The streets near the harbor felt different from the city center.
Fires still burned in scattered pockets, but here the destruction looked heavier, more mechanical. Cargo containers lay overturned like fallen dominoes. Cranes leaned at awkward angles, their long arms frozen mid-motion. The smell of oil mixed with smoke and salt, creating a thick haze that clung to the air.
Kael moved at the front of the group, eyes scanning rooftops and alleyways. The Shadow trait made low-light movement easier, but it did not remove danger. Every corner held the possibility of something waiting.
They kept close to the shadows, using stacked containers as cover. Twice they froze as distant roars echoed across the docks, heavy enough to make the ground vibrate faintly. Neither sound came close enough to force engagement, but it reminded them that stronger creatures were already roaming freely.
After ten minutes of cautious movement, the warehouse came into view.
It was a massive concrete structure reinforced with steel plating along its lower levels. Several sections of the outer wall were damaged, but the main loading entrance remained intact. A faded emergency logistics emblem was still visible near the top of the building.
Kael crouched behind a rusted truck and observed quietly.
Movement flickered near the entrance.
The Codex activated.
Target DetectedSpecies: Cargo StalkerClassification: Mutated Arthropod VariantThreat Level: ModeratePack Behavior: Likely
Kael counted at least three shapes shifting near the loading bay. Long segmented limbs scraped against the concrete floor as the creatures moved in and out of the shadows. Their bodies were partially armored, shells reflecting faint light from the burning port behind them.
He raised his hand, signaling the others to stop, The group took cover behind stacked containers and broken equipment.
Kael studied the patrol pattern. The creatures moved in loose rotation, circling the entrance and occasionally venturing inside before returning.
They were guarding something. That meant supplies were probably still inside.
Kael adjusted his grip on the axe and moved closer, keeping low. The Shadow trait softened his footsteps, allowing him to cross open ground without immediately drawing attention.
He waited for the nearest creature to turn away before stepping into the open. The moment it did, Kael closed the distance quickly.
He struck from behind, driving the axe blade into the joint between the creature's upper shell and lower body. The Cargo Stalker shrieked and collapsed, limbs twitching violently.
The sound drew attention immediately. The other two turned and rushed forward, mandibles clacking as they accelerated.
Kael did not retreat. He rolled sideways as the first creature lunged, narrowly avoiding its claws. The second circled wide, attempting to flank him.
The Codex flashed briefly.
Multi-Target Engagement DetectedEnvironmental Advantage: Nearby Vertical Cover Available
Kael sprinted toward a fallen container ramp and climbed halfway up before turning sharply. When the first creature followed, he kicked loose a hanging metal panel. It dropped directly onto the Stalker's back, crushing its shell and pinning it to the ground.
The second creature hesitated, that hesitation cost it.
Aaron moved forward unexpectedly, his hand glowing faint orange. He thrust his palm outward, releasing a short burst of compressed heat. The blast struck the creature's side, cracking its shell and staggering it backward.
Kael closed in immediately and finished the strike with a downward blow.
The remaining creature attempted to retreat into the warehouse, but Mason intercepted it with a heavy swing of his reinforced baton. The impact stunned the creature long enough for Kael to land the final blow.
Silence returned to the loading area.
Kael exhaled slowly.
The Codex responded.
Multiple Targets EliminatedCombat Coordination Efficiency IncreasedMinor Authority Growth Recorded
Kael approached the fallen creatures and collected the remaining energy fragments. They were weaker than the earlier Shadow Hound, but every fragment still carried value.
Inside the warehouse, they found exactly what Kael had hoped for.
Rows of sealed emergency supply crates. Fuel containers. Medical equipment. Portable generators. Even old weapon storage lockers that had not yet been looted, For the first time since the sky fractured, something close to relief passed through the group.
They worked quickly, prioritizing portable supplies and compact equipment. Kael directed them to avoid overloading. Speed mattered more than greed. As they prepared to leave, Kael felt the Codex pulse again.
Unidentified Energy Signature DetectedLocation: Upper Warehouse Level
Kael's gaze lifted toward the overhead platform.
Something was still inside.
And it was stronger than the others.
He tightened his grip on the axe.
Stay here, he told the group quietly. If I don't come back in two minutes, leave.
Without waiting for protest, Kael moved deeper into the warehouse.
Whatever was waiting above was not going to be ignored.