Chapter 469 A Light in the Darkness

    “How’s your Steelbloom doing?”

    The woman lounging on the middle couch spoke withzy ease.

    At the sound of that name, Lura’s eyes flew wide as she stared at her. “You…”

    “Already forgotten me? I once brought you your sister’s keepsake.”

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    The moment she heard this, Lura’s expression sharpened. Shock rippled through her as she watched the woman remove her mask. “It’s you.”

    Of course Lura had never forgotten Theresa.

    More than that–she knew Theresa had helped her in secret.

    The administrator in the Outer Ring had once hinted that, out of respect for someone influential, they treated her more kindly than others.

    Even if she had been slow, Lura would have realized that the one shielding her couldn’t have been her dead sister.

    Her sister hadn’tmanded much respect while alive, let alone after her death.

    Only Theresa would have stepped in for her.

    “You’ve always been in the Outer Ring. How did you end up here?”

    When she recognized Theresa, Lura slowly lowered her defenses, sharp and bristling like a hedgehog. Her voice was steady but quiet. “The camp started drafting girls to serve the honored guests. That’s how I got in.”

    “And your Steelbloom?”

    “I left it in my people’s hands,” Lura said, lowering her head. “Though, it might notst much longer.”

    “Don’t give up. You’ve got this.”

    Lura heard the words spoken with a gentle smile.

    Chapter 469 A Light in the Darkness

    She lifted her gaze to Theresa, who met her eyes with calm strength, her radiating quiet confidence.

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    presence

    As soon as Theresa’s voice faded, the ones standing behind her chimed in.

    “Kid, you’ll make it,” Quentin said, arms folded. “I came here with Theresast time. This girl’s impressive. She pulled off starting Steelbloom out there.”

    “Pretty awesome. Keep it up.” Kyle gave her a big thumbs–up.

    Tyger’s eyes softened with warmth. “Well done. I admire girls like you.”

    One by one, the encouragement washed over her, and Lura didn’t even know what stirred inside her chest.

    It was like struggling in endless darkness and suddenly seeing a glimmer of light.

    These people carried light with them–bright, energetic, full of hope.

    So different from the numb, bloodthirsty faces she had grown used to in the apocalypse.

    In that moment, they lit up her entire world.

    “Yes! I won’t give up!” Lura clenched her fists tight.

    Theresa looked at the stubborn young girl before her and felt her heart soften.

    “Let me introduce myself properly. I’m Theresa Hall, from Kl Camp. I can give you another chance. Nod, and I’ll take you back with me. Life is good in my camp.”

    Hearing the offer again, Lura paused to think. After three seconds of silence, she shook her head once more.

    “I’m not going.”

    “You’re worried about the rest of Steelbloom? I can bring them all with us.”

    Theresa didn’t mind. She was short on workers anyway, and taking a group of capable women back would only help.

    Ark Camp Two could be pacified with some supplies. Everyone had a seat at the

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    Chapter 469 A Light in the Darkness

    table now–showing goodwill didn’t cost much.

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    But Lura shook her head. “It’s not that simple. I don’t want to save just my Steelbloom sisters. I want to protect every girl in Ark Camp Two. If I leave, no one will keep Steelbloom alive. I want it to be a safe haven for all the girls here.”

    Her voice grew firm. “A ce where they won’t be bullied by men, crushed by the upper ranks, or forced to grovel just to survive.”

    Theresa froze.

    Even the three behind her stared wide–eyed at the girl’s unwavering resolve.

    Then, almost in unison, they raised their thumbs in respect.

    She was the real deal.

    Theresa studied the girl, as unyielding as tempered steel, then waved her hand. “Out, all of you.”

    Quentin and the others obeyed, slipping outside and guarding the door.

    Once they were gone, Theresa turned back. “Do you want to grow stronger?”

    “Yes!”

    “I can make you stronger. But there’s one condition. When the timees, you’ll have to give me everything you’ve got.”

    Lura blinked at her in confusion.

    “Don’t worry. I’ll never force you to betray yourself or do anything against your will. Do you agree?”

    Lura lifted her chin. “I’ll help you! Even if you don’t make me stronger, I’ll still help you.”

    Theresa had already stepped in for her more than once. Even without conditions, Lura would dly return the favor.

    Why wouldn’t she?

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    Chapter 469 A Light in the Darkness

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    Theresa smiled, knowing she had judged her correctly. With a flip of her palm, a crimson pill appeared in her hand.

    Sat,

    Chapter 470 Gifts of Power