The scavenger leader’s tent was surprisingly well-furnished, with faded rugs and glowing tech displays lining the walls. At its center sat a woman with short, silver hair and piercing blue eyes. She was younger than Hayden expected but carried an air of authority that demanded respect.

“You’re the drifter who fixed Eran’s arm?” she asked, her voice sharp but curious.

Hayden nodded. “That’s me.”

She studied him for a moment before gesturing for him to sit. “I’m Lyra. Leader of this camp. You’ve got skill, which means you’re either dangerous or desperate. Which is it?”

“Desperate,” Hayden admitted. “I need a way back to Neo-Erebus.”

Lyra leaned back in her chair, a smirk tugging at her lips. “That’s a bold request. The Syndicate doesn’t let people like us waltz into their city. What’s waiting for you there?”

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

“Answers,” Hayden said simply. “And maybe revenge.”

Lyra’s smirk faded, replaced by a calculating look. “Revenge against who?”

Hayden hesitated, then decided honesty was his best shot. “Kyra. She sold me out to the Syndicate and left me for dead.”

Lyra’s expression darkened at the mention of the Syndicate. “You’re not the only one with a score to settle with them. They’ve bled us dry for years.”

She tapped her fingers against the table, her mind clearly working through the possibilities. Finally, she nodded. “Alright, Hayden. I’ll help you get back to Neo-Erebus, but you’ll owe me.”

“What do you need?” Hayden asked, wary but intrigued.

“There’s a convoy heading to the city tomorrow,” Lyra said. “It’s carrying supplies the Syndicate stole from us. If you can infiltrate it and get some of those supplies back, I’ll get you past the gates.”

Hayden’s stomach tightened at the thought of going up against Syndicate enforcers again, but the Codex pulsed with approval.

“Accept the deal. Success will strengthen your position.”

“Deal,” Hayden said, meeting Lyra’s gaze.

“Good,” she said, standing and extending her hand. “Let’s see if you’re as capable as you claim.”

As Hayden shook her hand, the Codex chimed in his mind:

•New Quest Acquired: Infiltrate the Syndicate convoy and retrieve stolen supplies.

•Reward: +200 Pleasure Points, Skill Unlock: Enhanced Reflexes.

Hayden left the tent with a sense of purpose. For the first time in days, he felt like he was moving forward. The path to Neo-Erebus was fraught with danger, but he wasn’t the same helpless scavenger he’d been before.

With the Codex guiding him, Hayden was ready to take his first real step toward reclaiming his life—and destroying those who had wronged him.