Global Awakening: Infinite Gift Pack System-Chapter 121: The Cost of Living in New Haven-45

The armored cars rolled through the gates, and the newcomers’ eyes stayed fixed on the rows of Sentinels standing tall along the walls and sides of the buildings...

Their unmoving posture made them look like soldiers frozen in time. It was such a fascinating and nerve-racking sight.

"What?! You’re controlling so many Sentinels?" Alfie muttered, his voice filled with disbelief.

Farrah’s lips parted, but no words came out.

She could only stare, stunned by the sight. Even the six others gulped nervously.

At this point, their imaginations were running wild.

Kai chuckled softly at their reaction. "Don’t be too impressed. These Sentinels aren’t functioning. I wouldn’t dare put batteries or Energy Cores in them."

The group turned to him, confused. Kai’s tone grew serious. "We have no way of controlling Sentinels. Atom is different... It’s special. If these units suddenly came online, the A.I. Rebel, Aria, might be able to connect to them and kill us. Even if she couldn’t connect due to signal issues, they’re still programmed to kill humans. There’s no chance I’d activate them."

He gestured toward the silent machines. "We already removed their batteries and emptied their cores. They’re just shells now. Useful for intimidation, but nothing more."

For a moment, the group went silent...

Then, one of the newcomers let out a shaky laugh.

"Whew... I almost pissed myself when I saw them standing there," he admitted, wiping sweat from his forehead.

Another survivor also heaved a sigh of relief while staring at the unmoving machines. "Even if they’re drained right now, it’s still amazing. These Sentinels, all lined up like soldiers... it makes this place feel untouchable."

A younger man also felt a lot more at ease and added. "Maybe you can reprogram them later? If Atom is special, maybe you can figure out how to make the others obey too. Imagine an army of Sentinels under your command..."

Farrah shook her head quickly. "Don’t even joke about that. If Aria connects to them online, we’re dead. Kai’s right not to risk it."

"Maybe find a way not to make them connect online or something? Just offline and reprogrammed robots. It’s possible when I’m activating pirated applications... I just have to do it offline or something." Alfie muttered softly.

He then paused for a moment before adding, "Still... I can’t lie. Just seeing them lined up like that makes me feel safer. Even if they’re empty, anyone who comes here will think twice before attacking."

Just like that, the group slowly relaxed... Even powerless, the Sentinels’ presence was intimidating and strangely reassuring at the same time.

Kai smirked faintly, watching their reactions.

Soon, Kai dropped them off at the main building.

"Come on. You’ve had a long day. Let’s get you something to eat."

He then led them toward the kitchen.

Introductions could be done later on anyway...

Inside, Rudy was on a short break, leaning against the counter.

Only two hours left, and he could leave this station.

However, as soon as he saw Kai, he straightened...

"Prepare meals for these eight," Kai instructed.

Rudy then moved without question, immediately preparing food for the eight newcomers.

"Wait... we already ate, Kai," Farrah said quickly, not wanting to burden the shelter’s supplies.

"Me too..." Alfie added, and the other six nodded in agreement.

First of all, Farrah and Alfie carried the Survivor Title.

[ Title: Survivor ]

[ Title Effect: Satiety decreases more slowly. Survivors can endure longer without food before hunger penalties occur. ]

Thanks to this title, they had no issues going without food for a day after eating once. They wouldn’t be at their strongest, but they could endure.

As for the six others, they had consumed gene enhancement serums, which allowed them to survive on very little food and water. They didn’t need to eat yet, having already filled their stomachs with beans and mushrooms back in Haven‑62.

Kai tilted his head slightly, amused.

He realized that they were worried about their supplies and it was something he’d appreciate.

"It’s fine. Supplies aren’t as tight as you think. Eat."

With that said, Rudy handed out granola bars first while preparing something warm.

He was currently alone, since Amer had already finished cooking earlier that morning.

"Granola bars? Haven’t had one of these in a while," one of them muttered as he opened the snack.

Another laughed softly. "Back in Haven‑62, we were lucky to get boiled beans. This feels like a feast already."

Rudy listened silently to their conversation as he moved quickly. Soon, he started cutting fresh moringa leaves from a basket, gathered from the small garden patch near the shelter.

He added them to a pot of instant noodles, letting the broth absorb their earthy flavor.

Then he opened a canned loaf, slicing it into thick pieces and dropping them into the pot, giving the meal a richer taste.

The smell filled the kitchen, comforting and familiar.

For survivors who had lived on scraps and mushrooms, it was almost overwhelming.

One of the six whispered, "This... smells better than anything we’ve had in weeks."

Rudy smiled after hearing this, but he didn’t respond. He simply worked as his focus was on the food.

Within minutes, steaming bowls of noodles were placed in front of the newcomers. The malunggay leaves floated on the surface, adding color and nutrition, while the canned loaf softened into the broth, making it hearty.

Farrah hesitated, then picked up her bowl. "Thank you," she said quietly.

Alfie followed, and soon the others did too.

Just like that, they ate slowly, savoring each bite.

"God... hot broth. I almost forgot what warmth feels like inside." One of them muttered in satisfaction.

"Meatloaf in noodles? Genius. It’s like we’re eating luxury. Thank you, Rudy!"

Soon, the warmth spread through their bodies, easing the tension of the journey.

After some time, Kai returned and watched them finish their meals.

By feeding them, he wasn’t just proving that New Haven 45 could provide, he was reminding them that this shelter must be protected.

Soon, the newcomers finished their bowls, some licking the last drops of broth.

It was at this point that Kai finally spoke.

"You’ll need to pay for that meal... and for the right to eat here every day. Just one Survivor Medal. With it, you and three of your companions can have three meals a day for two weeks."