Riku didn't lower his guard. He stepped closer, keeping his rifle loose but ready, eyes never leaving the man who called himself Sato. The two women behind him carried carbines held low, not pointing but not relaxed either. Their faces were hard, weathered by hunger and months of survival, yet not twisted with the feral greed raiders wore.
Still, Riku didn't trust anything in this city.
"You say food, water, walls," he said. His voice carried the same sharp edge as always. "I want to see them before I believe."
Sato gave a short nod. "Understandable. Come inside. Careful. You'll see we're not raiders."
He stepped back, gesturing toward the double doors of the burned school.
Suzune slid out of the Rezvani next, rifle shouldered. She gave Riku the barest flick of a nod—ready. Ichika stayed in the back with Hana and Yui, jaw set tight as she muttered, "This is a bad idea."
