Chapter 317: Hale Libra and the Factions
A few moments earlier, Hale Libra had just returned from a mission outside Cameron City.
For the past several days, he had been roaming the wastelands, striking down A.I. Army units and dismantling their patrols.
His reputation as a soldier was well‑earned... unlike many high‑level Survivors who preferred the safety of faction bases, Hale was constantly on the move, fighting, scouting, and protecting human settlements.
Upon his return, he learned that Kai had already visited Cameron City and even established ties with the Aries Faction.
’That kid had grown really well...’
He couldn’t help but recall Kai’s situation in the past, being a lone Level 30 Survivor in a shelter was definitely not easy.
In any case, he was happy that Kai allied with the Aries Faction, one of the decent factions of the city.
This allowed Kai to open a small shop, one that was quickly becoming famous for its pristine goods.
Curious, Hale had visited Kai’s Shop more than once, meeting Farrah and noting her sharp management skills.
He also noticed the two blue‑haired children, Xian and Xinyi, who were clearly talented despite their low levels. Hale respected their determination and silently admired how Kai’s group was nurturing them.
On this particular evening, Hale had planned to purchase a few more Gene Stimulant Injectors from the shop.
But as he approached, his Spirit Sense caught the oppressive aura of another Level 80 Survivor.
"Mhmm?"
He recognized it immediately... Elder Hao of the Cancer Faction.
Elder Hao was infamous for his arrogance, a man who spent most of his time inside the faction base indulging in the virtual game Perfect World rather than fighting the A.I. Army.
Through his spot, Hale saw Elder Hao raise his hand toward Farrah, intent on crushing her throat.
That was enough. Hale stepped in, his Spirit Energy surging through the shop like a storm, halting Hao’s movement...
"They are not breaking any laws here," Hale said firmly. "Your faction may produce Signal Jammers, but that doesn’t mean you’re the only ones allowed to sell them. If I’m not mistaken, these jammers were discovered in abandoned military facilities, not manufactured here."
It was a lie, of course, but Farrah quickly supported him. "If you think we’re making Signal Jammers, no, we are not. We have no technicians capable of that."
Elder Hao frowned upon hearing this.
He wanted to make a scene, to assert dominance and hopefully close down this shop that was creating trouble for many shops owned by their faction... but Hale’s killing intent was suffocating.
The difference between them was clear... both were Level 80, but Hale was battle‑hardened, an active soldier who fought the A.I. Army daily.
Hao, by contrast, was complacent, his strength dulled by inactivity.
Finally, Elder Hao relented.
With a sneer, he lowered his hand and turned away. "Hmph. Very well. But remember, we’re watching you..."
He left with his five subordinates with their killer aura slowly fading as they exited the shop.
The tension eased, and Farrah exhaled shakily.
Haa~
Hale stepped closer, as he could understand Farrah’s situation.
"You need to be more careful. This shop is drawing attention, and not all of it is good. Hire guards, strengthen your defenses. You can’t rely on luck when factions like Cancer are involved."
Farrah nodded, grateful. "Thank you, Sir Hale. I’ll make sure we’re prepared."
Hale glanced at the shelves, then at the two children peeking nervously from the back.
He gave them a reassuring nod.
"You’re doing well here. Don’t let anyone intimidate you..."
Hale lingered for a moment longer after Elder Hao departed, his gaze softening as he looked at Farrah and the two children.
From his satchel, he pulled out a few items he had scavenged during his recent mission outside the city.
"For you three," he said simply.
He handed Xian a small mechanical toy... It was a wind‑up soldier that marched stiffly across the counter once activated.
Clack... Clack... Clack...
The boy’s eyes lit up, and he immediately began winding it, laughing as it clattered forward.
"This is amazing!"
For Xinyi, Hale produced another toy, a delicate bird with wings that flapped when its gears turned.
"It’s beautiful! Thank you, Uncle Hale!"
She cradled it carefully in her mechanical arm, her smile shy but genuine.
Finally, Hale turned to Farrah.
From his palm, he revealed a silver brooch shaped like a crescent moon.
"A souvenir," he said, fastening it gently onto the edge of her cloak.
His tone carried a subtle warmth, it was a silent admiration that he didn’t voice aloud.
Farrah blinked, touched but uncertain about his gesture...
Still, she thanked him politely, though her mind was already elsewhere.
As much as she appreciated Hale’s gesture, her thoughts were consumed by the Cancer Faction. Their threat was real, and the Aries Faction’s support could only go so far.
"Right... I’ve informed the Libra Faction about your shop and how you can supply us with those Stimulants and Decoy Emitters. A representative will visit this shop in a few days, and you can try to get a better deal with him... not just Energy Cores, but maybe you can get something more."
"Thanks for informing me..."
When Hale left, the shop felt quieter, but Farrah’s unease remained.
She knew she had to act quickly.
Sitting behind the counter, she opened the Guild Chat and typed a message to Kai.
[ Farrah: You have to return quickly... Our resources are being depleted. We got some huge clients... and Cancer Faction involved themselves. ]
[ Farrah: You need to come to Cameron City. The Cancer Faction is watching us. I need your help with decisions. ]
She could certainly hire some guards to protect them temporarily... It was not a long-term solution to deal with the Cancel Faction.
Still, Farrah believed that Kai might have better options to deal with this problem.
Thankfully, Kai seemed to be aware of how serious this matter was.
[ Kai: I’m coming... ]
[ Kai: Right... It will take me a couple of days to get there, even with the Dragoon. In the meantime, try to find information about the Soul Enhancement Serum. ]
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