Global Awakening: Infinite Gift Pack System-Chapter 78: Followed

The armored vehicles passed the uneven road, carrying Mila and the others away from Haven‑45. Dust rose behind them, and of course, it attracted some attention.

"Russel! Someone’s blocking our path!" one of the cooks shouted from inside the vehicle.

Russel turned and confirmed their presence.

Ahead, figures emerged from the brush. At first, they looked ragged, barely armed. But then he saw the man at the front. He was a tall figure with a sword strapped to his back.

Seeing that his weapon wasn’t drawn, Russel didn’t immediately panic...

"They’re humans, calm down!" He immediately said, afraid that his team would just shoot their guns due to nervousness.

***

"They’re here... Humans..." Mark said as he looked at the two Armored Vehicles carrying people.

Mark had survived the fall of Haven‑39, barely escaping the Mech Siege with nineteen others. At this time, he was level 6, with his Master Talent Swordmaster. Master Rank was just below Epic, but it was above Superior.

Against humans, he was deadly.

His Swordmaster could help him cut flesh and bones. However, against Sentinels, his blade was nearly useless. He knew it even the people behind him knew it.

"You’re right, Mark... They’re people. We’re going to be safe, right?"

"Just don’t threaten them yet."

"Let Mark talk to them."

"Yes... Let me handle this..." Mark confidently said.

Apparently, when they first saw the two armored vehicles rolling down the road, they thought it was the AI army. Panic spread among them, and when they realized humans were inside, they felt that this was a bit more manageable.

Mark raised his hand, signaling his group.

Four of them were from Earth like him, dragged into this apocalypse after choosing the A.I. Rebellion scenario. The rest, sixteen noobs, were armed with crude blades, slingshots, and nets meant for Swarmers...

They were all weak, but at the very least, they were loyal to him and would always follow his command.

’It’s now or never. Either we join them... or we take those vehicles.’ Mark’s jaw tightened.

***

Russel then slowed the lead vehicle... The others felt a bit tense, so they all gripped their revolvers just in case a fight broke out.

Mark stepped into the road, sword gleaming faintly in the sunlight.

Three others flanked him, ready to protect their leader at any moment.

Soon, Mark raised his voice. "I’m Mark! We are survivors from Haven‑39! Our shelter was destroyed. We barely escaped the last Mech Siege. We need protection. Let us join you! We have decent Talent and Skills that can help you all."

His words carried desperation. Behind him, the nineteen survivors waited nervously, clutching their crude weapons.

Inside the vehicle, Russel frowned. He wasn’t heartless, but he knew his place. He had no authority to accept refugees since only Kai could decide.

Russel shook his head. "I’m sorry. I can’t take you in. This isn’t my decision. We have orders."

Mark’s eyes narrowed. "Orders? While people die out here? You’d leave us to be slaughtered?"

Russel’s grip tightened on the wheel. "I won’t offend our Leader. I can’t make promises I can’t keep."

The others inside the vehicle stayed silent. They knew Russel was right. Kai was their commander. They couldn’t risk bringing in outsiders without his approval.

Needless to say, they didn’t take this kindly.

Mark’s face hardened.

He had also expected resistance, but hearing the refusal stung. He then glanced at his people. They were tired, hungry, desperate. If he returned empty‑handed, they would lose faith in him.

He raised his hand. Immediately, the rest of his group appeared from the sides of the road, surrounding the armored vehicles. Crude blades glinted, slingshots were drawn, nets were ready...

Mila gasped. "They’re surrounding us!"

Russel cursed under his breath. "Idiots..."

Mark’s voice rang out. "If you won’t take us in, then give us the vehicles. With them, we can survive. Without them, we’re dead anyway!"

The others shouted in agreement, they felt brave in front of their leader.

Jun, one of the survivors like Mark, stepped forward. His Talent activated and affected all his allies...

This move enchanted the crude weapons with a weak glow. Rocks hardened, blades sharpened, and the nets became more durable... This effect would only last for 10 minutes, but it was a good effect.

The sight was laughable compared to the armored vehicles, but it was enough to show they weren’t bluffing.

Russel’s patience snapped.

"You fools. Do you think you can threaten us with sticks and stones? These vehicles are worth more than your lives. Get out of the way."

Mark’s sword gleamed as he raised it. "Then fight us!"

Russel didn’t hesitate. He slammed his hand on the dashboard. "Ram them down! Don’t waste bullets!"

The armored vehicle roared forward while the second vehicle followed.

The survivors from Haven‑39 panicked. Nets flew, slingshots snapped, crude blades were thrown, but against steel plating, they were useless even after being enchanted by Jun.

The vehicles plowed through the roadblock, scattering them away!

Mark leapt aside, his sword slicing against the side of the vehicle.

Clank!

Sparks flew, but the armor held without any issues...

He cursed and rolled to his feet, or he’d get rammed by the vehicle...

The others also screamed as they were knocked aside, some tumbling into the dirt, others scrambling to avoid the wheels. Their enchanted weapons shattered uselessly!

Russel then shouted. "Out of the way! Or be crushed!"

The vehicles pushed forward and Mark’s group broke.

Mark’s teeth clenched. He wanted to fight these Survivors with his sword since he knew that it was his only advantage. Unfortunately, they weren’t ready... They didn’t have the time to create a proper block on the road and failed to stop them in the end...

Soon, the vehicles were already far away, and they could only watch helplessly.

"You’ll regret this." Mark said as he looked at the tracks left behind by the armored vehicles.

If they had a next time, they would certainly prepare something to block the road... Probably spikes, traps, anything to destroy the tires, if necessary.

After a moment of hesitation, Mark looked at his team.

They were injured, but they could recover.

After taking a deep breath, he spoke grimly... "We’ll follow them."