The next morning, the air was brisk and sharp, a reminder of where we were and why we needed to act fast. In the old town hall we start with five big boxes and 100 men in front of us.
James stood at the front, clipboard in hand, while Patrick and Leo moved through the ranks, scanning these 100 selected fighters—now soldiers.
These men had spent the last two weeks in intense combat training with James, Patrick, Leo, Ake, and Shawn. Some still looked uncertain, but most held themselves with new confidence. These weren't just survivors anymore; they were becoming protectors.
I stepped forward, flanked by James and Emily, watching as Patrick opened one of the crates and pulled out the first rifle.
"These are standard-issue AR-15s," Patrick began. "Semi-automatic, accurate for mid-range. These will go to our patrol teams stationed near the entry slopes and outer forest edges."
