The hall was larger than the small houses scattered around it a patched up of random material went together a building of wood, metal sheets, and old world scraps. As Thomas, Sophie, and Pooch stepped inside, dozens of eyes followed them. People crowded the small roads outside some dirty and thin, some cleaner, some wearing better materials some lying weakly in corners some living in patched‑up homes. Inside the hall itself The wealth gap was obvious.
So was the fear, The heroes entered the hall at the far end stood the group from earlier the massive bald man, the woman with short hair and dark shades the other bald man puffing a cigar in the center, the shorter bald man with the confident smirk, stepped forward. "You can call us the Royal Family," The smaller bald one said.
"And I'm the King."Thomas and Sophie exchanged a glance the shorter man was clearly the one in charge. Thomas spoke first. "We're here to gather warriors. A war is coming one that decides all our fates." The King blew smoke and asked, "And what do we get out of it?" Thomas blinked. "We're fighting for the freedom for mankind." The King shrugged. "I understand. But what do I get at the end?" Thomas hesitated and thought. "What could I offer"?
He had no metals, no weapons, no resources. The King smirked. "Exactly. Nothing." Sophie stepped forward. "We don't have much. None of us do. We're not fighting for possessions we're fighting for a future."The King looked her up and down.
"Pretty lady like you shouldn't be fighting. You should be in my bed." Sophie's eyes flared with rage, ready to explode Thomas quickly covered her mouth. "King… please. Will you assist us?" The King paused, nodding slowly as if considering it.
Then he grinned."No." Thomas felt disappointment sink into his chest. Even in a ruined world, people still chose possesions. "This meeting is over," the King said.
"You can rest and eat for the day. But after that you leave." The heroes walked Outside, Sophie growled, "I should slap him." Thomas knew better than to disagree. "You're right." Robert appeared Robert was waiting outside.
"How was your meeting?" Thomas sighed. "We've got twenty‑four hours. Then we're out."Bill nodded sympathetically. "At least I can show you the best food in the new world." The heroes perked up at that. Robert led them to a small home.
Robert opened the door. "Marie, I'm home." An older woman turned from the stove, smiling warmly. "Welcome home, honey. Dinner's ready. "The aroma hit Thomas and Pooch instantly — both nearly drooled. Robert gestured. "I brought guests."Marie gasped softly. "Oh my… welcome, all of you."She hugged each of them even Pooch. Pooch froze, confused.
People usually avoided him, never mind hugged him."Sit, sit," Marie said. "You must be starving."They ate gratefully. Sophie asked, "Was this village always like this?" Robert smiled sadly. "No. It used to be equal. We shared everything skills, food, labor. A real community." Thomas frowned. "What happened?" Robert sighed.
"New leaders. They only look out for themselves. Now we have the very rich… and the very poor." Thomas nodded slowly. "Some time ago, I met a family here. John, Linda, and their son. I wonder what happened to them."Robert froze. His spoon dropped."You… you know John and Linda?" Thomas nodded. "Yes. I helped them once." Roberts eyes lit up.
"They're the founders of this village. They always said a man came to save them. You're that man." Thomas leaned forward. "Where are they now?" Robert lowered his voice. "Linda works in the King's house… as a servant. There Son was murdered by the king. The king claim that John son was stealing. But I know they will never steal not even if they were starving. The heroes gave a moment of silence and fury begin to build inside Thomas, Robert continued John… we think he's locked away. There's a small jail here. Enforcement is strict." Thomas clenched his jaw.
"Why are they being treated like that?" Sophie said Robert shook his head. "One day they were ruling. But after the King arived with his goons they killed there son and shortly campagined to overthrow John and Linda claiming there unfit to rule, Then one day John disappeared. Eventually Linda gave up her rights… and John was declared missing. Or dead." Sophie slammed her hand on the table.
"Let's go get them." Thomas nodded. "People will still hurt each other for power… even in a world like this." Robert leaned in. "What's the plan?" Thomas's eyes hardened."We're going to save them."