Even after Claire’s words, the newcomers couldn’t relax.

Their eyes kept shifting back to the cloaked Sentinels, the faint light coming from the metal beneath their hoods was just impossible to ignore.

Henry couldn’t help but feel a little uneasy...

’She says they’re under control... but how long until the A.I. takes them back? Machines don’t stay loyal. Not in this world.

Nadia’s grip on her pack didn’t ease.

’Survivor Gear or not, those faces are still cold steel. If they’re truly controlled, then this shelter has technology far beyond anything we’ve seen. But if it’s a trick... we’ve walked straight into the lion’s den.’

As expected, they were all still skeptical about the situation.

However, there was still a part of them, hoping that what Claire said was true!

Enzo nodded at Claire to acknowledge her words before he studied the artillery once again.

’That cannon... I’ve only seen weapons like that in the hands of the A.I. Army. If they’ve reprogrammed Sentinels and turned their war machines against the rebellion, then this place is powerful. But if it’s already compromised, we’re nothing but fodder.’

The rest of the group whispered nervously.

Some clutched their children tighter, and others glanced at the gate as it slowly closed behind them.

Thud!

The sound of grinding metal was like a prison door slamming shut.

Henry, Nadia, and Enzo couldn’t help but feel nervous. The three of them were only Level 20 after all. They were also leading a group of people, and they were worried that they had brought these people straight to their doom.

The tension was suffocating. The group stood frozen, caught between hope and terror.

Claire noticed it all...

They still had pale faces and stiff posture even after explaining the situation... The way their eyes lingered on the Sentinels was as if they were expecting them to strike at any moment.

She sighed softly, then stepped closer... This time, her tone was firm but reassuring.

"I know what you’re thinking," she said. "You’ve seen machines tear shelters apart. You’ve seen Sentinels slaughter humans. But here, they’re different. We reprogrammed them. They wear our gear, they fight for us. They’re not disguises or any sort of traps. They’re weapons we’ve taken back. If you’ve seen the Nano Circuit Board and other items looted from them, you should know about this Circuit Board. "

Her words were clear, but the fear didn’t vanish instantly.

Henry, Nadia, and Enzo exchanged glances. They were still wary, but if they wanted to help the group, they had to be the first people to adjust.

In any case, they just checked the Leaderboard, and it was indeed Claire who had reached Rank 5. The only concern now was whether she was the real one or not.

Henry exhaled slowly, lowering his hand from his rifle. Nadia’s grip eased just a little. Enzo also accepted that Claire might be speaking the truth.

Thud!

The gate shut fully behind them, and just like that, they had no other choice but to accept their fate.

***

The newcomers were quickly ushered into New Haven‑45.

The medic checked them one by one, examining wounds, bruises, and signs of malnutrition. Some of the children were pale and dehydrated, so IV kits from Shane’s Superior Medical Gift Pack were prepared immediately.

The chef also worked just as quickly, boiling water, opening packs, and serving simple meals to ease their hunger. The smell of warm broth and protein concentrate filled the air, and the survivors ate with trembling hands, grateful for even the smallest comfort.

Kai watched from a distance...

Twenty‑two more mouths to feed, twenty‑two more bodies to shelter.

The current space inside New Haven‑45 was already tight. Adding this many people would strain their resources and morale.

But Kai had already thought of a solution...

[ Shelter Gift Pack (Superior) Contents: modular survival pod, weatherproof clothing set, perimeter alarm system set, portable air filtration device, calming incense set, and sleeping bag. ]

After triggering the system, Kai summoned several Shelter Gift Packs.

Soon, Wallace was ordered to distribute them once the newcomers had eaten.

Weatherproof clothing was handed out first... They were thick jackets, durable boots, and layered garments that replaced their ragged, torn clothes.

The survivors changed quickly after washing themselves. They basically shed the filth of weeks on the road.

Next came the modular survival pods. Wallace and a team of locals carried the crates outside the main building, where there was open ground.

Each pod was compact when stored, but once unfolded, it expanded into a sturdy frame with insulated panels. The survivors gathered around, watching nervously at first, then with growing amazement as the pods took shape.

The assembly wasn’t instant.

Wallace directed them step by step... locking the panels into place, securing the supports, and attaching the portable air filtration units as well.

Some of the newcomers joined in, tightening bolts and lifting sections into position.

Soon, the pods clicked together, forming small but secure living spaces. 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

Children peeked inside, their eyes wide at the sight of clean sleeping bags laid out on the floor. The calming incense was also lit nearby, its faint aroma easing the tension in the air.

Without a doubt, the survivors felt they had a place to rest without fear of Sentinels storming through the night.

Kai also summoned several Food Gift Packs.

[ Food Gift Pack (Superior) Contents: dehydrated meal packs, protein concentrate packs, hydroponic starter kit, fruit juice packs, portable cooking stove with extra fuel. ]

Wallace distributed fruit juice packs to the children, while the adults received their extra dehydrated meals and protein concentrates. Portable stoves were set up near the pods since they couldn’t just rely on the shelter’s chef to eat all the time...

They must learn how to gather food and eat by themselves.

Anyway, the hydroponic starter kits included within the pack were stored for later, to be planted once the group had settled.

Kai observed them quietly.

He also had Status Crystals ready to check their stats, but he decided not to rush. It was their first day inside New Haven‑45, and forcing them into tests would only heighten their anxiety. He would meet everyone else tomorrow, once they had rested and adjusted...

However, as Kai wanted to return to Victor’s workshop, he noticed Claire rushing at him like there was a huge problem!