The morning sun broke through the haze as the group finally emerged from the cave, guiding the dazed survivors with them. Rian took a deep breath, appreciating the fresh air after the oppressive atmosphere of the tunnels. Leah moved to the side, keeping watch, while Bran organized the convoy into smaller clusters to minimize exposure.

Marcus wiped his brow, his transmitter now completely silent. “Whatever that pulse was, it’s gone. At least for now.”

Devika glanced back at the cave entrance. “Do you think it’ll come back? The resonance?”

Rian looked thoughtful. “If it’s tied to the rocks, it might reactivate if the conditions are right. We can’t rely on the caves as a refuge anymore.”

Lucky sniffed the ground, ears twitching as if still unsettled. Milo patted his head, murmuring soft reassurances. Zara scanned the area, her grip on her spear tight. “So, what now?”

Bran approached, his expression grim. “We head north. The ridge is still our best shot at finding the convoy leader. If they’ve regrouped, they might have more information on whatever’s happening.”

Leah nodded. “If the light and the resonance are connected, we need to know how far it’s spread. We can’t be the only ones dealing with it.”

As they moved out, Kira walked alongside Marcus. “You think the tower and the caves were just the start?”

Marcus shrugged. “If they’re nodes in some kind of network, then it’s possible. Like a ripple effect, spreading from one point to another.”

Josh, still pale but walking steadily, spoke up. “What if the signal’s not just local? If it’s spreading through the ground itself?”

Rian slowed his pace, considering the idea. “Like faultlines. If it’s traveling underground, it could surface anywhere.”

Bran overheard and frowned. “You’re saying the whole region could be affected? How do we fight something that moves through rock?”

Zara glanced at Rian. “Maybe it’s not just moving — maybe it’s growing. Spreading through the stone.”

Marcus looked uneasy. “If it’s altering the landscape itself, we’re dealing with more than just mutations. It’s like the ground is becoming part of the signal.”

Leah cursed under her breath. “If that’s true, we can’t trust any terrain. Safe zones could vanish overnight.”

The path wound through sparse trees and broken asphalt, remnants of a road that had buckled and cracked during the initial surge. Bran signaled for a brief halt, allowing the group to catch their breath.

Rian noticed Milo watching him intently. “You okay?”

Milo hesitated. “Back in the cave… I thought I heard something. A voice. It wasn’t like the hum. It was like someone whispering right behind me.”

Devika frowned. “You didn’t mention it earlier.”

Milo rubbed his forehead. “I thought it was just in my head. But it felt real.”

Leah exchanged a glance with Marcus. “If it’s not just resonance, but something more… cognitive?”

Marcus adjusted his device. “If the energy can affect how people think, it might explain why some people change and others don’t. Maybe it’s not just physical — it’s mental too.”

As the group moved on, the terrain gradually became rockier, the path angling upward. Bran pointed ahead. “There’s a lookout point near the top. Good place to scan the area.”

They climbed steadily, reaching the outcrop just as the sun fully crested the horizon. Below, the valley stretched out, the city’s warped skyline faintly visible in the distance. The ridge itself seemed quieter, almost peaceful.

Leah pulled out her binoculars, scanning the northern trail. “No movement. Either they’re ahead of us or still regrouping.”

Marcus checked his transmitter again, frustration evident. “Signal’s dead. Whatever interference was in the caves, it’s not following us. Maybe it’s localized.”

Kira looked relieved. “So we’re safe for now?”

Rian wasn’t convinced. “Maybe. But if the signal’s moving, it might surface elsewhere. We’ll stay alert.”

Bran took a deep breath. “If we can find higher ground, maybe we’ll catch a glimpse of smoke or movement. Something to point us toward the convoy.”

Lucky barked suddenly, drawing their attention. Leah tensed, but then relaxed when she saw the dog sniffing at an old trail marker. Rian patted the dog’s side. “Good boy. Looks like we’re still on the right track.”

As the group prepared to move out, Rian couldn’t shake the feeling that something was following them. He glanced back at the cave, half expecting to see movement. Nothing. Just silence.

Devika touched his arm lightly. “You think it’s really over?”

Rian shook his head. “No. Just a lull. Whatever’s happening, it’s not done with us yet.”

As they moved on, the ridge stretched ahead, winding toward the next uncertain horizon. Whatever lay beyond, Rian knew they couldn’t afford to let their guard down.

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