As Sam disappeared into the trees, an invisible tension settled over the remaining group. No one spoke, but the rift between them was clear.

Since the last time Jason and his group saw Sam went inside the forest alone, the vibe of the group felt suffocating for Jason. The moments that followed after Sam left were marked by uncomfortable silence that still lingered in the group for more than a whole day, the forest seemed to also press in on them, amplifying the weight of their unspoken words. Jason, knew that they couldn't just continue on not doing anything and just sit around in silence trying to make the best of a bad situation, he took on the role of leader.

When he proposed that he will led the group in hunting beasts for food and searching for a nearby river for water, there's not really much resistance from Jessica and Robert as they both agree to let Jason be the one to lead the group for awhile until they find other Survivors and join their group.

Jason wander through the dense forest accompanied with Rebecca to hunt beasts and hoped to find other survivors or a safe shelter, but luck was not on their side.

Like the flow of calm river, time passed by and almost a week had passed without a trace of any other living souls. For most of the time in these past six days, Jessica and Robert didn't really do much as they refuse to wander around the forest together with Jason and Rebecca to hunt. At first he didn't really think much of it but soon after, Jason realized why Jessica and Robert let him to "lead" the group so easily.

Slowly but surely, day after day Jason urge to yelled and scream at them so badly was increasing because both Jessica and Robert didn't do anything apart from sitting around the campfire and reap all the benefits from Jason hardwork without lifting a finger and a single care in the world. And the most frustrating was that he can't complained as Jessica hold the most power in the group. Apart from her strength as a caster class, Jason didn't want her to make the situation much worse just because he complained a bit about how lazy she and Robert are.

On the seventh day however, everything changed. When Jason and Rebecca had gone to the river to refill their water supplies as usual, but then they suddenly spotted a group of seven survivors near the water’s edge.

Jason and Rebecca exchanged glances and nodded, they cautiously approached the group of seven survivors by the river, their hearts pounding with a mixture of hope and fear.

As they got closer, the group immediately raised their weapons, eyes narrowing in suspicion.

"Hey, we’re not hostile! We’re just looking for other survivors like you. We don’t mean any harm." Jason yelled, raising his hands up in the air as a gesture of peace.

The group exchanged wary glances, the tension thick in the air. After a few moments, a middle aged man with a bald head and black beard stepped forward, his presence commanding and intimidating.

"Who are you, and what group do you belong to?" The intimidating man asked Jason, while looking at him dead in the eyes.

"My name is Jason, and this is Rebecca. We don’t belong to any group. It’s just the four of us. We’ve been trying to survive out here, just like you." Jason replied, forcing himself to stay calm.

John studied Jason intently, his gaze piercing and unyielding. After a long pause, he nodded slightly.

"I’m John, leader of this team. We’re part of a larger group called the Stormbringers. Why should we believe you’re not a threat?"

"We’re just trying to survive, same as you. We’ve been looking for other survivors for days. We need food, water, and safety. We’re not looking for trouble." Jason said, trying to be as earnest as possible.

John glanced back at his team, then back at Jason, weighing his words carefully.

"And what makes you think you can trust us?" John asked.

"We don’t have many options left. We’re willing to take a chance if it means finding a safe place. We can help each other."

Another silence stretched, the group's members murmuring among themselves. Finally, John turned back to Jason and Rebecca, his expression softening slightly.

"Alright. We can offer you and your friends a place with us, but you’ll need to prove yourselves. We don’t take just anyone."

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

"Thank you. We appreciate it. I’ll bring our friends here. They’ll want to join too." Jason said, his face and his mind felt relief as soon as he heard what John had said.

"We’ll wait here. But don’t take too long. We move out soon."

Jason and Rebecca nodded. Alone, Jason quickly making their way back to their camp. As Jason arrived, he found Jessica and Robert near the campfire while in the midst of an intimate moment which was abruptly interrupted by Jason unknowingly.

"Oh my god what is it, Jason? Can you appear like a normal person? Also, where the fuck is Rebecca?" Jessica asked, her voice showing her clear annoyment.

"We found survivors by the river. There’s a group called the Stormbringers, and they offered to let us join them!" Jason replied, oblivious to Jessica annoyed tone as he's trying to control his breath.

Jessica and Robert exchanged surprised looks before Jessica’s expression turned to one of determination.

"Why the hell didn't you say that first? Lead the way then, it better be not a lie Jason. Let’s not waste any time."

