Several open cloth sacks were piled before him. Inside, one hundred sixty-three Second-order Crystal Cores, freshly counted, pulsed with a soft, energetic glow.
In this apocalyptic world, such a quantity was enough to drive any faction to madness, enough to ignite the deepest greed in the human heart.
Core members, squad captains, and a few outstanding regular members were lined up on either side, their gazes fixed on the pile of crystals—a symbol of power.
As newcomers, Aaron and Vivi were stationed toward the back, their eyes filled with a mix of apprehension and curiosity.
"These Crystal Cores will now be distributed based on contribution and the needs of the stronghold."
Julian Ford's voice wasn't loud, yet it carried clearly through the entire conference room, filled with unquestionable authority.
He began to read out the names and their allotted amounts one by one.
