The cracked highway stretched ahead like a wound across the land. Asphalt split in jagged lines, weeds curling stubbornly through the gaps, trees clawing at abandoned cars, and rusting street signs swaying in the faint wind. The silence was suffocating, broken only by the low hum of Abhi's pickup and the occasional cry of scavenging animals. The world had shifted—forests had begun reclaiming cities, rivers ran unchecked, and the sudden vanishing of eighty percent of humanity had left ruins steeped in eerie calm.
Kriti leaned forward, squinting at the faint glow of lights in the distance. "Abhi… are those… people?"
Abhi's hand brushed the carbon-fiber katana strapped to his waist, his gaze narrowing. "Looks like a settlement… ."
RV, perched in the backseat, voice barely a whisper, said, "Humans? Alive… after all that madness that we saw?"
Abhi let out a humorless laugh. "Apparently. They all must have gained powers just like you two."
"Still its good to finally see other people," Kriti let out a sigh.
They all felt an awkward relief as if knowing there are other survivors brought a sense of calm but Abhi felt tightness in his chest. It felt unnerving, powers and humans don't tread well together. His gamer instincts were firing off. Maybe he was overthinking this but with all the pop culture around he got skeptical.
As they approached, the settlement slowly came into view—a cluster of patched buildings, streets barricaded with scavenged vehicles, and lanterns casting a soft amber glow across the gates. The perimeter hummed with quiet authority, guards in mismatched armor and wielding assorted powers scanning the surroundings. The entire place felt alive, a fragile island of order in a chaotic world.
From the center of the gates emerged a tall man with calm authority—Rivan, mid-thirties, the leader of this settlement. He exuded a presence that commanded attention without raising his voice. Around him shimmered a faint outline—a space barrier, translucent but sturdy. With subtle gestures, he could shift it like a movable wall, direct it to block attacks, or use it to funnel adversaries. Even standing still, the aura of control radiated from him, a silent declaration of power tempered with wisdom.
"Names first," Rivan said, voice steady, carrying the weight of someone who had seen enough in his life. "Then explain why you are here."
Kriti and RV spoke hurriedly, recounting the journey from Germany's failed experiment to their current mission, detailing the dangers they had faced and the goal to reach Germany for answers. Abhi remained silent until the end. "We're traveling to Germany," he said evenly. "Need supplies, information, and a place to rest for the night."
Rivan's eyes lingered on Abhi, noting the katana at his waist and the quiet intensity in his posture. "You've seen things," he said, a statement, not a question.
"Yes," Abhi replied. "And survived."
"Well, Welcome to Safe Haven." Rivan patted on Abhi's Shoulder
"Quite the original name I must say." Abhi remarked
Rivan felt that in his gut but still guided them in the settlement. A settlement, something that Abhi didn't even consider a possibility but was now in front of him.
Rivan continued "So, Abhi judging by your looks you have been travelling for a while now."
"Yes, it was difficult but the journey is far from over." Abhi answered looking around the settlement.
"You can rest easy, we have everything here." Rivan showed them around.
"I don't plan on stopping."
"You really believe Gremory has all the answers you need?"
"Maybe, maybe not, either way we are just passing by."
"All these people have found a new home here, maybe you can too." Rivan swaying his hand across.
"We don't need it. I want my world back."
"Its good to cling onto hope but the reality is different. I hope you find the answers you are looking for. And you are welcome to stay as long as you want."
"Thanks." Abhi replied cold
Rivan took them around the entire settlement and finally arrived at a small shelter.
"You guys can get comfortable. I will see you tomorrow morning."
RV and Kriti quickly opened the door to enter and their eyes shimmered with joy. Having a nice and cozy place in this world felt unreal. Abhi smirked, almost a laugh, for him their joy meant more, especially after everything they had been through.
"You might want to reconsider your journey." Rivan whispered instantly judging Abhi's expression. "For them"
Rivan gave a gentle pat and left.
In the shadows, Srikant or as everyone called him SK observed. Mid-thirties, loyal to Rivan but calculating and shrewd, he watched Abhi with a mix of curiosity and unease. The young man's demeanor drew SK's attention—an anomaly in a world where now ability defined authority. What are his powers… can he be controlled, or is he a threat? SK mused silently, already planning contingencies. He saw him differently.
Inside Safe Haven, life had adapted with remarkable precision. Streets were patrolled by powered humans and armed volunteers, gardens were cultivated in neat plots, and scavenged warehouses had been converted into storage and workshops. The hum of coordinated activity filled the air: teams practiced combat and elemental control, while others maintained the barricades and defenses. Children with flickering powers darted between tents, their laughter echoing through the camp—a fragile but real reminder of life persisting.
Abhi observed the rhythm: the settlement was a living organism, with Rivan as its invisible hand. Patrols responded instantly to any disturbance, barriers flickered into position to contain threats or protect citizens, and citizens themselves moved with disciplined efficiency. Every structure, every position, every action was part of a grand design. Here, even random abilities had a purpose, channeled and synchronized under Rivan's direction.
Abhi immediately set about training K and RV. K struggled to maintain control over her telekinesis, often sending debris flying beyond her intent. RV's fireballs erupted unpredictably, scorching walls and startling other settlement members.
