Kai and the other four quickly suspected why the Sentinels had appeared. Supposedly, they still had two more days under the Beginner Protection Zone.
But when they had followed the Guard’s instructions to observe the Sentinel and the Transporter that dumped garbage, the system notified them that their protection was gone.
That protection had likely been the only thing keeping the Sentinels from exploring further or lurking near the shelter. Without it, the machines were free to patrol the garbage fields above since their presence was no longer being restricted.
The resource gatherer spoke nervously as he explained what he had seen.
"They weren’t alone. There was something new... four-legged, moving like a beast! It looked like a wolf!"
Russel’s eyes widened in shock. "A Hound?! Why are beastframes here?! They’ve never checked this area before."
Kai had never heard about the Hound or the Beastframes at all. However, that was not important right now.
Claire clenched her fists as she immediately realized that this was dangerous. "If they find the shelter..."
Victor finished grimly, "...we’re done."
Kai frowned as he turned to the man. "Don’t panic. We need details. Did they see you?"
The gatherer shook his head quickly. "No. I stayed hidden. But... there’s another scavenger outside. He’s too far from the tunnel and couldn’t escape in time. He’s still hiding, but he might be detected soon."
The chamber grew tense. They already had very few people in the shelter, and losing another one would be devastating. Worse, if the scavenger panicked and tried to escape through a tunnel, the Hounds might discover the entrance.
That would expose Haven‑45 itself.
Still, the appearance of the new type didn’t seem like a coincidence.
Kai thought back to the guard from earlier, the one who had tried to kill them and abduct Claire.
They had killed him instead.
However, the Sentinel had discovered the body and severed its head. During that time, they had seen the Sentinel collect the head and store it in the Transporter.
It seemed the Sentinel hadn’t taken it merely for disposal.
Kai didn’t know why, but he guessed it was connected. He immediately mentioned it to Russel, with Claire and the others filling in the details.
Russel frowned deeply as he pieced it together.
"I see... The head was taken to their base. They use it to confirm how long it’s been since death. Sentinels themselves only have basic functions like combat, patrol, and simple tasks. They don’t have advanced sensors for temperature or stealth movements like the Swarmers. Their base must have realized that the man died only recently."
"So they have that kind of limitation," Wallace muttered.
"That’s crucial information. We should really sit down next time and talk more about the A.I. Army," Ralph added, knowing that their lack of knowledge was a dangerous weakness.
Russel nodded grimly.
Then Augustine spoke, with a heavy tone. "But those beastframes... especially the Hounds. They have sensors, but not as strong as the Swarmers or the Seeker, though still dangerous. If we compare it to those two, the Hounds only have Mid-level detectors. As long as we stay here, we might remain undetected. But for the man outside..."
Silence fell over the chamber. Everyone understood the implication.
The scavenger outside would almost certainly be killed. Worse, if he tried to flee through a tunnel, the Hounds would trace him back, and Haven‑45 would be exposed.
Russel looked at Kai and the others. "Right now, no one should go outside. We must close every tunnel leading to the surface and stay underground. If the Hounds catch a trace of us, Haven‑45 will be finished."
Kai agreed immediately. He looked at his group and then at Russel and Augustine. "We need to prepare just in case. If those Hounds are trackers, they might find us sooner or later. We can’t wait until they’re at our door."
Wallace gripped his hatchet tightly. "Are we considering hitting them first?"
Kai shook his head. "Not yet. It’s too dangerous. Even if we eliminate them, there might be more reinforcements coming for us. We need information before we act."
***
The decision was made quickly. Everyone moved to secure the shelter. Heavy doors were shut one by one. Smaller tunnels were sealed, leaving only the ventilation shafts open to keep the underground air breathable.
As for the scavenger outside... There was nothing they could do.
They were too weak right now, only just beginning their journey in Haven‑45. Taking risks against Sentinels and Hounds would be suicide.
Kai helplessly smiled.
’If he survives... if he gets lucky and makes it back. I’ll make sure he never has to risk his life outside again. If he wants safe tasks, I can give them to him.’
Once the doors were secured, everyone returned to their duties.
The sanitation crew moved quickly, dragging the five corpses, the three leaders, and their two guards, toward the boiler room.
The advanced incinerator would turn them into fuel. Their bodies would soon be reduced to nothing but heat for the shelter. It was grim, but necessary.
Meanwhile, Kai and the others continued learning more about Haven‑45.
They discovered that the Elder, the one who had originally granted Keagan, Julian, and Damon authority over the gold liquid, was still alive. He was said to be extremely old, frail, and rarely seen. No one had introduced him yet since he was in the lowest chamber.
For now, though, there were no attacks even after an hour passed.
No Sentinels, no Hounds knocking at their doors.
Still, no one dared to investigate the situation outside.
"Alright... Let’s leave it at that..." Kai muttered as he led the other four to the leader’s chamber.
Soon, the vault was opened once more, and the golden glow of the remaining vials illuminated their faces.
It was time.
Together, they prepared to consume the Alpha Gene Enhancement Serum!