Claire stood alone in the vacant chamber, waiting for an answer.
However, there was no response. Still, she didn't mind it as she knew that the spirit she was calling had an attitude.
She whispered again, and this time, it sounded firm…
"Come out…"
Finally, the air shifted. A shadow moved at the edge of the chamber. It was faint and formless, yet undeniably present.
Claire's heart pounded.
She had felt this presence since the day she awakened her Talent, but she had never dared to speak to it directly when there were others around.
[ Talent: Fifth Sin (Epic): Power grows as wealth is accumulated. Wealth includes food, tools, weapons, valuables, and resources. A Spirit companion bound to the user. ]
When everyone was discussing their Talents before, she had lied. She had repeated the words whispered by the shadow at her side, Physical Strengthening Talent… Uncommon Rank…
At first, she didn't really want to lie, but the spirit companion sounded so scary. It was like a devil whispering in her ears, and she wanted it to shut up.
Still, that wasn't a complete lie since her power or physical strength would indeed improve as long as she gathered wealth…
"You finally called for me."
Claire flinched, her fists tightening as she listened to the voice. "I… I had no choice. The siege is coming. I need to know what you are… what I really am. I need to know how to get stronger faster."
"You already know how to get stronger… Accumulate wealth." The spirit said.
Claire narrowed her eyes at the shadow or the spirit.
"No… I don't think it's just about piling up food and weapons. There has to be more to this Talent than simply hoarding things."
She was able to guess this much since there wouldn't be a need for a spirit companion if that was all she could do.
The spirit chuckled after seeing Claire's face…
"You are perceptive. Indeed, wealth is only the foundation. There are deeper layers to the Fifth Sin… powers you have yet to touch."
Claire's heart pounded. "Then tell me."
The shadow then moved closer…
"If you desire, I can possess your body for a brief duration. In that state, your strength will surge beyond mortal limits. Sentinels will crumble before your fists, Swarmers will scatter like insects, and if you want to conquer this shelter, you can also do so with my help."
Claire froze. "Possession…? What's the cost?"
The spirit's tone changed, almost amused by the question once again. At this point, the spirit already understood Claire's way of thinking.
"Payment is always required. You're right… Each time I take control, a small portion of your permanent health will be consumed. Not stamina, not temporary health, but your true life force. Once gone, it cannot be recovered."
Her stomach twisted as she heard this. That was too much!
Permanent stats… that was something she couldn't afford to lose recklessly.
The spirit then pressed on. "But understand this… once possessed, you will be unstoppable. No machine will stand against you."
Claire clenched her fists, torn between temptation and caution. The thought of tearing through Sentinels with ease was intoxicating, but the price was too steep.
"…I see," she whispered finally.
"I really want to try it but since it's that expensive, I hope that I won't have a chance to use this ability. I can't risk losing my health points. If I do, I'll only shorten my future. But…" She exhaled slowly, feeling relieved that she had a trump card.
"At least now I know. If things get desperate, I have this possession…"
The spirit's laughter echoed faintly before fading back into silence.
"Wise choice. Keep me as your hidden blade. When the time comes, you will know whether the price is worth paying."
Soon, Claire just stood alone in the chamber, trembling but strangely relieved. She had uncovered another layer of her Talent. It was dangerous, costly, but it could save her life and the people she wanted to protect.
Just like that, she turned back toward the sleeping area to continue resting…
***
The next morning arrived, and no one spoke much. They were all filled with anticipation. Every survivor knew what was coming.
Kai stood at the center of the hall, overseeing the final preparations. Revolvers were distributed one by one, each survivor receiving a weapon and extra ammunition. The clinking of bullets being loaded echoed through the corridors.
Even those who had never fired a gun before were given basic instructions. "Aim for the chest," Ralph muttered as he demonstrated, "and don't waste bullets."
Kai then reviewed the defenses. Haven‑45 had seven remaining entrances in total. Four of them were wide tunnels, large enough for Sentinels and Hounds to march through. Those would be the main battlegrounds.
The other three were narrow paths, too small for the machines to fit. Guards were stationed there anyway, just in case, but Kai knew the real fight would be at the larger gates.
In the meantime, Victor was still busy, tightening bolts on the eastern tunnel's massive door. His Mechanic Talent had been invaluable, reinforcing weak points and ensuring the doors could withstand the first wave.
By midday, everything was ready. Food and water were secured, medical kits were stocked, weapons were distributed, and guards were posted.
As the timer ticked down, the survivors gathered in the central hall and waited silently.
Soon, the glow of the System interface appeared before Kai and the other Earth survivors.
[ Warning! ]
[ Hostile Operation Initiating: Mech Siege ]
[ Objective: Defend designated shelter for 72 hours. ]
[ Enemy Forces Approaching. Estimated Arrival: 5 Minutes. ]