Still mentally exhausted from recent events, Wanderer continued their new little habit while at home. As weeks passed, he, Shizuka, and Furqan found solace in their peaceful walks through the woods, exploring hidden trails and enjoying each other's company. they even start decorating the path with car wrecks body part. turn it into a fence and a makeshift gate,

"It's nice to have moments like these amidst all the chaos and violence," Wanderer thought to himself as he walked alongside his companions. "It makes me to just chill more."

Wanderer murmured, a rare smile touching his lips. Then, the silence shattered. A stench, acrid and foul, drifted on the breeze. As they ventured deeper into the woods, Wanderer noticed something off in the distance—a pile of bones and excrement.

He motioned for Furqan and Shizuka to stay alert. They immediately tensed, ready for any potential threat. Cautiously, Wanderer stepped forward, examining the area for any signs of movement. With weapons drawn, they carefully scoured the surroundings. Using his drone, Wanderer scanned the area until he spotted something unusual on a nearby cliff.

When they found a path to descend, they discovered a gruesome scene: dead bodies of both mutants and humans lay scattered on the ground, bullets shells and arrows.

Wanderer's blinked several times as he took in the sight. Mutated bodies lay lifeless, their eyes staring blankly at the sky. He exchanged a concerned look with Furqan and Shizuka,

After checking the corners of every boulder and noticing no signs of life, Wanderer holstered his silver pistol. "They’re starting to make expansions... the True Horde. These people were probably Series 9 goons."

Furqan nodded, "You're absolutely right, Wanderer. It looks like they both are expanding, encroaching on new territories." He looked around, taking in the carnage – a wrecked sports car, its driver impaled with a giant spear. "We need to be on our guard. We don't know what we might face next. We can't afford to let our guard down for a moment."

Wanderer let out a heavy sigh. "I always ask Gott to help me, but things just keep getting tougher."

Furqan looked at him, a hint of concern in his eyes. "I understand how you feel, Wanderer. Sometimes it feels like the world is against us, like we're facing one challenge after another. I've felt that way too. But we can't let doubt and despair consume us. We have to keep fighting, keep pushing forward, even when things seem impossible." He paused, then added subtly, "Even when it feels like God has abandoned us, we must have faith that He has a bigger plan."

He placed a reassuring hand on Wanderer's shoulder. "We're strong, Wanderer. We'll get through this. Together."

"You make it sound easy," Wanderer replied, "I even wonder if Gott just... you know... sees the things happening and decides to ignore us."

Furqan nodded, "It's true that we can't always understand why God allows the hardships we face. There are times it feels like He's ignoring our cries for help. I've grappled with those same feelings. But remember, We just have to trust that He's with us, even when we don't feel His presence."

Wanderer knelt down beside one of the human bodies, noticing a tattoo of a symmetrical pattern.

Furqan then continue. "I get where you're coming from, Wanderer. Faith is a difficult thing to hold onto in times like these.."

He glanced at the tattooed body with a frown. "And maybe we should remember that even amongst our foes, there are lives and stories that deserve respect and compassion."

"What are you even mumbling about? Let's get back to base," Wanderer said,

Furqan nodded, "You're right, Wanderer. Let's make our way back to base and inform the others about what we've discovered. “

Later, at their new base near the Mermaid settlement, Wanderer gathered his lieutenant Chrome, Furqan, Shizuka, and the new lieutenant Oboro. Nodira leaned against the corner of the room, listening intently.

"Alright," Wanderer began, his tone serious. "The non-aggression pact between SWAT and the Caliphate has triggered a power struggle between the True Horde and Series 9. They might increase their aggression in the wasteland. We might have to align closely with SWAT for a long time, but given their recent leadership changes, we can't keep relying on them."

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

Furqan nodding in agreement. "You're right, Wanderer. The changing power dynamic in the wastelands, with Series 9 making an entrance,”

He looked around the room,. "So, what's our next move, everyone? Do we have any ideas for forging new alliances or strategies to handle the potential threat from the True Horde?"

Chrome chimed in with a suggestion. "What if we try to reach out to Series 9 and see if they're willing to form a strategic partnership with us? We can offer our skills and resources in exchange for their protection and support. It could be a mutually beneficial arrangement."

Oboro nodded in agreement. "That's not a bad idea. The Series 9 mutants are formidable fighters, and having them on our side could give us an edge in any potential conflicts."

Wanderer shook his head, a frown creasing his brow. "You both are crazy as always. We just stole their stuff months ago. Do you think they will just forget it because of pragmatism?"

Chrome raised an eyebrow. "I see your point, Wanderer. But we can't let previous conflicts limit our options. The wastelands have a way of making old enemies into potential allies. Things change all the time around here."

He gestured at the room. "And we have a lot more to offer than just stolen goods. Our skills and knowledge in strategic warfare are valuable assets that Series 9 may find useful. I say it's worth a shot."

Wanderer sighed, "I hate them to the core. As you know, after the Great Coalition War in the past, those crime syndicates created a civil war within the coalition forces, which almost risked the entire human race. IF You love your own kind; you must hate them as I do."

Furqan nodded, "Wanderer, I can empathize with your feelings. Your past experiences have shaped your viewpoint, and no one can take that away from you. It's not for me to say how you should feel. What matters is what's best for our group, not our personal feelings or grudges."

