Samantha decided to put a little distance between herself and Aurora before taking out the cube. The night had fully descended by the time she reached a quiet clearing about a mile away, the stars above glittering like scattered jewels against the velvet sky. With deliberate care, she retrieved the cube from her backpack, its smooth metallic surface gleaming faintly in the moonlight. Holding it in her palm, she murmured her request: "Guide me to the best place to make the sanctuary."

  The cube hummed softly in response, a gentle vibration that sent a thrill of anticipation coursing through her. Moments later, a holographic mini-map sprang to life, casting a faint bluish glow over her face. The map was intricate, depicting the terrain in vivid detail, and it marked a path leading to a location about 50 miles away—a destination that promised safety and untapped potential.

  Samantha decided to set up camp in the clearing for the night, the cube safely tucked away in her pack. The stars above seemed brighter here, undisturbed by city lights or the haze of civilization, their brilliance igniting a sense of wonder and solitude. As the crackling warmth of her small fire illuminated the clearing, Samantha leaned back against a fallen log, her thoughts drifting to the early days when the System first took hold of Earth.

  Back then, the nights had been eerily silent, marked by an absence of the familiar hum of urban life. The transition had been abrupt, unsettling even, as humanity grappled with the sudden loss of control. Yet, those nights had also fostered moments of clarity—moments when Samantha had found herself staring at the same stars, drawing strength from their ageless presence amidst the chaos below. It had been a time that tested her courage, her adaptability, and her hope, shaping the person she had become.

  Tonight, the wilderness seemed to echo that same quiet resilience. There were no threats, no disturbances—only the natural rhythm of life unfolding around her. The rustle of leaves in the breeze, the distant calls of nocturnal creatures, and the steady pulse of her own heartbeat reminded her that peace, however fleeting, was still attainable. Samantha closed her eyes, allowing the memories of those formative days to mingle with the serenity of the present moment. And as sleep gradually claimed her, she vowed to carry this calm with her, wherever her journey might lead.

  Her journey began the next morning, and it stretched over six days, each step carrying her further from the familiarity of Aurora and deeper into the wilderness. The terrain was diverse, offering a breathtaking array of sights. Towering cliffs loomed majestically against the horizon, their jagged edges softened by the morning mist. Verdant meadows sprawled endlessly, adorned with wildflowers that shimmered in the sunlight. Streams trickled with crystalline clarity, their gentle murmurs harmonizing with the calls of unseen birds.

  Samantha marveled at these wonders, each one a reminder of the beauty and resilience of the natural world. Despite the physical exertion, the journey felt transformative—a cleansing of sorts, as though the wilds were slowly stripping away the burdens she had carried from Aurora. Her thoughts grew clearer, her resolve stronger, as she pressed on toward her goal.

  As Samantha gazed across the valley, she marveled at its pristine beauty, but a lingering curiosity pricked at her thoughts. Over the past two days of traversing The Wilds, she had not encountered a single soul—a realization that struck her as peculiar. She had expected at least some sign of others: wanderers, settlers, or perhaps even remnants of old, forgotten communities. The absence of such encounters left her wondering where they might be, or if The Wilds had truly become an isolated expanse, untouched by human presence.

  Could it be that these lands were as uninhabited as they appeared, or had people simply learned to avoid its treacherous terrain and hidden dangers? Her mind toyed with possibilities: abandoned trails leading to ghost towns, nomadic groups navigating paths far from her chosen route, or perhaps something deeper—a secret that kept the wilderness shrouded in solitude.

  The thought stirred both intrigue and unease, but Samantha knew it was not the time to dwell on mysteries beyond her control. She had a mission here, and her focus remained steadfast on the sanctuary she sought to build. Still, as the amber light of dusk faded into twilight, she made a silent vow to remain vigilant. The Wilds had secrets, and Samantha was determined to uncover them in due time.

  On the third day of her journey, Samantha’s solitary trek through the wilderness took an unexpected turn. Cresting a gentle hill, she spotted movement in the distance—figures working in a field that seemed to emerge like a patch of order amid the wild expanse. Curiosity quickened her steps as she made her way toward them, her heart pounding with excitement at the prospect of human contact.

  As she drew closer, she saw that the people, a small group of five, were tending to rows of crops. They moved with quiet efficiency, their tools glinting faintly in the sunlight. Samantha hesitated for a moment, unsure of how they might react to a stranger appearing out of the untamed lands, but she steadied herself and approached with an open hand and a warm smile.

  “Hello!” she called out, her voice breaking the soft rhythm of their labor. The workers paused, their heads turning toward her. A man in his middle years, weathered and strong, stepped forward. His expression was guarded but not unkind.

