Chapter 113 The Power Shift


    Ding! Ding!


    As they approached the entrance, Graham gave a quick honk. The guards on duty, recognizing his car, wasted no time pulling the barricade aside. One of them approached with a respectful nod.


    “Good evening, Mr. Graham,” he said, scanning each passenger from head to toe with an infrared device before giving a crisp wave for them to proceed.


    “We’re clear,” Graham said, easing the car forward.


    Theresa nced at the long line of people waiting outside in makeshift tents. “They didn’t even stop us,” she murmured, noticing the envious stares of those left behind.


    “They wouldn’t dare,” he replied with a grin as the car entered the tunnel. He looked over at her, eyes gleaming. “Our boss? He’s the camp’s new deputy administrator.”


    Theresa’s expression brightened instantly. “Seriously?”


    “I’ll let you in on a secret, Theresa. Mr. Keaton’s grandfather is a grand marshal in the military district. After we got backst time, the grand marshal and Mr. Keaton went to see Monica. Half an hourter, after their meeting, Monica handed over the deputy administrator position to Mr. Keaton. Now, Monica only manages the camp’s daily production and life, and everything else is under Mr. Keaton’s control.”


    Theresa blinked in surprise, then let out augh. “That’s… incredible,” she said, shaking her head in disbelief. She never would have imagined that a simple, spur-of-the-moment decision to help someone would end up reshaping the entire power dynamic at K1 Camp.


    In her past life, it must have been Monica who orchestrated a scheme against Lucas and his team, effectively cutting off the military’s authority. With the advanced equipment she had brought back, her father had taken full control of the camp’s operations, reducing the military to a powerless bystander.


    But now?


    Theresa’s gaze sharpened. “This time, Monica’s the one who died,” she muttered to herself. “Lucas came back with the equipment instead, and with all those old scores to settle, her father never stood a chance.”


    She froze for a second before breaking intoughter. Now that was unexpected-and impressive.


    Who would have thought that a spontaneous decision to help someone in need would end up flipping the entire leadership dynamic of Kl Camp?


    In her former life, Monica had likely orchestrated a trap for Lucas and his team, effectively severing the military’s influence. With the advanced tech she brought back, her father had seized full control of the camp’s operations, leaving the military unable to interfere.


    But things had yed out differently this time.


    Monica was the one who didn’t make it back. Lucas had returned with the equipment instead, and with past grievances still simmering, her father found himself powerless to fight back. The tide had turned


    “Theresa, we have to go through another security check here. Let’s get out.”


    “Alright.”


    Theresa and Kyle each grabbed a backpack and stepped out of the vehicle. Almost immediately, a team of guards approached to douse the car in disinfectant spray. At the same time, the two were directed into apletely dark chamber, where a full-body X-ray scan was conducted to verify that they were in good health before being allowed into the camp.


    They also had to part with a portion of their supplies.


    K1 Camp enforced a strict rule: anyone entering had to give up half of their provisions. All items had to be dered at the gate. If the guards discovered any undered goods during the inspection, the entire stash would be seized.


    The guards instructed them to open their backpacks and give up half of their supplies, warning that any attempt to conceal items would result in a total confiscation.


    Graham stepped forward and rified that Theresa and Kyle were guests of Lucas, not ordinary camp residents, as he passed the guards a letter of introduction.


    Upon seeing the letter, the staff immediately saluted Theresa and Kyle, allowing them to keep their bags and go straight into the X-ray room.


    After confirming neither of them had any suspicious injuries, Theresa officially entered the heart of Kl Camp.


    As she stepped inside, a bleak sight unfolded before her-rows upon rows of hastily assembled shanties crammed together with barely any space in between. Instead of doors, thin fabric or curtains marked each cramped living space.


    “It’s always this packed,” a nearby guard muttered as they passed. “No privacy, no peace.”


    It was mealtime, and the camp’s residents, resembling pioneers from a harsher era, sat in clusters on the ground-some with family, others with whoever they’d clung to in desperation. They tore quietly at dry bread, eyes constantly shifting, guarded and suspicious of everyone around them.


    Off to the west, in a dusty clearing, several muscr workers hammered away at wooden frames and wire fencing. Their faces dripped with sweat under the midday sun.


    “Those guys either ate early or skipped it altogether,” another bystander remarked. “They’re on construction duty-new shelters, more fencing.”


    The narrow pathways between shacks were swarming with people drifting aimlessly, some lost in thought, others looking for trouble. The air buzzed with loud chatter, asional shouting, and from time to time, a fight would break out.


    In one dark corner, two men suddenly began throwing punches. No one intervened. No one even flinched.


    Theresa noticed it all-the numb expressions, the deadened stares. It was as if the violence had be background noise. Like no one could hear it anymore.


    “Theresa, let’s head further in. It’s chaotic here,” Graham said.


    “Alright.”


    Theresa got back in the car. As they drove down the camp’s main road, people made way for them, not daring to provoke the vehicle or its passengers, their eyes filled with envy and longing.


    Theresa was used to such looks.


    Their looks shouldn’t be mistaken for kindness. Had she arrived in a regr neer’s vehicle, those same gazes would have turned vicious-hungry, ready to strike without hesitation and tear her apart.


    Respect came only through power. The weak were destined to be hunted. In times like these, thew of the jungle was the onlyw that mattered.


    And in a sprawling camp of this size, that truth held even more weight.


    Graham, still focused on the road, offered a brief exnation. “These folks are thetest arrivals. It’s a bit messy around here, but things settle down as you go deeper into the camp.”