up the walls, wrapping themselves around the corners and choking the life out of the building.
A chain-link fence topped with barbed wire surrounded the four-story concrete structure. The building appeared to have suffered extensive damage, with crumbling brickwork and graffiti scrawled across its walls. Just by looking at the facility, Shinon knew the raiders were used to being attacked by the undead.
Despite its decrepit appearance, one could see signs of life within. Smoke drifted lazily from a chimney on the roof, and they could hear voices and movement from inside.
As Shinon approached the fence, he saw that it had been reinforced with sheets of corrugated iron and scavenged planks of wood. A makeshift gate hung crookedly on its hinges, secured with a padlock and chain.
Selena raised her fist, signalling them to halt, "Phoenix Mary."
For a moment, there was no response. Then, to Shinon's surprise, the gates creaked open, revealing a group of heavily armed survivors, each of them carrying a firearm and wearing barely functional armour.
It wasn't a surprise the raiders readily took him in when Shinon revealed his profession. They were in dire need of repairs.
They eyed Shinon warily, their fingers hovering over their triggers. "Who are you?" one of them demanded.
"A new recruit." Selena intervened, "He says he's a Relic. I thought I would be wise to let the Phoenixes decide whether he is lying or not."
The survivors exchanged a hesitant glance, their eyes flickering between Shinon and Selena. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, one of them stepped forward, lowering their weapon.
The man sported a handlebar moustache, and his buffed body was covered in military-styled tattoos. By appearance, the man appeared to be an edgelord, but who was Shinon to judge someone?
"I'll take you to see the Phoenixes," he said. "But be warned – they won't be easy to impress."
"A Relic?" Shinon quizzed.
"It's the term we use to describe a person who transmigrated into the future, like yourself." Selena clarified.
"Wait, there are more people like me?"
"Why did you think I readily believed you when you said you were from the past?"
Shinon's eyes must have been shining brightly because Selena soon popped the bubble Shinon was carefully nurturing.
"As far as I know, none of them had found a way to return to their time." Selena smiled and shrugged.
"You just had to do that, didn't you?" Shinon shook his head.
As they passed through the gates, Shinon found himself in an ample open space. He also took note of the extensive security measures in place – guards posted at every corner, towering walls lined with barbed wire, and traps set at the perimeter.
The survivor led them through the winding streets of the camp, past rows of tents and makeshift houses. Shinon couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for these people, who had managed to survive in the face of such overwhelming odds.
The air was thick with the smell of mildew, but most surprising were the cat-sized rodents playing around. Selena noticed Shinon's surprised gaze and walked up to him.
"Think of them as walking alarms," She said, "These scaredy fucks alert us from the dangers our scouts can't see."
"I see," Shinon replied, "I'm just surprised by their sheer size, that's all."
"Humans weren't the only ones affected by the virus," she continued, "these mutations aren't out of the ordinary. After all, it's been over a decade since the outbreak."
Been over a decade? But before Shinon could probe further about their timeline, they arrived at a large building at the centre of the camp. Two heavily armed guards stood at the entrance, their expressions stern and unyielding.
The survivor who had led them here stepped forward and spoke in hushed tones to one of the guards. After a moment, the guard nodded and stepped aside, allowing them to enter.
The building was dimly lit, with rows of chairs set up in front of a large stage. At the far end of the room sat a group of men and women huddled around a holographic map. Their faces were impassive as they watched Shinon and Selena approach.
In the centre of the group sat two figures that Shinon assumed were the Phoenixes. They were dressed in long black robes, their faces hidden behind hoods. Shinon couldn't help but feel a sense of unease at the sight of them.
The survivor who had led them here bowed respectfully and backed away, leaving Shinon and Selena standing alone in front of the Phoenixes.
The leader of the group turned to face Shinon.
"You must be the newcomer," he said, his voice stern and unwelcoming.
"Don't bully him just because Selena picked him," The hooded female teased the former. "Feel free to introduce yourself, child."
Shinon took a deep breath and stepped forward, his heart pounding. He knew this was his chance to prove himself, to show the Phoenixes that he was worthy of their trust and help to return to his world.
"I come from the past," he began, his voice ringing across the silent room. "And as you can guess, I would like to return to where I come from. I'm willing to do whatever you like in exchange for your help."
The Phoenixes remained silent, their expressions inscrutable. Shinon felt a bead of sweat trickle down his forehead as he continued.
"I'm a shadowsmith. I can move undetected, infiltrate enemy territory, and strike from the shadows or create constructs out of shadow-"
As he panicked, Selena nudged him. "Tell them you're a blacksmith instead, you fool!"
"I am also an expert blacksmith," Shinon blurted. "I can craft weapons and tools that are stronger and more durable than anything you've ever seen. Selena can vouch-"
The room remained silent for what felt like an eternity. Shinon and Selena stood there, their eyes locked on the faces of the Phoenixes, waiting for a response.
Finally, one of the Phoenixes spoke up, his voice grave and measured.
"We will consider your offer," he said. "But be warned – the road ahead is fraught with danger. Many have come before you with grand promises and impressive skills. But few have survived the trials that we have set before them."
He paused, his eyes scanning Shinon's face. "If you are truly as skilled and determined as you claim to be, then you may have a chance. But you must prove yourselves first. Are you willing to take on our challenges?"
"What kind of test?" Shinon asked, his voice steady despite the uncertainty in his eyes.
The leader gestured to the map on the table. "We've received reports of a large zombie horde gathering to the west," he said. "Your task is to sneak past them and bring back any intel you can gather."
Shinon and Selena exchanged a look, their eyes shining with determination. They had come too far to give up now.
"I accept," Shinon said, his voice firm.
"Very well then," the female clapped, "you're one of us... for now. Selena, I hope you'll keep our newcomer entertained?"
"Will do, ma'am."