Baekhyun had intended to retrieve Aeri today, but the chaos instigated by Jihoon and his cohorts would have lasting repercussions if not promptly addressed.

During the Mossclaws' awakening, Jihoon disrupted the fair distribution of food and resources, showing favoritism to some and leaving others in need. Concurrently, he spread false rumors among everyone, painting vivid pictures of unseen threats lurking just beyond the settlement's borders, stoking fear and uncertainty among the inhabitants.

As Baekhyun checked their stash, he saw a huge chunk of resources missing. It hit him hard—they wouldn't last until the next awakening unless they restocked now.

Jihoon and his crew are becoming a major headache. Their constant troublemaking is causing big problems for everyone. If the settlement didn't rely on his assistance for security, Baekhyun would have swiftly expelled Jihoon and his cohorts for their disruptive antics long ago.
 

Beyond this, both Baekhyun and Jihoon wield equal authority within their respective teams, intensifying the tension. Despite Jihoon's disruptive behavior, his rank shields him from reproach, leaving the other soldiers feeling frustrated and powerless to address his antics.

Reluctantly, Baekhyun knew he had no choice but to call for a meeting involving everyone, including Jihoon and his team.

“Listen up, all of you,” Baekhyun’s voice rang out with authority, his eyes piercing as they locked onto Jihoon’s. “We find ourselves on the brink of disaster, and it’s because of the actions of a few.”

Jihoon’s smirk faltered, replaced by a defensive glare, while Sehun and Chanyeol exchanged concerned looks, sensing the tension in the air.

After addressing the dire situation, Baekhyun wasted no time in laying out a plan for action. "Our first priority," he declared, his voice commanding, "will be to bolster our food reserves. We cannot afford to be caught unprepared." 

The soldiers nodded in agreement, recognizing the urgency of the task.

"Once we've secured an ample food supply," Baekhyun continued, his tone unwavering, "we'll strengthen our defenses. Security measures and traps will be our next focus."

With Baekhyun’s orders given, the meeting wrapped up, and the soldiers split off, feeling pumped up and ready.

Jihoon and his crew exchanged quick nods before they huddled together, looking annoyed at Baekhyun's commands.

"He's not the boss of us," Jihoon grumbled quietly, his frustration evident. His buddies nodded in agreement, all fired up to figure out their own plan. Despite their annoyance, they knew they had to be careful not to make it too obvious. With a shared sense of defiance, Jihoon and his team went off to do things their way, determined to prove themselves without Baekhyun breathing down their necks.

As Jihoon and his team huddled together, Baekhyun caught wind of their discontent but remained unfazed. He knew he had to find a way to unite the settlement, even if it meant treading carefully with those who challenged his authority.

 

Baekhyun approached them with a stoic demeanor, his posture rigid and his gaze piercing as he assessed their simmering discontent.

"Jihoon," Baekhyun began, his voice hard and unwavering, "I need you to stay behind and oversee the settlement while the rest of us venture into the city." Jihoon arched an eyebrow, his skepticism evident. "And why would I do that?" he countered, a hint of defiance in his tone.

Baekhyun's expression remained impassive, but a muscle twitched in his jaw, betraying the tension beneath the surface. "Because," he replied evenly, "regardless of our differences, I know you're capable of handling the responsibility."

Jihoon's lips curled into a sardonic smile, his eyes gleaming with amusement as he decided to push Baekhyun's buttons further. "Ah, I see," he taunted, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "So, what? You finally realized I'm the only one here with a brain?"

Baekhyun's eyes narrowed imperceptibly, a flicker of irritation crossing his features before he regained his composure. "It's not about intelligence," he countered, his tone firm and unrelenting. "It's about ensuring the safety of everyone in the settlement."

With a smirk playing on his lips, Jihoon couldn't resist one final jab. "Sure, sure," he remarked dismissively, his voice laced with mockery. "Just make sure you don't trip over your own ego while you're out there."

As Baekhyun turned to walk away, his strides purposeful and his posture rigid, Jihoon's mind churned with dark amusement, reveling in the subtle power play he had just executed.

In the wake of his interaction with Jihoon, Baekhyun wasted no time in seeking out the hunters' team. With Sehun and Chanyeol in tow, he approached their ranks, his demeanor confident and determined.

"Gather around," Baekhyun announced, his voice carrying across the settlement. "Sehun, Chanyeol, and I will be joining your expedition into the city."

The hunters erupted into cheers, thrilled at the prospect of having Baekhyun, renowned for his leadership and combat skills, by their side. They eagerly welcomed the opportunity to witness him in action firsthand.

Sehun and Chanyeol exchanged uneasy glances, sensing that there was more to Baekhyun's sudden decision than met the eye. They knew him well enough to recognize when he was up to something, and this time was no exception. Despite their misgivings, they remained silent, trusting in Baekhyun's judgment for the time being.

Reaching their destination, Baekhyun wasted no time in rallying his team, urging them to scavenge as much as they could before the next awakening of the Mossclaws. 

As everyone searched for supplies, they came across a group of survivors lurking nearby. The tension was thick, and it was obvious these people were scavenging while the Mossclaws were inactive.

Baekhyun's jaw tensed as he saw the desperate survivors eyeing their meager supplies. They seemed ready to fight for whatever they could grab, capitalizing on the Mossclaws' absence.

With determination, Baekhyun signaled for everyone to stay alert. They knew they had to protect their haul from these scavengers. As the standoff grew more intense, it became clear that surviving in the city meant battling not just nature but also other survivors' desperation.

But as the strangers' eyes landed on Baekhyun and the men behind him, the swagger drained from them. They couldn't help but notice the intimidating presence emanating from him. A tense silence hung in the air as the scavengers assessed the situation, their aggressive posture faltering in the face of such formidable opponents. Baekhyun and his crew seemed to exude a silent menace, their every movement speaking of deadly capability. It was as if the very air around them crackled with danger, causing the scavengers to hesitate, their bravado crumbling in the face of the unknown threat before them.

Sensing the shift in the atmosphere, the soldiers stood their ground, their presence a silent warning to those who dared to challenge them. Without a word spoken, the group of survivors backed away slowly, their eyes wary as they retreated into the shadows.

As the tension dissipated, they pressed forward, their determination unwavering. Though the encounter had been brief, it served as a stark reminder of the harsh realities they faced in their struggle for survival. 

Meanwhile, the soldiers couldn't conceal their awe at the mere presence of Baekhyun. Even in moments of calm, his commanding aura seemed to deter trouble, evoking a mixture of admiration and relief on their faces. It was as if his very presence acted as a shield, instilling confidence and warding off potential threats.

Chanyeol grinned, "Glad we didn't have to throw down. Saves us energy."

Sehun rolled his eyes, muttering, "Always trying to be the cool one."

Baekhyun interjected, "Let's focus on what's ahead, guys."

As they continued their journey, navigating through the desolate landscape,  they stumbled upon an abandoned warehouse. With cautious steps, they ventured inside, their senses alert for any signs of danger.

Out of the shadows emerged a formidable band of armed survivors, their demeanor b with confidence as they stood their ground. The air crackled with tension as the two groups faced off, the newcomers exuding a boldness that surpassed that of the previous encounter. 

Each member of Baekhyun's team could sense the heightened stakes of this confrontation. It wasn't just a clash of arms; it was a clash of wills, a testament to the ruthless competition for resources in this unforgiving landscape. The presence of this new group served as a stark reminder that they were not alone in their quest, and