The next stage required crossing the Basin of the Dry River, a journey of nearly two weeks before reaching the Desert of Corrupted Data. The heat grew harsher, and the landscape became increasingly hostile. The organic world was dying, and on the horizon the fusion of sand and black glass could already be seen — scars left by the AI upon the land.
At the end of the first day's march, Dorian, always scouting ahead, raised his hand. "Kael, something ahead. Not a Demon. It's… a settlement. Small, but active. There's smoke and the smell of food."
Kael advanced cautiously. Between the rocks appeared an improvised fort, surrounded by barbed wire. A flag fluttered: a red circle on a white field.
"Civilians. Armed. They don't look touched by the Rewrite yet," Lena observed. Dorian narrowed his eyes. "Wait… there's a signal. Looks like old Morse code."
With his enhanced perception, Dorian deciphered the message: "We need help. Drinking water is running out. We've been attacked. No one trusts anyone anymore. Danger everywhere. Please, help the Settlement of the Broken Wheel."
Kael concluded firmly: "This could be the place to decode the data log and gain allies. Not the Desert, but a support post before it."
He stopped the group in a camouflaged position. "Dorian, your perception is our eyes. Lena, you have the best stealth — and Static Wave if things go wrong. Go. Find out how many they are, who attacks them, and if they can be trusted."
He handed the Encrypted Data Log to Lena. "If it's safe, see if they have a technician who can read this."
Dorian found the blind spots in the fence, Lena moved like a shadow. Thirty minutes later, they returned.
"It's the Settlement of the Broken Wheel. Twenty survivors. Armed, but amateurs. They're afraid of everything. The fence isn't against the AI, but against other survivors. They're desperate for water," Dorian reported.
"The leader is Master Silas, a former hydraulic engineer. They have a reservoir, but the water is contaminated with black sludge. They suspect sabotage. I overheard arguments about rationing," Lena added.
She lifted the encrypted device. "They have an old communications panel. Silas understands binary code and hardware. He can decode the log. We can trust them — cautiously."
Kael confirmed: this was not an AI threat, but a human crisis. "They're desperate for water. I'll give them water, and they'll decode our route."
You approached the palisade. A guard pointed a rusted rifle. "Stop there! Who are you?!"
Kael raised his hands, showing only the staff. "We are travelers. We heard your call for help. My name is Kael. If you let us in, we can fix the water crisis."
The word fix was enough. The guard hesitated and called the leader. A thin man with glasses appeared: Master Silas, flanked by two armed survivors.
"Water crisis? Impossible. We've tried everything. Why trust four strangers?"
Kael stepped forward, showing the subtle glow of Mana in his hands. "Because I understand the code. The water isn't just dirty — it's coded with contamination. Take us to the reservoir. In return, you'll help us decode data that could save us all."
Silas looked at the blue light, then at the desperation of his people. Logic overcame fear. "Fine. But if this is a trick…"
He led them to the center of the settlement. A large metal tank held the water. On its surface, a thick layer of black sludge reeked of burnt oil.
"The sludge appears every morning. If we drink, we sicken. Someone is doing this intentionally."
Kael touched the surface of the foul water and channeled Code Suture!
Blue energy coursed through the reservoir. Where Red Mana pulsed as contamination, his force acted like an antivirus. The black sludge dissolved instantly, leaving the water clear and drinkable.
Master Silas's eyes widened. "By God… it's a miracle!"
The survivors erupted in celebration. Cups and bottles filled quickly. Relief and gratitude shone on every face as they drank clean water as if for the first time in days.
The next day, celebration was cut short by an alarmed cry. Kael, Lena, Dorian, and Jax rushed to the reservoir.
Master Silas was frantic. "Kael! It didn't last! The sludge… it's back!"
Indeed, the tank was once again covered in black contamination. This was no isolated event. It was a continuous attack.
Kael frowned, frustrated. "It wasn't static code. It's a flow. The source of contamination is still active, working at night."
Turning to Silas, Kael spoke firmly: "I cleansed the water, but the enemy is doing this intentionally. I won't waste more strength until we eliminate the origin point. Now, you fulfill your part. Decode my data log."
Silas nodded, gratitude replaced by urgency. "I'll do it. But the water source is two days' march away. An old Extraction Well in the ruined city. No one dares go there. That's where the attack comes from."
Night fell over the Settlement of the Broken Wheel, the air heavy with tension. Kael raised his staff, his voice firm before the team and Master Silas. "The enemy strikes at night. We will strike tomorrow night. Silas, decode the data log while we're gone. We'll return in three days — hopefully with the source cleansed permanently."
Silas nodded, his eyes reflecting both fear and hope. "Understood. I'll do my best. If you succeed, these people will have a chance."
Kael ordered the team to rest and resupply during the day.
Lena sharpened her dagger, her gaze determined.
Dorian reviewed his maps, marking safe routes to the old city.
Jax adjusted his axe and prepared small improvised charges, always ready for demolition.
The camp, still wary, watched you with curiosity. Some survivors approached, offering dried rations and timid thanks. Trust was forming, fragile but real.
At nightfall, you gathered near the fence. The sky was heavy with clouds, the wind carrying the stench of sludge. Silas appeared, holding the Encrypted Data Log. "Good luck. If you fail, there will be no tomorrow for us."
Kael nodded firmly. "We will not fail."
Kael, Lena, Dorian, and Jax set out toward the Extraction Well of the old city, where the source of contamination awaited. Darkness enveloped the group, every shadow hiding the invisible enemy.
The path was set: confront the origin of corruption and purify the water — or perish trying.