CHAPTER 70: AMSO SAFE ZONE

Theo let out a soft chuckle. "Yeah. I guess I didn’t think that far ahead."

Leon gave a faint smile, the first one Theo had seen on him. Dion, still clutching his stuffed animal, looked up and whispered, "Are you really leaving?"

Theo’s expression softened. "Only when it’s safe. I promise, I won’t go until you’re in good hands."

"Thank you so much, Mister. I won’t ask your name," Leon said quietly, voice steadier now. "You probably don’t want to say it if you want to keep your identity hidden. But... what matters is I know your face. And I’ll remember it forever. I want to be as strong as you are."

Theo smiled at that, a soft nod in response. He glanced toward the dark sky, then looked back at the boys. "You survived all this. That makes you strong already. Just hold on a little longer."

As soon as the soldiers opened the hatch, Theo gave the boys a faint smile.

"I’ll leave now," he said quietly.

Leon’s eyes widened, but he didn’t speak. He just nodded, holding Dion’s hand tighter.

Without another word, Theo activated Shadow Step. His form blurred and vanished, slipping through the cracks of light and shadows beyond the barricade.

He reappeared behind a cluster of shattered concrete and twisted metal a short distance away, crouched low beside the ruined remains of a collapsed sign and overgrown vines. He didn’t move, only watched.

The soldiers helped the boys out of the hatch. One of them lifted Dion gently, who looked around with wide, tired eyes. Another placed a hand on Leon’s shoulder, guiding him carefully toward the waiting medical team.

AMSO medics were already there, two of them rushing over with clean blankets and first-aid kits. One knelt to check Leon’s eyes and pulse while another scanned Dion with a handheld device. A third offered water and soft reassurance.

Theo stayed hidden, unmoving in the shadows. No cameras saw him. No officer noticed his presence. But he saw enough. He exhaled softly, then turned away.

*****

Meanwhile, Brix arrived at Red Zone D5 - the wrecked Shop and Go Supermarket and let out a quiet breath of relief when he saw the two boys being treated by AMSO medics.

AMSO’s cleaning personnel have begun their work, clearing debris, collecting bodies, and disinfecting the area. Soon, the Red Zone designation for this supermarket would be lifted.

Commander Brix stood silently at the edge of the site, watching the medics and field workers do their part. In truth, he didn’t feel the sense of victory others might assume. He only wished Theo could keep sneaking into more red zones like this, quietly, efficiently, without chaos and keep saving survivors the way he just did.

There were fewer than ten active red zones left in the province now. Still, no official AMSO unit had been dispatched since the last operation at All Days High School Campus.

Resources were scarce. Or at least, that was the excuse...

The government had clearly shifted its priorities. Most efforts and dispatches were focused on securing the area around the AMSO Headquarters Safe Zone Hub.

The place was essentially an island fortress, connected to the mainland by a high-security bridge accessible by land, air, and sea. The barrier surrounding the hub resembled towering dam walls, impervious, seamless, and intimidating.

Not everyone had the privilege to live inside the AMSO Safe Zone.

Those working for AMSO, like registered AMS including active military and law enforcement personnel, were allowed to reside. Even then, only their immediate families were granted access, and living quarters were strictly assigned based on rank, clearance, and departmental role. A symbol of safety but also separation.

Brix glanced back toward the area Theo had vanished from, knowing full well the man was long gone. His presence was like a whisper there, then gone. But the outcome spoke volumes.

They needed more people like him.

And maybe... just maybe, Brix would find a way to protect that kind of quiet heroism. He was still in deep thought when one of his men stepped beside him.

"Commander, Field Marshal Roxas is en route. He wants to speak with you personally."

Brix stiffened.

’Of course, he is,’ he thought grimly. He gave a short nod and mentally braced himself.

By the time the transport rolled in and the Field Marshal stepped out, Brix was already waiting. He led General Roxas to the makeshift command tent that served as a barracks office.

The moment the flap closed, the air turned heavy.

"What’s going on in the province under your watch, Commander?" General Roxas said sharply. "This is the third time a Red Zone was breached by an unregistered person. How are they slipping past your perimeter?"

"Yes, sir," Brix said, standing at attention. "I take full responsibility. But respectfully, sir, my men are standard soldiers. They don’t have the sensory enhancements or scanning abilities like UMS or AMS operatives."

"Are you telling me a ghost slipped through three times and no one caught a shadow of him?" Roxas’s tone grew sharper.

Brix stayed firm. "It’s likely the intruder possesses stealth-based abilities, possibly invisibility or cloaking. That would explain why our checkpoints and patrols miss him."

Roxas grunted, pacing a step. "This isn’t just about a breach, Commander. It’s about protocol. Chain of command. A civilian AMS or worse UMS operating solo in Red Zones is a risk."

"I understand, sir," Brix replied. "But may I ask... if this individual is caught, and he turns out to be a genuine AMS, could we not consider recruiting him into AMSO? He’s clearly capable, and his intentions don’t seem hostile. In this incident alone, he saved two children. Risk or not, he’s effective."

General Roxas turned and studied Brix with a measured stare. "You’re suggesting we reward a rogue for bypassing national security protocols?"

"I’m suggesting we don’t waste potential, Sir," Brix answered. "AMSO needs every edge we can get. If he’s operating solo out of conviction, that’s something we can work with. Coax him in. Give him a place in the system, under supervision."

Silence stretched for a few seconds.

Then Roxas looked away with a low exhale. "If it comes to that... we’ll see. But until then, keep your men alert. And Commander, no more ghost sightings without answers."

"Yes, sir."