Mutation Abyss-Chapter 29: A Fortress

"I should be the one thanking you," she said, her tone softening as she stood up from her seat. "For letting our family stay in the compound... and for saving my Calix." She lowered her head in a small bow of gratitude.

Caught off guard, Theo quickly stepped forward and gently held her arm to stop her. "It's really okay, Aunt Brenda. Calix is a good man. He also took care of my sister when I couldn't."

Brenda blinked, her eyes slightly misty. "Still... thank you, Son. Letting us stay in this place, this chance, means more than you can imagine."

Theo simply gave her a timid and reassuring smile.

"I should let you rest now," she said, patting his arm gently. "If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask me."

"I will," he nodded, watching her walk away before heading upstairs.

Theo quietly walked down the hallway and stopped in front of Aries' door. He knocked twice.

A moment later, the door opened. Aries peeked out with a small smile. Her hair was still damp from a shower, tied back in a messy bun. She wore a fresh hoodie and looked a bit more relaxed.

"Hey," she greeted.

Theo smiled. "Just checking on you. You good?"

Aries opened the door wider. "Yeah. The room is really nice. Feels kind of unreal."

He stepped inside and looked around. The room was spacious and cozy, with soft lighting and a balcony showing the ocean waves glowing under the moonlight.

"Where should we put Mom's urn?" Aries asked softly.

Theo turned and looked at the small urn that held their mother's ashes. Just seeing it made his chest tighten again. The pain was sharp... deep.

He gave Aries a faint smile. "You decide, Aries. Wherever you think it should go in our new home."

Aries nodded and gave a tired hum. "You look like a mess, big brother. Go shower and get some rest."

Theo managed a small laugh and nodded. "Alright. I'll see you in the morning."

He left and headed to the master bedroom. It was the largest bedroom, fully furnished, and looked like a suite in a luxury hotel. Everything inside was clean, modern, and already prepared for use.

He closed the door behind him and went straight to freshen up. After a quick shower, he sat on the edge of the bed, towel draped over his shoulders as he dried his hair. But even in the quiet of the room, his thoughts were moving fast.

'Time to open the system.'

A familiar screen flickered to life in front of him, glowing in the dim room. He focused on the interface as the text appeared.

[Daily Quests Available]

[Complete 200 push-ups. (0/200)]

[Run 5 km. (0/5)]

[Strengthen core muscles. (0/1 session)]

[Gather and stock essential supplies. (0/1 complete)]

[Research local terrain and escape routes. (0/1 complete)]

[Reward: +3 Strength, +2 Agility, +1 Endurance, +1 Mutation Point]

They had a secure place now. It was time to build strength, prepare supplies, and fortify everything they had. He pulled out a notebook and started writing down his To-Do List for tomorrow:

Buy survival food, medicine, and water purifiers.

Stock the bunker with supplies.

Find a reliable vehicle.

Map out emergency escape routes.

Set up training schedules.

Theo's hand gripped the pen tightly. He wasn't going to be caught unprepared for the apocalypse.

But as he finished jotting down a few notes, a long yawn escaped his lips. His eyelids grew heavy, and the weight of exhaustion finally settled in. He placed the pen down and quickly lay on the bed.

'I'll start the daily quests first thing tomorrow morning,' he thought sluggishly.

His body felt drained, he needed rest. Tomorrow would be a long day.