they circled him slowly.
Kai kept 1–2 metres away — not because she was scared… but because she didn't trust her powers yet.
they had been flaring without warning.
Alva kept the blade angled down but ready.
Kai spoke first.
> "name."
the boy exhaled like he'd been holding that breath for days.
> "Nox."
Kai blinked once.
short. sharp. clean.
> "how long have you been using this place?" she asked.
Nox looked around the crates — almost protective.
> "since day 2 after the outbreak. scavengers come here sometimes, but they stick to the lower floors. they don't know this upper wing exists. it's not on the map."
Kai exchanged a quick look with Alva.
not on the map — meant classified.
Kai stepped closer one slow step.
that pressure wave inside her chest lifted again — like gravity was tightening.
Nox saw her flinch.
his eyes widened, not with fear… but recognition.
> "it's happening to you too," he whispered.
Kai's jaw locked.
> "what do you mean— 'too'?" she said sharply.
Nox raised both palms in surrender.
> "I've seen it in others. rare. they call it 'resonance'."
Kai stopped breathing for a second.
so there were others like her.
Nox continued:
> "this wing wasn't meant for supplies originally. it was a prep vault. designed for people who would awaken. the real stockpile is in the inner vault behind that back wall."
Kai turned — her eyes landed on a steel panel behind crates, seamless, no handles.
Alva's brows pulled together.
> "why tell us this?" he asked.
Nox licked dry lips.
> "because I can't open it alone. it needs 2 or more resonant signatures to unlock. I only have a minor one. I can shift density a little. that's all."
Kai looked at her right hand — sparks of light crackled inside her fingers like static.
this was her first time meeting someone who wasn't shocked by her power.
Nox's voice softened.
> "Kai… if you open that vault — the scavengers will smell it. they track noise and vibration. if they get here first—"
BANG
a sudden thud echoed deep from the lower floors.
metal.
heavy metal.
Kai snapped her head to Alva.
they all knew what that sound meant instantly.
scavenger pack — they were in the building.
Nox went pale.
> "they always travel in groups of 7–12. if they heard that vault rumble even once— they're coming up."
Kai gripped her crowbar tight.
her skin pulsed — light flickering under it like lightning under water.
she inhaled.
steady.
and when she spoke — there was no fear in her voice:
> "then we open it now."