  “I’m Samantha,” she said, her tone gentle but confident. “I’m traveling to see what’s out in the world.”

  The man studied her for a moment before nodding. “I’m Jules,” he replied, his voice carrying the accented warmth of someone accustomed to speaking sparingly but meaningfully. “This is my family. What brings you here, of all places?”

  Samantha explained her journey in broad strokes, omitting the cube and her ultimate goal of building a sanctuary. Instead, she focused on her desire to explore and understand the world beyond the boundaries of Aurora. Jules listened intently, his cautious demeanor softening as she spoke.

  “Is there a town nearby?” she asked, her curiosity piqued by the cultivated field and the presence of these people.

  Jules nodded, pointing eastward with a callused hand. “About two miles in that direction, you’ll find Wesson. It’s a small place, but there’s good folk there. They might be able to help you with whatever you’re looking for.”

  “Thank you,” Samantha said sincerely. The family returned to their work as she turned eastward, her thoughts buzzing with the possibilities that lay ahead. Though she had set out on this journey expecting solitude, the encounter filled her with a newfound sense of connection. Perhaps The Wilds were not as deserted as she had imagined.

  She made a mental note to visit Wesson once she had completed her current mission. For now, though, the map’s glowing path continued to guide her, and her focus returned to the sanctuary that awaited her.

  As Samantha walked eastward, her thoughts returned to the family she had met. She reflected on the simplicity of their tools—wooden handles worn smooth by years of use and blades that bore the marks of hand-forging. It struck her as odd that there was no sign of advanced machinery or even basic technological aids. Perhaps, she thought, this was simply the way of The Wilds—a life rooted in tradition, untouched by the innovations that had transformed Aurora.

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  The idea intrigued her. Was it by choice or necessity that these people lived without modern conveniences? Were they isolated from progress, or did they reject it altogether? The more she considered it, the more questions arose, and with them, a growing curiosity about the world she was beginning to uncover. Samantha wondered if Besson, the town Jules had mentioned, would reveal more about the way of life here. Would it resemble the small family farm, or would it hold surprises of its own?

  As the day wore on, the map’s glow served as a steady guide, even as her thoughts wandered. The air grew cooler, carrying the faint scents of earth and foliage, and the rhythmic crunch of her boots on the uneven path was a comforting reminder of her progress. Samantha resolved to keep her focus, knowing the sanctuary she envisioned still awaited her, but she couldn’t help feeling a quiet thrill at the mysteries The Wilds had to offer.

  As Samantha journeyed further into The Wilds, the fourth day brought an unexpected discovery—a town nestled within a quiet valley. Black Hollow, as the weathered wooden sign by the entrance proclaimed, was home to approximately 1,000 inhabitants. From the moment she stepped onto its cobbled streets, Samantha was struck by its timeless charm. The town seemed to exist in a suspended moment, its technology rooted in the late 19th century. Gas lamps illuminated doorways, and horse-drawn wagons clattered leisurely along the roads, their drivers tipping hats in a friendly greeting.

  She wandered through the town, her curiosity guiding her steps. Black Hollow’s people exuded warmth, their smiles genuine and their manners polite. They dressed in simple, practical attire, reminiscent of another era, and spoke with an ease that hinted at strong community bonds. Samantha noted the absence of electricity—no glowing bulbs, no hum of machines—only the faint hiss of gas-powered lanterns and the rhythmic chug of mechanical pumps. It was a world untouched by the advances she had known in Aurora, yet it thrived in its own way.

  The marketplace bustled with activity as merchants displayed their wares—fresh produce, handcrafted tools, and leather goods. Samantha admired the artistry of the items, but she noticed something peculiar: no one exchanged credits, the universal currency she had carried with her. Instead, coins glinted in the sunlight, passed from hand to hand in transactions that felt almost ceremonial. Without coin currency, Samantha refrained from buying anything, though the temptation to sample the richly spiced pastries or acquire a finely carved trinket lingered.

  As she explored, Samantha found herself drawn to the rhythm of Black Hollow’s life. The town seemed to hum with quiet resilience, the people content in their traditions and resourcefulness. It was a stark contrast to the technological marvels of Aurora, yet it possessed a charm and authenticity that resonated deeply with her. She wondered what choices had led them to embrace this way of life—was it the absence of external influence or a deliberate rejection of progress? The thought settled in her mind, adding another layer to her understanding of The Wilds.

  Though her time in Black Hollow was brief, it left an impression that stayed with Samantha as she continued her journey. The friendly faces, the quaint streets, and the simplicity of life there had sparked a quiet admiration within her. It wasn’t her sanctuary, but it was a place that reminded her of the diverse paths humanity could take. As the fifth day dawned and her map glowed faintly with guidance, Samantha turned her gaze forward, ready to embrace the next chapter of her adventure.

