Just when they thought things couldn't get worse, a new threat emerged. As Isaac's team reestablished communication lines, they began intercepting strange signals—encrypted broadcasts coming from rogue factions that had taken advantage of the post-collapse chaos.
These factions weren't interested in rebuilding. They thrived on the power vacuum left by the fall of centralized governments and infrastructures. Organized gangs, warlords, and corrupt militias had seized control of entire regions, ruling through fear and force. And they weren't pleased with Isaac's efforts to restore order.
One night, their camp was hit.
It started with a series of explosions that rocked the outskirts of their settlement, followed by a barrage of gunfire. Isaac and Nyla scrambled for cover as chaos erupted around them. Their communication systems were targeted, and much of their work was destroyed in minutes.
"They're trying to wipe us out!" Nyla shouted, her face grim as they fought back against the attackers.
Isaac realized that these factions saw them as a threat. His efforts to rebuild a decentralized network undermined the control they had over the regions they ruled. If Isaac succeeded in reconnecting people, these warlords would lose their grip on power.
Isaac knew they had to survive the night. If their work was destroyed, everything they had fought for would vanish with it.