Lennox sighed, the words dying on his lips. He shook his head, resigning himself to the situation.

“Fine. If your mind is made up, we do it your way. But I’ll get word to the Helios family immediately. We’ll get you out of there as soon as possible. Just… don’t die before then.”

Jax felt a surge of genuine gratitude toward this man he had only just met.

“Thanks, Lennox. I owe you.”

Lennox waved it off. “Don’t mention it. I’m doing this because you’re an Awakened. Sawyer was clear: you’re a high-value asset. If you get killed on my watch, it’s my head on the chopping block.”

Jax nodded. He knew the score. To the Helios Syndicate, he wasn’t a friend; he was an investment. They didn’t care about his few Sentry Towers; they cared about his potential as a hidden trump card.

That was why he couldn’t reveal his powers yet. An Awakened in the Sprawl was a lighthouse in the dark—too conspicuous. Sawyer wanted to keep him in reserve, a secret weapon to be deployed when the stakes were highest.

Lennox checked his watch. “Transport is almost here. The Vanguard is splitting into five squads, hitting Mount Sepulcher from different entry points. Pray you get a lucky draw.”

Jax leaned back, his pulse steady. The immediate threat of the Guild Hub was gone. Now, he just had to survive the wasteland.

Ten minutes later, a low rumble vibrated through the floorboards.

Lennox threw open the tent flap. A wall of grit and diesel fumes washed over them.

Outside Outpost 15, a convoy of a dozen heavy-duty trucks had ground to a halt. The engines growled like caged beasts. The convoy didn’t unload; only the lead vehicle—a reinforced, armor-plated off-roader—opened its doors.

Three figures stepped out into the harsh sunlight.

The street went silent. All work stopped. Eyes locked on the trio.

“Redrock enforcement is here,” someone whispered. “They’re clearing the roster today.”

“Look at them,” another muttered. “More meat for the grinder. Mount Sepulcher is going to feast tonight.”

“Keep your head down. Those three… they’re Awakened.”

Jax studied them from the shadows of the tent.

The leader was a tower of muscle, his face bisected by a jagged, ugly scar. A heavy assault rifle was slung across his back, and twin high-caliber pistols rested on his hips. He radiated violence.

To his right was a shorter man with a face so forgettable it barely registered. He wore a plain grey undershirt and carried no visible firearms, but he moved with the silent, predatory grace of a viper.

The third was a woman who looked like she’d stepped out of a pre-apocalypse fashion magazine. She wore denim hot pants and a tight crop top, exposing a flat, pale stomach. Her face was delicate, almost out of place in the grime of the outpost. She carried no gun, only a long katana strapped to her hip.

The scarred man nodded to his companions, and they marched toward the Guild Hub office.

Director Quinn scurried out to meet them, flanked by his lackeys, bowing and scraping.

“Captain Sterling! Deputy Pike! Miss Lan! Apologies for the delay, I was handling some… administrative issues. Please, come to my office. I have tea prepared—”

The scarred man, Captain Sterling, raised a hand. Silence fell instantly.

“Stow it. We’re not here for tea. We’re here for bodies. I heard Outpost 15 has two recruits. Where are they?”

Quinn stiffened, nodding rapidly. “Yes! Yes, right here!”

He snapped his fingers. Soldiers dragged two men forward. They were shackled hand and foot, heavy chains rattling against the dirt.

“Death row convicts,” Quinn explained nervously. “Over a dozen kills between them. We bound them tight.”

Sterling glanced at the prisoners, his eyes cold. A flicker of disgust crossed his face.

“Trash,” he spat. “More garbage for the pile. Load them up.”

Quinn’s eyes suddenly darted toward the Helios tent. A greasy, ingratiating smile spread across his face.

“Actually, Captain… there is one more. A volunteer. He hasn’t been processed yet.”

“Oh?” Sterling raised an eyebrow. “Where?”

Quinn pointed a trembling finger. “Right there.”

The three Awakened turned, their gazes locking onto Jax.

“Helios territory?” Sterling squinted. “Lennox’s place?”

Lennox sighed heavily. He leaned in, whispering fast.

“The big guy is Captain Sterling. Firearm Awakened. He’s a butcher. Rumor has it he shoots deserters for sport—his kill count is higher than the insectoids.”

Jax felt the pressure of Sterling’s gaze. It was heavy, laden with palpable Killing Intent.

“The short one is Pike,” Lennox continued. “Dagger specialist. Sadist. Loves to peel people apart. Don’t let that bland smile fool you; he’s the most dangerous one here.”

Jax nodded, but his eyes drifted to the woman.

Hot pants and a crop top in the wasteland? Bold. She was attractive, sure—maintained well, skin clean. But the makeup was too heavy. Solid 6 out of 10, Jax decided critically. Maybe higher if she washed the paint off.

Old habits died hard. Even at death’s door, he couldn’t help scoring the scenery.

“Focus, kid,” Lennox hissed, noting his distraction. “I don’t know her. She’s new. Probably another Awakened. Watch her.”

Jax nodded. He turned to Barnaby, brushing dust off the giant’s shoulder.

“Barney. Go with Lennox. He’s going to take you to our new home.”

Barnaby’s face crumbled. “Brother? You’re leaving me? I’ll be good, I promise! Don’t leave me!”

Jax forced a smile, though his chest tightened. “I know, Barney. I have a mission. A big one. I can’t take you this time. When I come back, I’ll bring you a feast. Just wait for me.”

Sterling and his crew stopped in front of the tent.

“Lennox,” Sterling grunted. “Long time.”

“Sterling,” Lennox replied, his voice flat.

“Which one is the recruit?”

Jax stepped out. “That would be me.”

Sterling loomed over him, snorting derisively. “What’s the charge? Murder? Theft?”

Jax shrugged, his expression calm. “No charges. Just wanted to experience life.”

Sterling blinked. The air went still. Then, he barked out a harsh, incredulous laugh.

“Experience life? You’ve got balls, kid. Or you’re brain-dead.” He grinned, a predatory baring of teeth. “Fine. You’ll get plenty of experience where we’re going. Get in the truck.”

Pike stepped forward, his smile not reaching his eyes. “Move it, kid. Destiny awaits.”

Jax nodded. He glanced back at Lennox one last time. Lennox gave him a solemn nod.

Jax turned and marched toward the transport.

The crowd parted, whispering like a hive of bees.

“Even the Helios Syndicate couldn’t save him.”

“That’s the guy from Sector 33? Thought he was tough. Guess he’s just dead meat walking.”

“Sector 33 is a playground compared to the Sepulcher. He won’t last the night.”

Jax ignored them. He climbed into the back of the truck.

The stench hit him like a physical blow—a thick, suffocating cocktail of stale sweat, rotting wounds, and foot fungus. It was the smell of despair.