  As the fifth evening descended, casting deep amber hues across The Wilds, Samantha decided it was time to set up camp. She found a small clearing near a babbling brook, its soft murmur offering a sense of tranquility. Unpacking her gear, she quickly built a modest fire and laid out her bedroll beneath the sheltering branches of an ancient oak. The map’s glow had dimmed for the day, signaling a time to rest.

  As she settled in, the distant rustle of footsteps on the path caught her attention. She turned and saw two figures emerge from the growing shadows—a young boy, perhaps no older than ten, and an older girl who looked to be in her late teens. Both were dressed in simple, travel-worn clothes, their faces streaked with the dust of the road. The boy clutched a bundle of belongings wrapped in cloth, while the girl carried a sturdy walking stick.

  “Good evening,” Samantha called out cautiously, her hand instinctively hovering near her knife. The girl raised a hand in greeting, her face breaking into a warm, albeit weary, smile.

  “Good evening,” the girl replied. “We didn’t mean to intrude. My brother and I are just passing through.”

  Samantha relaxed and gestured toward the fire. “You’re welcome to share the warmth. It’s getting cold out here.”

  The siblings hesitated only a moment before stepping closer. As they settled near the flames, the boy’s eyes lit up with curiosity. “Are you from a real city?” he asked, his voice carrying a blend of awe and shyness.

  “I am,” Samantha replied, intrigued by the question. “How did you know?”

  The girl chuckled softly. “Your boots—sturdy, polished, and definitely not something made around here. Also, the electronics in your bag. We’ve heard about those in stories.”

  Samantha smiled, surprised by their sharp observations. She offered them a share of her provisions, which they accepted gratefully. Over the course of the evening, the siblings introduced themselves—Caleb, the carefree younger brother with a penchant for asking endless questions, and Elara, the older sister, grounded and protective.

  They spoke of their journey, revealing that they were traveling to Wesson to reunite with distant relatives. Their parents had passed away years ago, and the siblings had relied on each other ever since. Elara’s quiet strength and Caleb’s boundless energy struck a chord with Samantha, reminding her of the resilience she had seen in Black Hollow.

  As the night deepened, their conversation turned to tales of The Wilds. Caleb shared fantastical stories of creatures he claimed to have seen—a deer with antlers that glowed like moonlight, a bird that sang in a language no one could understand. Elara, while more skeptical, allowed herself to smile at her brother’s vivid imagination.

  In return, Samantha recounted her impressions of Black Hollow, describing its timeless charm and the unique way of life she had witnessed there. The siblings listened intently, their eyes reflecting the fire’s glow. For a moment, the three of them were bound by the stories they shared, the vastness of The Wilds feeling a little less lonely.

  When sleep called to them, Samantha offered her spare blanket to Caleb, who accepted it with a grin. Elara insisted she was fine with her own shawl, though Samantha noticed her glancing appreciatively at the warmth of the fire. The siblings curled up close to the flames, their quiet breathing soon mingling with the nocturnal sounds of the forest.

  Samantha lay awake for a while, staring up at the canopy of stars overhead. She felt a rare sense of companionship, a fleeting but heartfelt connection to the two travelers who had stumbled upon her camp. As she drifted off to sleep, she resolved to remember this night—a reminder of the unexpected bonds one could form, even in the most remote corners of the world.

  At dawn, the forest stirred to life, its symphony of bird calls and rustling leaves serving as a gentle wake-up call. Samantha was the first to rise, carefully stoking the embers of the fire back to a small flame to ward off the morning chill. Caleb yawned widely, stretching like a cat, while Elara opened her eyes slowly, her expression soft and relaxed in a way it hadn’t been the previous evening.

  As they shared a modest breakfast of dried fruit and biscuits, the trio exchanged parting words filled with gratitude and warmth. Caleb couldn’t resist asking Samantha a few more questions about Aurora, his eyes wide with wonder as he imagined the world she described. Elara smiled faintly at her brother’s enthusiasm but turned her attention to Samantha. “Thank you,” she said simply, her voice steady. “For everything.”

  Samantha nodded, her gaze meeting Elara’s. “Safe travels to both of you. I hope you find what you’re looking for in Wesson.”

  Finally, as the sixth day drew to a close, the miniature map indicated that she had arrived at the designated spot. She stood on the edge of a secluded valley, its lush greenery bathed in the amber light of the setting sun. The place felt sacred, untouched by world she had left behind, and a wave of relief washed over her. This was it—the foundation for the sanctuary she had envisioned. Samantha took a deep breath, sensing the enormity of the task ahead, yet feeling ready to embrace it with all her heart.