He gave Wanderer a firm look. "We have to be pragmatic, Wanderer. The Series 9 might be our best bet to strengthen our position."

Wanderer closed his eyes and crossed his arms. "I wonder what the prophet would say when he sees you on the Day of Judgment."

Furqan shrugged, a hint of amusement in his voice. "I wouldn't worry too much about what the prophet would say, my friend. If he's a wise and fair prophet, he'll understand that the circumstances we face call for pragmatism and strategic thinking. We have to make difficult decisions in this cruel world, and sometimes that requires forging unexpected alliances for survival."

Wanderer opened his eyes, a hint of resignation in his expression. "But I'm not a prophet or a saint. I'm just a war criminal, a warlord."

Furqan placed a reassuring hand on Wanderer's shoulder. " While you may have a past filled with difficult choices and conflicts, we have all made our own peace with our past. Let's focus on our present and the challenges that we face."

Wanderer smiled, looking around at everyone in the room. "Yes, we are all fellow war criminals," he said, laughter bubbling up. "All of you, hahaha!"

Everyone chuckled, a mixture of amusement and acceptance in their expressions

"I guess we're all in good company then, aren't we? We may be war criminals, but we're loyal to each other. That's what matters in the end."

"Alright," Wanderer said, his tone shifting back to seriousness. "Let's see what Skull and Nero will say when we meet at the negotiation table."

soon. messenger is send to series 9 via scout. and despite their past conflict. series 9 agree to talk.

“dying is nothing. whats terrible is not to live” chrome muttered on behind his steer while look at the scene.

The abandoned construction yard echoed with the tense silence between Wanderer and the Skull Gang. Their weapons, drawn but not fired, created an atmosphere thick with anticipation.

a Skull gang goon then throw a circular plate to the dark ash ground. he then smirk at wanderer. “you wanna a alliance wanderer? then behold.. the Violence “ then A holographic projection of a figure cloaked in white against a black background, hovered over a device on the ground.

"You... You scared behind those covers, huh? Not dare to show your own face, man?" Wanderer taunted,

Violence's voice, distorted through the hologram, was cold and calculating. "Who is this?"

"I'm Wanderer," he replied, his tone unwavering.

"Wanderer... Hmm, interesting name," Violence mused. "What do you want?"

"Just a simple request," Wanderer said. "Stop increasing the aggression in the wasteland. You've done enough damage in the past."

Violence scoffed. "So what? What are you going to do if I refuse?"

"Nuke. Lots of them," Wanderer replied,

"Nuke?" Violence chuckled. "You think I'm afraid of nukes? I'm not afraid of weapons. Try using your own power without weapons."

A smirk crept across Wanderer's face as he stepped forward and punched the hologram. The image distorted and flickered, but it quickly stabilized. "Satisfied?"

"You just punched the hologram, not me," Violence said. "I want you to punch me."

Wanderer raised an eyebrow. "Then come meet me then. Why are you refusing to meet me in person?"

"And where is that place?" Violence asked.

"Your own Doom Tower," Wanderer replied,

"Doom Tower? Hmm... I like that place," Violence mused. "Alright then, I'll see you there."

"And what will you do when I'm there? Trap me?" Wanderer asked.

"Yes, yes I will," Violence replied without hesitation. "Your death will benefit me. So I will trap you. And you still want to meet me at the Doom Tower. Why? Are you really ready to die?"

"No, just what do you really want in the wasteland?" Wanderer persisted.

"Power," Violence said without hesitation. "I just want power and strength. I want to become the strongest person in the world. That is what I want. And you and your faction stand between me and that goal."

"But there's just sand and mutants here," Wanderer argued. "What will you gain from this place?"

"Mutants," Violence replied, his voice filled with a sinister gleam. "Mutants are the key to my goal in this world. There is potential in mutants, and I will use their power. It is very powerful than normal human power. And I will use this power to turn everyone into my ally or vessel. With them on my side, no one can stop me. Not you, not the Caliphate, not even the wasteland itself."

"You just revealed your goal without any filters," Wanderer said, impressed. "I respect that. It's refreshing to see an antagonist proud of what they do."

"Proud?" Violence scoffed. "I don't feel any pride in my speech. I just answered your question about what I want in the wasteland. That's all. Now that I answered it, tell me: What is your goal in the wasteland?"

"Just to make sure humans don't go extinct," Wanderer replied.

"And this is your goal to stop me? So basically, you are an obstacle in my goals. I will still make you my vessel. I will still make everyone be on my side. That goal will not change. Not for few words I said today and not even for hundreds of years. My goal will not change."

"Hmm, I'm dumbfounded," Wanderer said, his voice filled with a mix of disbelief and amusement. "For the first time ever, while negotiating, I've met a truly mad man.,, or maybe not"

Furqan listened intently to the tense conversation, his eyes flickering between Wanderer and the holograph of Violence.

Furqan muttered, "How will the negotiation go? Will we reach a compromise, or will it end in violence?"

Chrome who beside him just grin “who knows? when two strong ego at same room.. its will become a good clash,, just keep your hand in machine gun controler, these skull gangs might do something funny after this”

Furqan sigh, and hold his playstation controler who connect to the machingun turret on top of mobile home. while wanderer and violence still do a verbal sparring