Vikram opened his interface and initiated a call. After a brief pause, it connected.
On the other side, inside the shelter, Sophia appeared. She was already awake, standing near the preparation area, her expression calm but attentive.
"Yes, Master."
Vikram spoke directly, without wasting time. "I'm inside a ruin. We've secured the area for now. There are a large number of materials here—prepare the warehouse. I'll start sending items back."
Sophia's eyes flickered slightly, but she didn't interrupt. "Yes, Master. I'll clear space and organize the storage."
"Also," Vikram added, his tone firm, "prioritize metals. High-grade ones."
"Understood."
She paused for a moment, then asked softly, "Master… are you safe?"
Vikram glanced briefly at the mutilated Zombie Leader on the ground, then at his Sprout Team already moving into action.
"I am."
"Then I'll be waiting," she said quietly.
The call ended.
