Daniel crouched in the hatch, watching the drone's feed flicker across the panel. Raiders were still searching, moving cautiously through the streets. Every shadow could hide a threat.
The AI's voice spoke quietly. "Operator, choices required. Risk assessment: high."
Daniel swallowed hard. The city was dangerous, and the raiders wouldn't leave. He could stay hidden, wait for them to move on—but that wouldn't solve anything. Or he could use the AI, risk exposure, and try to gain an advantage.
He studied the drone's feed and the holographic map. A path through the ruins led to what the AI called a "restricted energy site." Unknown, possibly dangerous—but a potential source of resources, maybe even answers.
Daniel's hand hovered over the control panel. "AI… can we use the drone to scout the energy site?"
"Affirmative. Risk: high. Unknown variables detected. Operator decision required."
Daniel clenched his jaw. He thought of the city, the isolation, the future. Survival wasn't just about scavenging—it was about taking calculated risks. And if the AI was the key to understanding Aridia… he couldn't ignore it.
He tapped the command. The drone's engines hummed softly as it lifted and glided toward the unknown. Daniel's pulse thundered in his chest.
Whatever lay ahead, the rules of survival had changed. And now, the first true test had begun.