I grow stronger by making my wife happy.

Chapter 101: 101:Leaving

A few moments later, the checkpoint commander stepped onto the raised platform. He looked noticeably older in daylight. Dark circles rested beneath his eyes, and there was dried dust on the knees of his uniform.

It was obvious he hadn’t slept, yet his posture remained perfectly straight. The conversations gradually faded until silence settled over the courtyard.

The commander looked over the assembled crowd before speaking.

”I’ll keep this briefing concise.”

His voice carried naturally.

”First, I would like to thank everyone for maintaining order during last night’s emergency.”

His gaze swept across the civilians.

”The evacuation proceeded faster than projected. We suffered injuries but thanks to your cooperation... civilian casualties were kept to a minimum.”

Several people quietly nodded. Silver noticed the commander deliberately saying minimum instead of none. He wasn’t trying to paint a prettier picture than reality.

People had died. Pretending otherwise would have insulted those who hadn’t made it.

The commander continued.

”Second, preventive Subjugation Squad Four has confirmed the elimination of the Tier Five Underground Worm.”

A ripple of relief spread through the gathering. Even after seeing the corpse themselves, hearing the official confirmation eased something inside everyone.

”The area surrounding this checkpoint has been thoroughly scanned. There are no indications of additional Tier Five lifeforms. This means that normal hunting operations within this sector will resume after structural inspections are completed.”

That drew several relieved smiles from veteran contractors. Work meant income and income meant survival. The commander waited for the murmurs to die down before continuing.

”However...” His tone became noticeably heavier. ”The incident was not isolated.”

Surviving large screens lip up, one was also behind him. It was now clear why he chose that position.

The surrounding Green and Yellow Zones illuminated one after another. Several sections immediately caught everyone’s attention. Instead of glowing green or even yellow, they were marked in dark red.

Silver’s eyes narrowed. There were more than he expected. The commander pointed toward the northern section of the map.

”Yesterday evening, a territorial conflict occurred between two mature Underground Worms along the Red Zone border. As many of you have likely heard by now, the individual that entered a feeding frenzy was the one we eliminated.”

He paused briefly.

”Unfortunately... It caused significant damage before reaching us.”

Several red markers flashed.

”Yellow Border Checkpoint Seven...”

The marker faded completely.

”...has been destroyed.”

The crowd fell silent.

”There were survivors among the military personnel stationed there, but the checkpoint itself has been declared a total loss.”

Another marker appeared.

”Yellow Forward Observation Post Twelve... Destroyed.”

Another.

”Green Supply Relay Four... Destroyed.”

Silver quietly counted. Three permanent facilities were gone overnight just like that.

The commander didn’t attempt to soften the truth.

”Several civilian convoys were also caught between checkpoints. Search and rescue operations remain ongoing. Our thoughts are with those still awaiting news.”

No one spoke, even the contractors who hadn’t known anyone there lowered their eyes. This world was dangerous and everyone accepted that. Still, every destroyed checkpoint represented hundreds of people who had called it home.

The commander let the silence linger for a respectful moment then he straightened.

”Now for the good news.”

A few tired smiles appeared.

”Preventive patrols have completed preliminary inspections throughout the surrounding sectors. The migration pattern caused by the feeding frenzy has ended.”

”Most displaced beasts have already begun returning to their natural territories. Scouting drones report no unusual concentrations of high-tier lifeforms within three hundred kilometers.”

A mechanic behind Silver quietly muttered, ”That’s the best news I’ve heard all week.”

Several nearby contractors chuckled. The tension eased ever so slightly. The commander nodded toward the engineers working in the distance.

”As many of you have already noticed, our checkpoint suffered extensive structural damage. The lodging district is no longer safe for habitation, the eastern defensive wall requires complete reconstruction and several underground utility lines have collapsed.”

Behind him, images of the damaged sections appeared one after another. The destruction looked even worse from above; whole streets had vanished and large sinkholes dotted the compound.

Yet, the repair crews already swarmed every image; engineers, heavy machinery, and construction drones. Work had never stopped.

”Because of these repairs...” The commander continued, ”...Green Sector Checkpoint Eight will operate at reduced capacity for the foreseeable future. Therefore...”

His voice rose slightly.

”Independent contractors, merchant convoys, and civilian travelers are hereby authorized to continue their journeys immediately following equipment inspections.”

A noticeable shift passed through the crowd. People began exchanging glances, travel plans, routes, and departure times. The checkpoint had become a construction zone and there was little reason to remain.

”Our logistics office will provide updated maps reflecting last night’s terrain changes. Any roads rendered unsafe have already been marked. If your destination lies beyond this checkpoint... You are free to depart.”

The commander gave one final salute.

”Travel safely, and if fortune allows... I hope we meet again under quieter circumstances.”

A warm ripple of laughter spread through the gathering. This time, it felt genuine.

The briefing ended.

Almost immediately, the orderly bustle resumed. Mechanics returned to garages, merchants hurried toward loading bays and families gathered their belongings. Contractors compared maps and discussed routes over steaming cups of coffee.

Silver remained where he was for another minute, quietly studying the updated map displayed on the large screen. Several roads they’d originally intended to use had been crossed out. They had collapsed and become unsafe.

Ravenna stepped beside him.

”I suppose our plan changes... Again”

”A little.”

Silver traced one of the alternate routes with his finger.

”If we follow this road... We’ll lose about half a day but we avoid the damaged sectors.”

She studied it carefully.

”I don’t mind the extra travel.”

”Neither do I.”

He looked at the map a moment longer before nodding decisively.

”This one.”

She smiled.

”I was thinking the same thing.”

Silver folded the printed map and slipped it into his jacket.

”First stop?” She asked

”The vehicle inspection then fuel.”

Ravenna began counting on her fingers.

”Food, water, and replacement glass when we reach Delta 4.”

Silver added another item.

”And another night’s sleep somewhere that doesn’t explode.”

She stared at him then burst into laughter. Several nearby contractors looked over. One older hunter grinned.

”Aiming high, aren’t you?”

Silver couldn’t help laughing as well.

”I’ve decided exploding accommodations aren’t for me. They’re overrated and the reviews were mostly paid, i don’t think I’ll ever trust a review again. ”

The old hunter raised his coffee in agreement, smiling.

”They certainly are.”

The two of them walked back toward the parking area together. The morning sun had finally climbed above the checkpoint walls, bathing the battered compound in warm golden light.

Behind them, hammers rang against steel as reconstruction continued. Ahead of them stretched unfamiliar roads, stood new checkpoints, dangers, and opportunities.

Silver unlocked the vehicle while Ravenna climbed into the passenger seat, carefully avoiding the shattered rear window.

She looked back toward the busy checkpoint one last time.

”...I’m glad we stopped here.”

Silver started the engine.

”So am I.”

The vehicle rumbled to life. He glanced toward the open gate leading back into the Green Zone. A small smile appeared on his face.

”Ready?”

Ravenna returned the smile.

”...Let’s go.”

The checkpoint gates slowly began to open.