The camp's fire crackled as night descended, the embers casting faint shadows on the gathered faces. For the first time since their arrival, the surface dwellers and the Vanguard sat together in cautious camaraderie.
The successful mission had bought Tobi and his team a semblance of trust, but the atmosphere was far from relaxed.
Alfred stood at the center of the group, his arms crossed and his expression as hard as ever. Beside him, Agatha leaned on a crude walking stick, her sharp gaze studying the newcomers.
"Your actions at the plant proved you're not entirely incompetent," Alfred began, his voice carrying over the murmurs of the crowd.
"But surviving here isn't about one battle. It's about understanding the land, its dangers, and each other. If we're going to work together, we need more than just skill. We need trust."
