The dawn of the second day at Lewis's base brought little reprieve. The camp's defenses creaked under the weight of its precarious existence, and the air was heavy with a mixture of dread and determination.
Tobi woke to the sound of distant snarls, muted but persistent, a constant reminder of the dangers lurking beyond the base's fragile barricades.
Matilda called for a morning assembly, her voice sharp and unyielding.
"Today marks a turning point," she began, standing atop a makeshift platform constructed from salvaged metal.
Her figure, clad in Vanguard armor, was a symbol of resolve amidst the crumbling backdrop.
"We're not here to survive. We're here to reclaim, to rebuild, and to push back against the chaos."
The recruits, Tobi included, stood in silence. The weight of her words pressed against their shoulders.
He glanced at Moritaka, who nodded subtly, his usual arrogance tempered by the gravity of their mission.
