"He wants to see us?" Claire frowned.
"Is it for revenge?" Victor asked.
Kai was curious too. Russel had already told them about the Elder, but they had never seen him. Since arriving at Haven‑45, the old man had remained hidden in the lowest chamber, sustained only by dextrose drips, medical devices, and the constant care of attendants.
"Hmm… We killed his three sons, Keagan, Julian, and Damon… so it's not surprising that he wants to meet us," Ralph muttered.
Now that he was Level 4, he felt a lot more confident. He didn't really mind going together to meet the mysterious Elder.
"Well, maybe he didn't know his sons had hoarded the golden liquid, feeding only themselves and their chosen allies. Their arrogance left the shelter weak… They were even brave enough to order that guard to harm us. It's messed up." Claire muttered.
Kai shook his head and turned directly to Dustin.
"Is he mad? Do you know why he's calling for us?"
Dustin paused for a moment, recalling the Elder's reaction.
"I think… he's sad, but not angry. Maybe he just wants to see you and understand why things happened the way they did."
"Do you think it's a trap?" Wallace asked softly.
Claire shot him a sharp look. "He's already old. Russel said he couldn't even move anymore. This shelter was built under his command… maybe we can learn something from him."
"Hmph… you're too optimistic, Claire. Don't underestimate that old man. He's been alive for a long time. He must have consumed a lot of those Gene Enhancement Serums," Ralph said.
Kai agreed. Perhaps the Elder was the one who had consumed most of the Serum, and maybe he had even obtained a Gene Skill. They couldn't afford to be complacent.
The Elder is weak, but not powerless. If he still has loyalists, this meeting could be dangerous. Or… it could be the chance to secure Haven‑45 completely.
Victor shifted uneasily after Ralph's words. He hadn't considered that angle before.
"Do we really have to go? He might just curse us for killing his sons. I don't feel comfortable meeting him. It's too suspicious."
Kai didn't rush this matter. Instead, he asked Russel, who had been listening to them silently all this time.
"Tell me about the chamber. Where exactly is the Elder kept?"
Russel nodded and explained. "It's the lowest chamber, past the storage hall and the medical wing. The room was previously a storage room and was quite narrow. Only one entrance, and he has three or four carers. He just lies in bed, surrounded by medical devices. There's no other way in or out."
Kai nodded slowly. He was already mapping the situation in his mind.
Russel certainly knew what he wanted to know.
'One entrance. Narrow space. Easy to defend… but also easy to trap.'
"Russel, Augustine… Call your trusted friends. Have them guard the door for now until we go down. No one enters or leaves without our say. I'll equip you all with hatchets at the very least."
Russel gave a nod, while Augustine immediately moved to gather the men.
Kai then outlined the plan to the others. "Claire and I will face the Elder directly. I just got a Gene Skill that enhances my senses, so it will keep me alert."
"Me? A-alright… I guess that makes sense." Claire muttered.
She also realized that with her Physical Strength Talent, she should be strong enough to carry Kai away if necessary.
"Ralph, you'll stay at a distance... Wallace and Victor, you'll stay with him. If anything happens, you three provide cover fire."
Ralph, with his Sharpshooter's Focus Talent, knew that he just had to have a clear view of the target, so he liked this idea and nodded.
"Got it. If the old man tries anything, he won't even get the chance."
Wallace and Victor also agreed with this plan.
Kai smiled. He was probably overthinking this matter, but since they were about to meet someone who had possibly consumed more Gene Enhancement Serums than them, he had to be cautious.
"With this setup, even if the Elder has bad intentions, we can fight back or retreat. The risk is still there, but it should give us some assurance."
The group agreed.
Still, Kai didn't push them to move immediately. They had just survived the Sentinel attack, and exhaustion weighed on everyone.
"Rest first," Kai ordered. "We'll go when we're ready."
Soon, the kitchen crew was already preparing water, and after a few moments, steaming cups of tea were placed before them. The tea, a simple but comforting blend, was from the Food Gift Packs.
For a brief moment, the group sat together in silence, sipping slowly, letting the warmth settle in their bodies.
Only after this pause did Kai rise to his feet. "Alright. Let's go."
With Russel and Augustine's men stationed at the chamber entrance, hatchets in hand, and the five leaders in formation, they finally descended into the lowest part of Haven‑45.
The air grew colder as they moved deeper… Soon, the sound of the medical devices became faintly audible even before they reached the Elder's room.
At last, they stood before the Elder's door.
Russel and a few others already waited there.
"The Elder is inside. He's waiting for you all."
Kai glanced at his companions, then stepped forward. "Let's see what this old man has to say."
The door creaked open, and the warm air of the chamber swept out.
On the bed lay the Elder, who seemed frail and motionless. There were only tubes and wires keeping his body alive. For a moment, he seemed barely conscious.
However, his eyes snapped open, and they were glowing with a strange light.
Gene Skill!
The group froze as the Elder's gaze locked onto them!