"...We met people from Vault 404."
In the middle of a pure white room, Horne's face was filled with reverence.
"Oh?"
A gentle voice, as though drifting from somewhere beyond, sounded beside his ear.
"What kind of people were they?"
Horne answered respectfully.
"They were... very unusual people. My experience was not enough to make a more specific judgment. They extended an invitation, and I wanted to send a few people to take a look."
"That is a good idea. You need to stay in contact with other survivors. Have you decided on the candidates?"
There was a hint of approval in that voice.
A trace of delight appeared on the old man's face as Horne continued respectfully.
"Not yet, but we planned to send one student and two engineers."
The voice from beyond seemed to lapse into thought.
After roughly two or three minutes, it continued.
"Send Pai."
Horne was somewhat surprised by his mentor's words, but he said nothing.
"I shall heed your teaching."
The old man spoke respectfully. After a brief pause, he continued with his own proposal.
"The New Alliance's capital is over a hundred kilometers from us. For safety reasons, I would like to request a bodyguard."
"Approved. Open the door at six tomorrow." The unseen voice gave its answer readily.
Horne nodded slightly.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome. Go make your preparations," the voice continued. "I should also select a suitable gift for our neighbors."
The communication ended.
After the voice departed, Horne slowly raised his hands, fumbled around his temples with his fingers for a moment, and removed the VR headset from his head.
The white glow around him faded away.
He was currently standing in the camp's administrative center.
The vault doors were not opened lightly.
Whenever there was something important to discuss,