For a moment, Miles found himself speechless.
"If you ever intend to lay your filthy thoughts on me, I assure you, I'd rather end my own life," Mary said coldly, her gaze sharp and unwavering. "Frankly, if I had a choice, I wouldn't even consider working with someone like you."
Miles was at a loss for words. Never before had he wanted so badly to strangle someone.
"Think whatever you want," he muttered.
"Of course," Mary replied with a mocking smirk.
With the conversation in ruins, Miles gave up on explaining himself—anything he said would only dig him deeper into a hole.
Within minutes, the entire underground armory had been emptied.
"Let's go," Miles said, casting a cool glance in Mary's direction.
"Does your ability have no limitations?" Mary asked, her tone tinged with curiosity. "At the base, I saw those three other ability users in action. Each time they overexerted themselves, they needed considerable time to recover."
"That's because they're trash."
"…"
Back at the villa complex, the two parted ways without exchanging another word.
Miles gathered Ryan, Isaac, and the others for a meeting in the villa across from his own. Placing a selection of weapons on the table, he began to outline his plan.
"Starting today, Isaac, you'll act as the drill instructor. Focus on enhancing their physical capabilities and getting them combat-ready in the shortest possible time."
Isaac nodded. "No problem. Those kids are young, strong, and already have a few years of combat training under their belts. With a little polishing, they'll be ready to fight."
"Good," Miles affirmed, turning his attention to Thomas. "You'll assist Isaac with the training."
"…Alright."
Thomas adjusted his glasses and reluctantly nodded.
Sensing his hesitation, Miles fixed him with a cold gaze. "These people might be under your leadership now, but we're all facing the same challenges. Don't even think about scheming behind my back. I won't tolerate it."
Thomas froze, then forced a smile. "Of course not, Miles. You have my full support. Wherever you point, I'll strike."
"You'd better keep your word," Miles said, flashing a sharp grin. "I'm well aware that you orchestrated that little rebellion against the villa, even though Luther took the fall for it. Make no mistake, I know exactly what you've been up to."
"What do you mean by that?"
Thomas's face turned pale, and he instinctively glanced toward the door, shifting uneasily.
"You've got a sharp mind, but no guts," Miles said, his tone icy. "If I were in your shoes, I'd have rallied all 400 of those people and bet it all in one go."
Thomas fell silent, his face grim. After a moment, he managed a weak smile. "That's why I could never be you. I couldn't risk losing everything."
"Keep up the good work, my friend," Miles said, his tone softening as he patted Thomas on the shoulder. "I don't forgive enemies, but I reward loyalty."
From the homeowners who had initially banded together to Nathan and Thomas, Miles had always treated those who stood by him fairly. He provided them with food and a fighting chance to survive. While many had perished along the way, the harsh truth was that without Miles, even fewer would have made it.
"Ryan," Miles said, turning to his long-time companion.
Ryan broke into a grin. "No need for instructions, boss. You call the shots, and I'll handle the rest."
Miles smiled back. "From now on, you're the chief commander. Everyone in Cloud Heights, except for the specialists, is under your jurisdiction."
"Well, look at that!" Thomas quipped, lightening the mood. "Ryan's getting a battlefield promotion!"
Isaac chuckled. "That's right. Four hundred people under his command? Next time we meet, we'll have to salute him as Commander Ryan."
"Damn," Ryan said with a laugh, half-serious. "I never thought I'd get to be a commander one day. Alright, boss. Give me a month, and I'll have an infantry battalion ready for you."
Miles nodded, his expression turning serious. "These people were just ordinary citizens. Without military discipline, they'll crumble in the face of danger."
Ryan's grin faded as he gave a solemn nod. "Don't worry. I'll whip them into shape, even if it kills me."
From the very beginning, Ryan had been by Miles's side, enjoying a life most could only dream of in the apocalypse. He owed Miles everything and was determined to repay that debt.
When Miles had risked his life to rescue him from the Southwest Base, Ryan's loyalty was sealed. From that moment on, he knew he would never betray him.
"Nathan," Miles called, his tone shifting slightly.
Nathan, eager for his turn, jumped to his feet. "I'm ready, boss!"
"You…" Miles paused, his face darkening. "You're banned from talking. Every time you open your mouth, you ruin my reputation!"
"…"
Ignoring Nathan's dumbfounded expression, Miles turned to Anthony, who had been sitting quietly in the corner.
Anthony met his gaze, a trace of apprehension flickering in his eyes. "Whatever you think is best, Miles. Just tell me where to go, and I'll do it."
He knew exactly where he stood. Unlike Nathan and the others, Anthony had a history of defiance and treachery. He had no illusions about his standing in Miles's eyes.
"How did Andrew die?" Miles asked abruptly, his tone casual.
Anthony stiffened, his eyes darting nervously. After a few seconds of hesitation, he straightened his posture and said firmly, "I killed him. Right in his villa. I strangled him with my own hands."
Miles nodded. "From now on, you're in charge of security for the complex. Pick your own team."
"What?" Anthony stared, stunned. He had fully expected Miles to write him off after that confession, even prepared for the possibility of exile.
"I'm not Andrew," Miles said, his voice steady and self-assured. "If you ever come after me, make no mistake—you'll be the one to die."
Anthony hesitated for a moment before shaking his head vigorously. "I'd never…"
Miles simply smiled, turning to address the group. "The past is in the past. From now on, we're all in this together. If I have a bite of meat, you'll all get a sip of soup. But don't get it twisted—I'm the one keeping us alive."
"Ha!"
The room erupted into laughter.
They all understood Miles's unspoken message.
As the group's leader and sole ability user, Miles was their lifeline in this harsh, unforgiving world. Losing him wasn't an option—not for any of them.