The days passed by quickly with John and the rest of the survivors training and becoming stronger. Reports of the Luminars rounding up people for their games were more common and the number of attacks were growing.
There was even a report of a man being impaled by a Luminar in the middle of the streets. People were terrified and John knew he had to do something. They went on hunts for materials often and John’s desire to protect everyone had pushed him to the brink of exhaustion. The survivors and his women worried about John, but he wouldn’t stop, the base needed reinforcement. He couldn’t relax, at least until Echo finally said the magic words.
"John, there are enough materials to completely reinforce the base."
John paused, his eyes wide and his mind reeling.
"What? Are you sure?"
"Yes, John. The materials have been stockpiled and there are enough to complete the whole building."
"Hell yeah. This is great news," John exclaimed, his heart racing and his palms sweaty.
"I’ll get everyone out," John said and searched for Julia. When he found her, he asked her to gather everyone and wait outside.
As they did, the base began to change.
The base was completely transformed from the inside out. The walls were reinforced and the windows were strengthened. The floors became sturdier and the doors were thickened.
Even the furniture was improved, the sofas and tables were enhanced and the kitchen was upgraded.
It was like watching a movie, where everything was in fast motion and the base changed shape right before their eyes. The walls were painted a different colour and the windows had new, sturdier frames.
The kitchen was completely refurbished, and the stove had a brand-new burner, which Julia couldn’t wait to try.
The base was now a fortress, ready to withstand any attack from the Luminars.
After the transformation was complete, John and the others were amazed at the new and improved base. They could not believe that a place they had called home for months could change so drastically in such a short time.
Even the beds were enhanced, and the mattresses were now filled to the brim.
John could not have been happier. The base was no longer a vulnerable target for the Luminars.
"That’s not all," Echo said and John quirked an eyebrow, but as he did, a massive steel dome began to form, enclosing the entire structure.
The dome was made of solid steel and covered the entire base. It was reinforced and had multiple layers of metal and concrete reinforced with monster materials. The dome was impenetrable and could withstand any attack.
John smiled, his mind at ease. They were safe.
"Guys, gather up," John called, his voice loud and clear.
Everyone gathered around and waited for John’s orders.
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"I know it’s late, but we’re going on a hunt," he announced, and they cheered.
"We’ve got enough materials to fortify the base, but the Luminars are getting more aggressive and I’m worried about the other survivors. We’re going to gather some extra materials and see what we can do about helping the others," he explained, and they nodded.
"Boss," a scout called.
"Yes?"
"I think the people staying at the hospital could really use our help. I’ve heard accounts that they are getting abducted left and right."
"Damn, are you serious?"
"Yes, boss."
"We’re on it."
They rode their trucks and rushed to the hospital. The road was filled to the brim, debris and abandoned cars everywhere. The city was in ruins, the buildings were crumbling and the streets were littered. It was a warzone, and John couldn’t help but wonder how much more could the city take.
They arrived at the hospital and got out of their cars. The place was crowded, and there were people everywhere. The sight before him made his blood run cold.
People were huddled together, their faces pale and their eyes hollow. Some were injured and others were just weak. John couldn’t imagine what they had gone through.
"Boss, the Luminars are here," a scout informed.
"What? Why?"
"They’ve come for the people. They say they need more contestants for their games."
"Shit," John muttered, his gaze scanning the crowd and his mind racing.
"You stay here, I’ll go look."
Octavia’s eyes went wide, but before she could protest, a blur enveloped John and disappeared from her sight.
"Fuck, I hate it when he does that," she muttered.
"What’s wrong, O’?" August asked.
"The bastard just left."
"What?! Why?!" Dalia yelled, her eyes widening.
"Where did he go?" Jolene asked, her tone laced with worry.
"He’s checking on the crowd," Octavia replied, her lips pursed.
"What should we do?" Julia asked, her voice trembling.
"Nothing. Let’s wait for him," Octavia said, gritting her teeth.
Meanwhile, the crowd was in a state of panic. The Luminars were gathering up people and herding them into their cages.
The sight sent shivers down John’s spine and his blood boiling.
Mothers wailed as their children were taken away and men were beaten into submission. It was a horrifying sight and John could not believe his eyes.
The sound of ragged breathing caught his attention and he spun around, his dagger poised to strike.
"Wait! It’s me."
It was Laura, drenched in sweat and her expression frantic.
"Laura?"
"John, please, I need your help," she begged, her voice hoarse and her eyes wild.
"What’s wrong?"
"My friends, they’re in there," she said, pointing to the crowd.
"What do you mean?"
"They’re the ones being rounded up by the Luminars," she cried, her voice breaking and her eyes welling up.
"Please, John, you have to save them," she pleaded, her tone desperate and her gaze pleading.
John clenched his fists, his jaw tense and his eyes narrow. He didn’t want to get involved, but how could he say no? He had come to this place for a reason, and it wasn’t just for the materials.
He heaved a heavy sigh and looked at her, his gaze was intense. Laura gulped and felt her heart beating out of her chest.
"Alright, I’ll try," he said, his voice soft and his eyes determined.
Laura’s eyes widened and she felt a rush of relief and gratitude washing over her.
"Thank you, John," she said, her eyes shining and her voice filled with hope.