Brady and Caleb were on high alert as they made their way back to the workshop from another scavenging trip. The weight of the supplies strapped to their backs was nothing compared to the tension that gripped them. Patrol activity had increased significantly over the past few days, and the Periclusapiens seemed to be closing in on their territory.
As they passed through a narrow alley, the sound of faint buzzing reached Brady's ears. He froze, signaling Caleb to stop. The noise grew louder, accompanied by the faint hum of energy. They crouched behind a pile of debris, peeking out cautiously.
What they saw sent a chill down their spines.
In the middle of the clearing stood a man, no older than twenty-seven, commanding a swarm of metallic drones. The small, insect-like machines darted through the air, each one bristling with weaponry. Sparks of electric energy crackled from their sleek bodies as they hovered in perfect synchronization around him.
---
The man's presence was commanding. His sharp features and piercing eyes suggested he was no stranger to conflict. He wore a mix of scavenged armor and a military-grade vest, the scars on his arms and face telling stories of battles long fought.
But it wasn't just his appearance that unnerved them—it was the artifact he carried. Strapped to his forearm was a Rank 5 offensive artifact known as the Steel Hive. Brady's eyes widened in recognition as he watched the artifact's drones respond to the man's every command, forming defensive patterns and simulated attacks.
"That thing's a monster," Caleb whispered, his voice low.
Brady nodded, his hands instinctively moving to his electric batons. "We can't let him see us," he whispered back. "We're no match for something like that."
---
Before they could retreat, the man turned sharply, his eyes locking onto their hiding spot. The drones swarmed toward them in an instant, crackling with electric energy.
"Come out," the man commanded, his voice calm but firm.
Brady and Caleb stepped out cautiously, their hands raised to show they weren't a threat.
The man studied them, his expression unreadable. "Scavengers?" he asked.
Brady hesitated before nodding. "We're just passing through. We don't want any trouble."
The man smirked. "You're already in trouble. The Periclusapiens have a patrol heading this way."
---
Brady's heart sank. "How do you know that?"
The man tapped the Steel Hive on his forearm. "These little guys are good for more than just fighting. I intercepted their signals earlier."
Caleb, ever observant, stepped forward. His eyes studied the artifact intently. "Impressive piece of tech," he said. "But I'm guessing it's not without its flaws."
The man raised an eyebrow. "And what would you know about it?"
Caleb crossed his arms. "I know a lot. Like how something that powerful must consume a ridiculous amount of energy. You've got maybe five minutes of use before it's completely drained, don't you?"
---
The man's expression hardened, and the drones bristled with energy. Brady quickly stepped between them. "Hey, hey, let's all calm down," he said, his hands raised.
The man's glare shifted between them before he finally sighed. With a flick of his wrist, the drones retreated, returning to their dormant state around the Steel Hive.
"You're not wrong," he admitted reluctantly. "It does burn through energy fast. But it's kept me alive this long."
Brady exhaled in relief. "Look, we're just trying to survive. Same as you. Maybe we can help each other."
---
The man tilted his head, intrigued. "Help each other? How?"
Caleb stepped forward. "We've got a supply of energy cells and food. Not much, but enough to keep that thing running longer. In exchange, you help us defend our workshop."
The man considered this for a moment. "You're offering me shelter and resources in exchange for protection?"
Brady nodded. "Exactly. Your artifact is leagues beyond anything we have. With you on our side, we'd stand a better chance against the patrols."
---
After a long pause, the man extended a hand. "Name's Jason. Former army vet. Guess I'll take you up on that deal."
Brady shook his hand firmly. "Brady. And this is Caleb."
"Let's get moving," Caleb said, glancing toward the horizon. "If there's a patrol nearby, we don't have much time."
The three of them made their way back to the workshop, Jason's drones buzzing quietly around him as they moved.
---
Once inside, Jason inspected the workshop with an approving nod. "Nice setup," he said. "You guys actually managed to find a forcefield barrier?"
"Rank 4," Caleb said proudly. "It's what's kept us alive so far."
Jason smirked. "Well, now you've got me. That barrier's great, but paired with the Steel Hive, we can hold our ground against anything short of a full assault."
Brady frowned. "Let's hope it doesn't come to that."
---
Over the next few days, Jason settled into the workshop. Despite his rough exterior, he quickly proved to be a valuable ally. His military training and combat experience filled a gap that neither Brady nor Caleb could match.
Jason took charge of planning defenses, organizing patrols, and training Brady in hand-to-hand combat. "You've got good instincts," Jason said during one sparring session, dodging a strike from Brady's baton. "But you're too hesitant. Trust your weapon and commit to your attacks."
Brady nodded, gritting his teeth as he swung again.
---
Caleb, meanwhile, focused on optimizing the Steel Hive's energy consumption. With Brady's scavenged energy cells and some minor modifications, he managed to extend its runtime by several minutes—a small but significant improvement.
"This thing is a marvel," Caleb admitted as he worked. "Whoever designed it knew what they were doing."
Jason leaned against the wall, watching him work. "Stole it from a Periclusapiens lab," he said casually. "Wasn't easy, but it was worth it."
---
Brady looked up from cleaning his batons. "You went into one of their labs? How did you even survive?"
Jason smirked. "A lot of planning. A little luck. And a whole lot of firepower."
The room fell silent as the weight of Jason's words sank in. He was clearly no ordinary survivor.
---
That evening, as they sat around the small fire in the workshop, the faint hum of a patrol unit reached their ears. Jason was the first to react, his drones snapping to life in an instant.
"Stay inside," he ordered, grabbing his rifle.
Brady and Caleb exchanged a nervous glance but did as they were told. From the safety of the workshop, they watched as Jason stepped outside, the Steel Hive whirring with energy.
---
The patrol unit entered the clearing, its glowing visors scanning for movement. Jason moved like a predator, using the shadows to his advantage. His drones struck first, firing bolts of electric energy that disrupted the unit's formation.
One of the aliens managed to fire back, but Jason's precise movements kept him just out of harm's way. Within minutes, the patrol was neutralized, and Jason returned to the workshop unscathed.
---
Brady stared at him in awe. "That was incredible."
Jason shrugged. "Just doing my part."
Caleb smirked. "With you around, maybe we actually have a chance."
For the first time in months, Brady felt a glimmer of hope. Together, they might just survive this apocalypse after all.
---