About an hour ago, Kai and Atom had also begun their search for the Gene Trader.
They moved steadily north, leaving Haven‑45 Shelter behind.
Atom, the Sentinel, walked at Kai's side so it could easily protect him if necessary.
The first stretch was open ground. There were rusted vehicle frames lying half-buried in the soil, stripped long ago by scavengers.
Kai stopped at each wreck, checking for footprints or discarded supplies or any other traces of people, but found nothing.
During this time, Atom just followed silently with its sensors scanning the area as it waited for orders.
After half an hour, the terrain shifted. They reached the outskirts of what had once been a small settlement.
The buildings weren't intact anymore.
Most were collapsed houses, their walls were scorched, and roofs caved in.
