Imagination system

The convoy halted before a towering structure that dominated the desolate landscape. The shelter was a massive, fortress-like compound made of reinforced steel and concrete, sprawling over several acres. High walls lined with barbed wire surrounded the perimeter, and automated turrets scanned the horizon for threats. The gates, a pair of thick, steel slabs, bore the insignia of the Crimson Vanguard—a crimson sword piercing through a golden crown.

The soldiers at the gate waved the group through after a brief exchange, and the convoy rolled into the shelter's main courtyard. Inside, the scale of the operation became clear. Rows of tents and makeshift shelters filled the open space, and the air buzzed with activity. Soldiers patrolled, medical teams rushed between buildings, and civilians huddled together in groups, their faces etched with fear and exhaustion.

Li Mei and Li Lan clung to each other as they passed through the crowd. All eyes turned toward them, particularly toward Lu Fang, who lay unconscious on the stretcher. Whispers rippled through the throng, voices tinged with a mix of curiosity, hope, and despair.

"Who is he?"

"Did he fight one of the monsters?"

"Is he alive?"

The girls tried to ignore the stares, their focus fixed on Lu Fang. His pale face and shallow breathing sent waves of worry through them.

The group reached the central building, a massive structure that served as the shelter's hospital and command center. Inside, the air was sterile, the walls lined with flickering lights and hurried staff. Soldiers carried Lu Fang into the emergency center, where doctors and nurses quickly took over.

"Will he be okay?" Li Mei asked, her voice trembling.

"We'll do our best," one of the doctors replied, ushering them out of the room.

The girls were led to a waiting area, their faces pale and streaked with tears.

---

Two days passed in a blur.

Li Mei and Li Lan barely left Lu Fang's side, taking turns watching over him. When exhaustion overcame them, they both fell asleep in chairs beside his bed, each holding one of his hands.

On the morning of the third day, Lu Fang stirred. His eyelids fluttered open, and he blinked at the harsh fluorescent lights above him. His body ached, but the warmth of small hands in his own drew his attention. He turned his head to see Li Mei and Li Lan, their faces peaceful in sleep, each clutching one of his hands tightly.

A faint smile crossed his lips. Slowly, he lifted his hands and gently patted each girl on the head. "You two," he murmured, his voice hoarse but fond.

The girls stirred, their eyes snapping open.

"Lu Fang!" Li Lan cried, tears immediately spilling down her cheeks.

"You're awake!" Li Mei said, her voice breaking as she gripped his hand tighter.

Both girls leaned in, sobbing in relief. Lu Fang sat up slowly, ignoring the pain that flared in his body, and pulled them close in a comforting embrace.

"It's okay," he said softly. "I'm here."

After a while, the girls pulled back, wiping their eyes. Li Mei was the first to speak. "Why?" she asked, her voice trembling. "Why did you save us? You didn't even know us."

Lu Fang hesitated, his gaze dropping to his lap. After a moment, he shrugged. "I don't know," he admitted. "I just… did it."

The simplicity of his answer left the girls silent. They exchanged a glance, their gratitude and confusion mingling in their expressions.

---

Later that afternoon, the sound of heavy boots echoed down the hospital corridor. The door to Lu Fang's room swung open, revealing Captain Ren Kael and a group of Crimson Vanguard soldiers.

Ren's sharp gaze swept over the room, landing on Lu Fang. "You're awake," he said, his tone neutral but commanding.

Lu Fang straightened, his body still weak but his expression steady. "Who are you?"

Ren stepped forward, his black leather armor catching the light. "I'm Captain Ren Kael of the Crimson Vanguard," he said. "We need to talk."

The chapter ended there, the air heavy with anticipation.