Claire had actually shielded Kai with her body. Her Physical Strength Talent allowed her to absorb the brunt of the shock, and she seemed perfectly fine.
In the meantime, Ralph coughed violently as he inhaled dust and smoke.
"Damn it! The old man wanted revenge in the end." Wallace cursed, dragging Victor toward the corridor.
For several minutes, the corridor was filled with coughing, groans, and the sound of debris settling.
Dust hung thick in the air, choking their lungs and stinging their eyes.
Kai forced himself upright, his ears still ringing.
His body ached from the blast, but his Level 5 stats gave him resilience.
The pain dulled quickly as his muscles stabilized faster than any ordinary survivor could manage. He then noticed that Claire was already on her feet, brushing dust from her arms, her Talent certainly made her recovery just as swift.
Ralph, Wallace, and Victor also seemed shaken but alive. Their quick retreat saved them from the worst of the blast.
'Good…'
Kai heaved a sigh of relief after realizing that they were all doing fine.
He then scanned the corridor with his Keen Sense, sweeping for signs of danger.
"Everyone alright?" he asked.
Russel staggered forward while coughing into his sleeve. Augustine also leaned against the wall, his face pale.
"We're… we're fine," Russel managed. "Barely."
Kai nodded and asked, "Where did he get those explosives? That bed wasn't just rigged… it was packed. Enough to collapse his whole chamber."
Russel shook his head, frustration etched across his face. "I don't know. None of us knew. The Elder was bedridden, surrounded by carers. We never saw anything like that brought in."
Augustine added, "We checked supplies. Nothing was missing. If he had explosives, I think his sons had previously set it up there."
Kai clenched his jaw…
He exhaled sharply, forcing down his anger. "Fine. Let's inspect this place further. There might be other hidden explosives we're not aware of."
Just then, Kai finally turned to the notification he just received.
[ Experience Points distributed among all participants. ]
[ +550 Experience Points ]
Kai gently nodded after seeing this notification… It just showed that the Elder must have a very high level compared to him. That would explain why he got so many Experience Points despite his minimal participation.
He dismissed the window and looked at Russel.
"What do you think? Since the elder is gone. What about his followers?"
Russel stepped forward. "Some still followed him, even if he was bedridden. It's all because they're grateful that they were given shelter… But since he's gone now, I'm sure they'll just adapt to the current leader."
Kai nodded. In any case, he planned to earn their trust through his Infinite Gift Pack Talent, so he knew what to do.
***
With the Elder gone, Haven‑45 had no choice but to look to Kai and his companions for leadership.
The survivors were shaken, but Kai's calm authority and the group's decisive actions earned them respect. No one dared to challenge their rule.
Kai quickly made a decision after meeting everyone…
No scavenging outside!
The Sentinels were still prowling, and the shelter had suffered enough losses. Instead, he would rely on his Infinite Gift Pack Talent to sustain everyone.
Within hours, Haven‑45 began to change.
Kai summoned Food Gift Packs one by one, distributing canned goods, instant noodles, granola bars, and tea bags to be stored in the warehouse.
With his leadership, no one would be hungry. The survivors even laughed when mayonnaise became a staple condiment, spreading it on their granola bars and mixing it with noodles.
From the Water Gift Packs, Kai provided filled bottles, filters, and purification tablets. The collapsible buckets were set up in the kitchen area, ensuring clean water was always available.
The Shelter Gift Packs transformed sleeping arrangements. Survivors who had been huddled on cold floors now had sleeping bags, thermal blankets, and ponchos.
Flashlights lit up the darker corners of the underground halls, making the shelter feel less like a tomb and more like a home.
It didn't end there, Kai distributed the Entertainment Gift Packs and brought unexpected joy. Playing cards became a nightly ritual, harmonicas echoed faint tunes in the corridors, and journals gave survivors a way to record their fears and hopes.
As for the Medical Gift Packs, they were a godsend to the medical practitioners. First aid kits, antibiotics, and painkillers were stocked in a central infirmary. After many years, Haven‑45 had a reliable supply of medicine. Dustin, who had cared for the Elder, now oversaw the medical corner, grateful for the resources.
Then, Kai handed out Stealth Gift Packs, and soon every survivor had camouflage suits. They weren't just clothing… They were durable, practical, and uniform. The shelter looked more organized, and its people started resembling a disciplined group rather than scattered refugees.
From the Survival Tools Gift Packs, ropes, knives, and fire starters were distributed. These tools gave survivors confidence, even if they never stepped outside.
As for Transport Gift Packs. Folding bicycles weren't usable yet, but the helmets that were included were needed.
On the other hand, the Weapon Gift Pack's revolvers weren't distributed for obvious reasons.
Then, on the third day, Kai inspected the underground field with others...
Rows of peanuts grew in the dim light, tended by survivors who had once relied on the Elder's sons for supplies.
"This is surprisingly well organized."
Kai checked the soil, the irrigation pipes, and the growth…
It was actually quite stable. It was no wonder they could rely on peanuts and various leaves to survive.
Kai was quite satisfied with this and decided to increase the personnel taking care of this field.
Then, as they were getting used to life inside the shelter, the System finally reminded them of the upcoming Mech Siege!