**Part 1: Meeting Lila**
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The days blend into weeks as Ana and I continue our mission to repair the broken parts of our city. Each success brings us closer together and strengthens our resolve, but it also draws more attention. The enforcers aren't the only ones noticing our efforts; word spreads, and soon more people start coming to us for help.
One morning, as we're finishing repairs on a community water pump, an older woman approaches us. Her clothes are worn, and there's a tiredness in her eyes that speaks of years of hardship.
"Are you the ones fixing things?" she asks, her voice hopeful but wary.
I nod. "We're trying to help. What do you need?"
She glances around, making sure no one is listening. "It's my grandson. He's sick, and I can't afford the medicine he needs. They say there's a clinic run by a woman named Lila who helps people like us. Can you take me there?"
The name sounds familiar. I've heard whispers about Lila, a former scientist turned healer. If anyone can help this woman, it's her. I exchange a look with Ana, who nods.
"Of course," I say. "We'll take you there."
The woman leads us through the winding streets to a part of the city I haven't visited in years. It's quieter here, the buildings more intact, though still bearing the marks of decay. We reach a small, unassuming building with a faded sign that reads "Free Clinic."
Inside, the air is filled with the scent of antiseptic and the quiet murmur of patients. A few people sit on makeshift chairs, waiting for treatment. At the far end of the room, a woman with sharp eyes and a kind smile is tending to a young boy. She looks up as we enter, her gaze immediately assessing us.
"Can I help you?" she asks, setting aside her tools.
The older woman steps forward, her voice trembling. "My grandson is very sick. We don't have much, but we need your help."
Lila's expression softens. "Bring him in. I'll do what I can."
As the woman hurries out to fetch her grandson, Lila turns to us. "You must be the ones I've been hearing about. The fixers."
I nod, feeling a mixture of pride and caution. "I'm Koushik, and this is Ana. We're just trying to make things better."
She smiles, a genuine warmth in her eyes. "You're doing more than that. You're giving people hope."
Over the next few hours, we help Lila tend to the patients. She works with a quiet efficiency, her knowledge and skill evident in every movement. As I watch her, I can't help but feel a deep respect for what she's doing.
Once the clinic quiets down, Lila invites us to sit and share a meal. It's simple fare, but after a long day, it's more than welcome.
"You've been using something special," Lila says, her eyes curious. "Something that's allowing you to fix things beyond normal means."
I hesitate, unsure how much to reveal. But something about her demeanor tells me I can trust her. "It's called the Incomplete System," I explain, showing her the device. "It lets me earn points by completing tasks, and I can use those points to repair things."
Lila examines the device, her expression thoughtful. "Incredible. I've heard rumors about old-world technology like this, but I never thought I'd see it in action."
"It's helped us a lot," Ana adds. "But we're still figuring out how it works and what it can really do."
Lila nods, handing the device back to me. "Be careful with it. Power like this can be a double-edged sword."
I can't help but think of Dr. Viktor's warning. "We know. We've already run into trouble because of it."
"Arun's enforcers," Lila says, her voice dropping to a whisper. "They're ruthless. And if they find out about this, they won't stop until they have it."
I glance at Ana, seeing the same determination in her eyes. "We won't let that happen. We'll protect the system and use it for good."
Lila smiles, a hint of sadness in her eyes. "You remind me of myself, once. Full of hope and determination. Just remember, you're not alone in this. There are others who want to see this city restored. You have allies."
The older woman returns with her grandson, a frail boy with a weak smile. Lila immediately sets to work, her compassion evident in every gentle touch. As I watch, I feel a sense of purpose solidify within me. We're not just fixing things; we're healing a broken world, one step at a time.
When we leave the clinic, Lila gives us a small vial of medicine. "For emergencies," she says. "And if you ever need help, you know where to find me."
As we walk back to our shelter, I feel a renewed sense of hope. We have allies now, and together, we can make a difference. But I also know the road ahead won't be easy. The enforcers are still out there, and Arun is a looming threat.
But with people like Lila by our side, I believe we can face whatever comes our way. We'll keep fighting, keep fixing, and maybe one day, we'll see this city rise from the ashes.