Abhi's voice cut through the chaos, sharp and precise. "RV! One fireball at a time! Don't be in such a rush to attack. Breath, aim it, don't let it flow randomly. K, focus—funnel, don't scatter! Think like a raid, move as a unit, coordinate, and control your environment! Easier said than done but understand the object before moving it. Focus on the task that you want to perform. Let the energy guide it."
Even as they trained, Rivan moved subtly among the trainees. His barriers shifted, redirecting stray fireballs, shielding structures, and guiding debris safely to the ground. His movements were fluid, protective, and nearly invisible—like a conductor orchestrating a symphony of chaos and order.
SK lingered at the edges, silent but observant. Every command Abhi gave, every precise movement, contrasted sharply with his lack of use of powers. And yet, he was the only one orchestrating the group effectively. SK's unease deepened.
Abhi felt it—the weight of being powerless among those with extraordinary abilities. Everyone else has powers… and all I have is my knowledge and skills. That has to be enough or else.
By morning, Rivan gathered the powered humans for the first supply raid beyond Safe Haven. Abhi, K, and RV joined the team: a dozen settlers with a variety of random abilities—some could manipulate gravity, others summon stone walls temporarily, and someone could teleport short distances.
Rivan's presence dominated the operation. With a subtle hand gesture, barriers rose and shifted to block potential ambush points. He could isolate threats, protect the team, and direct movement without a single spoken word. Abhi, meanwhile, instantly became the tactical hub, coordinating abilities, directing movements, and ensuring the team worked as one.
The pickup rolled along the cracked highway toward a warehouse rumored to contain critical supplies. Cracked asphalt, abandoned vehicles, and overgrown weeds bore silent witness to the vanished population. Every shadow, every rustle hinted at danger.
As they neared the warehouse, shadows darted between crates. Green-skinned goblins emerged, jagged blades in hand, moving in coordinated packs.
Abhi barked orders. "RV, fireball left flank! K, funnel centre! Others, split right! Rivan, block their advance and push them into controlled zones!"
Rivan's barriers materialized with precision, corralling the goblins while protecting the team. Fireballs streaked, debris flew under telekinesis, and Abhi's katana sliced through any goblin that slipped past their defenses. Every move was synchronized, every attack predicted and countered. Within minutes, the warehouse was cleared. The tactical control that Abhi had impressed Rivan. While controlling the barriers he kept his gaze at Abhi. A successful raid indeed.
The team began their return when trees around them erupted with motion. Towering, horned orc-like creatures emerged, brandishing massive weapons. They fought with strategy, attempting to outflank and isolate the group. Unlike their earlier encounters these creatures were intelligent and could communicate with each other which made things way more difficult.
Abhi quickly assessed the battlefield: open ground on the left, cover on the right, a narrow trail ahead. "Formation tight! RV, target groups. K, funnel them into the corridor.Rest, try to strike them as hard as you can and take their weapons away."
The fight was chaos contained. Fireballs collided with orc weapons, telekinesis flung trees into their path, and Rivan's barriers flowed like liquid steel, redirecting attacks, funneling enemies, and shielding allies. Abhi moved between combatants, issuing commands, cutting down stragglers with his katana, and keeping the team coordinated.
By the time the last orc fell, RV and K were exhausted but exhilarated.
RV looked at Abhi, wide-eyed. "I… couldn't have done this without you. Big Bro"
Abhi smirked faintly, brushing soot from his shirt. "Strategy wins battles. Not powers alone."
Kriti's gaze softened. "I never thought you could lead an entire team like this."
Abhi's chest puffed a little. "Well, I told you, we'll be fine."
Rivan came in from the back "You have got talent kid. Enough to lead an absolute victory with so little knowledge about us and our powers. Which makes me curious about your powers now since you never seem to use it. Or is it your intelligence?"
RV jumped in between trying to say but Abhi cut him Short. "No, I don't need to use my powers, plus I think its better that I don't."
"Why? Can't control it?" Rivan puzzled by Abhi's remark
"Quite the opposite." Abhi stared at Rivan expressionless. "In fact, that's the reason I don't use it. It can harm people around me even after absolute control."
Rivan gave a little nod "Fine. As long as you lead like that I don't think it even matters."
Rivan continued to check up on the others. Abhi gazed towards RV and Kriti who had visible confusion on their faces.
"Before you guys say anything, let's keep it under the wraps and play along."
"Why?" Kriti questioned.
Abhi took a deep breath, "Please trust me on this one, I'll explain it later." Abhi turned his gaze. "I don't think we should talk about it here."
Kriti held RV before he could speak anything. She gave him a look, RV understood. The unease on her face said everything he needed to know.
As the team returned to Safe Haven, the fog beyond the barricades shifted unnaturally. Larger, more organized shadows lurked, moving with intelligence and coordination. Abhi tightened his grip on his katana.
"That was just a warm-up," he muttered. "The real threats haven't even arrived yet."
Inside the walls, the settlement thrummed with life. Rivan's command ensured every movement had purpose, every powered individual was guided, and Safe Haven was more than a sanctuary—it was a force to be reckoned with.
Abhi knew one truth clearly: his powerless state was a delicate topic and the unknown dangers lurking beyond the walls would test them all. A new set of monsters have started appearing and things are only getting worse. Survival now required trust, cunning, and leadership, even when raw power was present.