The three of them quickly returned to the river, where John, his team, and Rebecca were still waiting. Jason introduced his friends, trying to ease the palpable tension.

"John, these are my friends: Jessica and Robert."

"Alright. We’re heading back to our base. Follow us, and keep up. We don’t wait for stragglers."

"Thank you for giving us a chance. We won’t let you down." Jessica eagerly replied, and winking at John.

"We’ll see about that. Let’s move out." John said, ignoring whatever Jessica trying to do.

Jason and his group followed John westward through the dense forest. The journey took two whole days, filled with rigorous travel and minimal rest. Each step closer to the Stormbringers' base filled Jason and Rebecca with a mix of hope and anxiety. They were exhausted, but the promise of safety pushed them forward.

When they finally arrived, Jason and his group were taken aback by the sight before them. The settlement was large and well-constructed, a testament to the survivors' ingenuity and hard work. There were sturdy wooden buildings, reinforced defenses, and organized sections for various activities, making it look like a small thriving community.

John, however, did not give them time to marvel at the sight. He led them directly to a large wooden lodge that stood out as the central structure of the settlement. As they approached, John knocked on the door and asked for permission to enter.

A clear, authoritative female voice responded from within, granting them entry.

John turned to Jason and his group before entering. "Remember, be respectful."

Inside the lodge, the atmosphere was imposing. The woman sitting on a wooden chair facing them had an aura of authority and strength. She had red hair, fierce amber eyes, and a complexion that was light and smooth. She wore a warrior's attire, markedly different from anything Jason had seen before, indicating her high status and combat prowess. She appeared to be around 22 years old but carried herself with the confidence and bearing of a seasoned leader.

"Where did you find them, John?" she asked, her voice calm but edged with suspicion. "Are they spies?"

John, standing at attention, responded promptly. "I found them by the river, ma'am. They seemed lost and desperate, looking for other survivors. They claimed to be unaffiliated with any group."

She nodded slightly, her gaze shifting to Jason, Rebecca, Jessica, and Robert. Her eyes lingered on each of them, assessing, judging. The silence stretched, making Jason feel as though he were standing before a tribunal.

Finally, she spoke again, her tone colder. "So, you want to join the Stormbringers. What can you offer us?"

Jason cleared his throat, trying to gather his thoughts. "First of all we’re not spies, I promise. We're just looking for safety. I can hunt and fight, my class is warrior. I'm a decent shot and know my way around the forest."

Rebecca, standing beside him, timidly added, "I-I'm a healer, I can help with injuries, illnesses, or a-anything that needs healing."

The leader’s gaze shifted to Jessica, who stood a bit apart from the group. Jessica nervously straightened her back, "I'm a caster and I uh.. I have combat experience. I can help with defense, strategy, or anything you need."

Robert, spoke up last. " My class is rogue and I'm good with fighting too! don't worry about any beast, just leave it to me hehe."

The leader ignored Robert foolish attempt to get into her good side as she listened in silence, her expression unreadable. After what felt like an eternity, she leaned back in her chair, her fingers tapping rhythmically on the armrest.

"And why should I believe you?" she asked, her eyes narrowing slightly. "How do I know you're not lying to save your own skins?"

Jason swallowed hard, feeling the weight of her gaze. "Because we have nowhere else to go. We’ve been through hard times just trying to survive. We’re not here to cause trouble. We just want a chance to live."

The leader studied him for a few more moments, then sighed softly. "Very well. We will give you a chance to prove yourselves. This is not an easy place to live, and we do not tolerate weakness or treachery. You will work hard and earn your place here."

Her eyes locked onto Jason's, her voice lowering to a more serious tone. "Disappoint us, and there will be consequences. Understood?"

Jason nodded, relief flooding through him. "Understood."

Rebecca, Jessica, and Robert echoed his sentiment, nodding in agreement.

The leader leaned back further, her gaze softening just a fraction. "Good. John will show you around and explain the rules. Welcome to the Stormbringers."

John stepped forward, motioning for Jason and his group to follow. As they left the lodge, Jason couldn’t help but feel a mix of relief and apprehension. They had been given a chance, but the real challenge was just beginning. The leader's fierce eyes and commanding presence lingered in his mind, a constant reminder of the stakes they faced.

John led them through the settlement, pointing out various buildings and explaining the daily routines. The sense of order and community within the Stormbringers was a stark contrast to the chaos and uncertainty they had faced on their own. For the first time in a long while, Jason felt a flicker of hope.