Chapter 835: Survivor Pact ( Part 3 )
Time passed quickly, and soon, the sun was slowly dropping.
By nightfall, the meeting ground was already lit with light orbs, lanterns, and several special lamps fixed to the watchtowers.
Of course, during the night, the barrier generators were doubled since they were more prone during this time…
Furthermore, the presence of the force barrier would give the settlement a cocoon-like sense of safety.
Natalie had expected more arrivals the next day, but the night brought an unexpected stir.
The sound reached them first… There was a deep, rhythmic sound of engines cutting across the plains.
‘Hmm? Another clan this late?” Natalie mused as she used his binoculars and saw dust rose from the tall grass.
Some of them were glowing faintly in the lamplight as a convoy of motorbikes came into view.
“Looks like Ilia…” Sarah muttered, already recognizing the sound.
She knew about this Clan Leader as well and knew that he was on her side.
Just like that, thirteen motorbikes appeared, and they were modified beyond recognition. They surged toward the gates in a perfect V-formation. Each one was reinforced with welded armor plates, and some sort of rotating power cores were rigged onto the engines.
It was a kind of technology that only those with special talent could create. From Natalie’s view, they even look like ghostly riders streaking through the prairie.
At the center of it all was their leader… He was Ilia of the Crimson Wake Clan, Rank 17.
His helmet was read and it could be easily seen through the reflection from the moonlight…
When he pulled it off, he revealed a broad smile and hair tied back…
“Ahem… Is this the New Haven Clan’s shelter?” Ilia shouted. It was loud even through the sound of the engines around.
“Yes… Come inside…”
“Didn’t expect to find paradise in Sector 10, but here we are.”
His people parked in perfect synchrony, revving their engines one last time before killing the roar all at once.
Natalie’s eyes lingered on the bikes. They were all unique masterpieces. Weapons were mounted on some, and sidecars were also placed… These machines were warhorses.
Ilia’s Talent explained everything. Epic Mechanic.
He could take even the most broken scrap and reforge it into something deadlier, faster, and stronger than anyone thought possible.
Natalie smiled and greeted him personally. “Welcome, Ilia. The road must have been loud, but safe.”
“Safe enough. Zombies don’t catch us… We’re too fast,” Ilia replied, flashing a grin as his warriors dismounted, each one carrying a rifle strapped to their back and a sidearm holstered at their hip. “Besides, the Crimson Wake doesn’t travel quietly. The noise keeps the cowards away.”
At this time, Natalie’s medic team stepped forward, accompanied by Joy’s medics.
“Standard protocol…” Natalie said.
“We’ll need to check for contamination before entry.”
Ilia swung off his motorbike without complaint, removing his gloves as his confident smile remained in place.
“Go on then,” he said, showing no hesitation. “Crimson Wake rides clean.”
It didn’t take that long before Ilia was confirmed uninfected… “Clear.”
The same procedure followed for his riders. One by one, each was scanned.
The bishops did the first checks, then double-checked by Joy’s medics, who ran their own compact devices along their necks and exposed arms, checking for unusual heat signatures or hidden infections.
Soon, it was confirmed that there were no signs of infection. No traces of viral energy.
“Your people are thorough…” Ilia remarked, clearly impressed as he donned his gloves again. “Can’t say I mind. Better safe than sorry in this world.”
“Exactly…” Natalie replied.
Only when every rider had passed inspection did everyone get fully assisted.
The Crimson Wake convoy finally entered the settlement…
Before Joy or Sarah could ask questions about Ilia, another sound rose from the darkness of the prairie. This time, it was not a mechanical sound…
A deep growl was heard across the open fields…
The guards along the walls instinctively tightened their grips on their weapons until the tall grass parted and massive silhouettes emerged.
Wolves.
Not the Zombie Wolves…
These beasts were large with black fur… They weren’t normal.
Still, their steps seemed disciplined as they carried their riders with ease. Each wolf even wore armor across its flanks and shoulders, while the riders themselves, eighteen of them, looked like hunters, carrying glaives, bows, and heavy axes.
At the head of the pack rode Donvar of the Black Iron Pact Clan, Rank 18.
His dark hair was bound in braids, and he rode the largest wolf among all the others.
“Whoa~ Which Clan is this?” Joy whispered under her breath.
“It’s the Black Iron Pact… He brought his whole pack.”
Natalie nodded slowly.
She’d read reports of Donvar’s talent, but seeing it in person was something else. Pack Master. The bond he shared with these beasts wasn’t just taming… It was command, loyalty, and instinct all intertwined. Each wolf moved as though part of a single body, connected to Donvar’s will.
Ilia was clearly impressed. “Now that’s an entrance. Almost makes my bikes look small.”
Donvar dismounted… He then stroked the side of his wolf’s neck before turning to Natalie with a toothy grin.
“New Haven welcomes me better than I thought…” he muttered. “The grass out here is tall, the air is clean… This looks like a nice vacation place.”
Natalie just smiled at his words.
“Let’s have you all checked quickly… My team here will see if any of you are infected.” Natalie said.
Donvar cooperated, and soon, it was confirmed that none of them had any infection…
As they were escorted inside, Joy leaned toward Natalie with a smile…
“You kept this quiet. Ilia and Donvar… they’re not random arrivals, are they?” She guessed this much after realizing how casual they were to each other.
Natalie nodded. “Let’s just say… New Haven has its ties. Some visible, some not.”
Neither Joy nor Sarah pressed further, but both women exchanged a knowing look. Allies this strong didn’t just show up by chance.
Inside the courtyard, the atmosphere shifted. With five Clans gathered already, the Survivor Pact would definitely form very soon.
Just like that, Natalie got to the World Chat and announced that a total of 5 Clans had already gathered!