Chapter 5: Testing Loyalties
The following days brought a tense peace to the camp. With Clarke and Bellamy focusing on their respective roles, and Leo acting as a mediator between them, the group had found a rhythm. It was fragile, but it allowed them to focus on daily survival without constant conflict.
One afternoon, as Leo was repairing a broken piece of machinery with Raven, Monty came rushing over, out of breath and eyes wide.
"We… we found something," Monty stammered, clutching his side as he tried to catch his breath.
"What is it?" Leo asked, setting down his tools. Raven perked up, her curiosity piqued.
"Bellamy and Octavia were out scouting, and they stumbled upon… some kind of bunker," Monty explained. "It looked like it had supplies, but we don't know who it belongs to. Bellamy thinks it could be a Grounder cache, or maybe left by other survivors from before the war."
Raven's eyes lit up. "Supplies? Food, weapons… we need those. It's too risky to pass up."
Leo nodded. "But if it's a Grounder supply, taking it could provoke them. They won't just let that slide."
Clarke joined them, having overheard the conversation. "Bellamy wants to go back and take whatever we can carry. He thinks it's worth the risk."
Leo looked at her, sensing her hesitation. "And you?"
Clarke bit her lip, clearly torn. "I'm not sure. We can't afford to lose anyone if the Grounders come after us. But… if those supplies could get us through another month…" She trailed off, the weight of leadership heavy on her shoulders.
Leo thought for a moment before speaking. "Let's go see the bunker. We can decide once we know exactly what we're dealing with."
---
A small team, including Leo, Clarke, Raven, Monty, Bellamy, and Octavia, made their way through the dense forest. The journey was tense, each step bringing them closer to unknown risks, but also to the promise of vital resources.
When they arrived, Leo's eyes widened. The bunker was half-buried in the earth, concealed by overgrown foliage. Inside, they found shelves lined with canned food, medical supplies, and even a few old weapons. The supplies were a treasure trove in a place where scarcity was a constant threat.
"Jackpot," Monty whispered, his face lighting up with hope.
Bellamy grinned. "See? I told you this was worth it."
But Clarke looked uneasy. "If this belongs to the Grounders, they'll come looking for it. We can't carry everything back without leaving signs that we were here."
Leo felt the weight of the decision. They needed these resources, but the consequences could be severe. His mind raced, and suddenly, his system chimed.
[NEW QUEST: Tactical Decision]
Objective: Make a choice that balances survival with long-term safety.
Reward: +15 Intelligence, +20 Charisma
The notification reinforced his sense of responsibility. He knew that whatever they chose could impact the camp's future—and his own standing within it.
"I have an idea," Leo said, breaking the silence. "We take only what we absolutely need, and we cover our tracks as best as we can. The rest we leave here as an emergency stash, in case we ever need it later. That way, we're not taking everything at once, and it might go unnoticed."
Raven nodded, her eyes shining with approval. "Smart. If the Grounders come back, they might not even realize we've been here."
Bellamy looked less enthusiastic but finally agreed. "Fine. But if they do come looking, we'll have to be ready for a fight."
With a plan in place, they took only the essentials—food, medicine, and a couple of weapons. They worked together to cover any traces of their presence, making sure the bunker appeared untouched. Leo's attention to detail, honed by both his system and his innate skills, proved invaluable in hiding their tracks.
As they made their way back to camp, Leo felt the faint thrill of success, his system rewarding him for his careful decision.
Quest Complete: Tactical Decision
Reward: +15 Intelligence, +20 Charisma
The increase in intelligence and charisma felt like a subtle sharpening of his senses, an ability to see connections and possibilities more clearly. It was as if the system were guiding him toward becoming a strategist—a role he hadn't anticipated but was beginning to embrace.
---
Back at camp, the supplies were met with excitement and relief. People gathered around, eyeing the food and medicine with gratitude. But as the crowd dispersed, Leo noticed Murphy, one of the more volatile members, watching him with a calculating gaze.
"Nice haul," Murphy muttered. "Didn't think you had it in you to take from the Grounders."
"It was a group decision," Leo replied evenly, not wanting to provoke Murphy. "We took only what we needed."
Murphy smirked, stepping closer. "You think the Grounders care about that? If they find out, they'll come for us—and guess who'll be the first to run?"
Leo held his ground, meeting Murphy's gaze without flinching. "We're all in this together, Murphy. If you're looking to survive, maybe try helping instead of pointing fingers."
Murphy's smirk faded, and he muttered something under his breath before walking away. Leo exhaled, realizing that his efforts to keep the peace weren't just about Grounders—they were about managing the fractures within their own group.
---
That night, Clarke approached Leo by the fire. "You handled Murphy well," she said softly, her expression thoughtful. "Not everyone can keep their cool around him."
Leo shrugged, glancing at the flickering flames. "He's just scared, like the rest of us. He just… shows it differently."
Clarke smiled, a hint of admiration in her eyes. "You have a way of seeing the best in people, even when they make it hard. We need that here."
Leo felt a warmth in his chest at her words. Clarke's approval meant more to him than he wanted to admit. He was starting to feel not just useful, but truly valued.
"Thanks, Clarke. I'm just trying to do what I can," he replied.
As the fire crackled, Leo felt a strange calm settle over him. Despite the constant dangers, the camp was starting to feel like home. And with allies like Clarke, Raven, and the others, he was beginning to believe they had a fighting chance.
[SYSTEM UPDATE]
Reputation with Clarke Griffin has increased.
Reputation with Camp Members has increased.
He glanced at the notification, a small smile on his face. The system was helping him grow, but it was his own choices and actions that truly mattered. With a renewed sense of purpose, he settled down by the fire, ready to face whatever challenges awaited them.