Chapter 170: Body Odor
The workers and guards immediately went on alert.
Weapons were raised as they peered through the curtain of rain. They were trying to make out the hazy silhouettes approaching the shelter.
Victor felt a little nervous, but he swiftly ran towards a higher vantage point to see the situation.
Atom and Kai weren’t here, and although he trusted Ralph, Wallace, Farrah, and Alfie, the presence of those two always gave him more comfort.
Without them, the tension felt heavier.
In any case, everyone wondered the same thing, were these survivors seeking shelter, or maybe they’re another wave of machines disguised by the storm?
Soon, the figures stopped at the main gate.
Wallace, stationed closest, squinted through the rain and confirmed what he saw.
"Five people. All wearing raincoats. Two are pushing a cart, two look like guards, and the last one... seems to be their leader."
His words made the other guards relax a little. There was no way Sentinels would wear Raincoats. They were definitely waterproof, or it would be just too dumb.
"They’re definitely humans..."
"Carts... I already have an idea..."
The guards muttered as they waited for their representative to speak.
At this time, the suspected leader stepped forward and pulled back his hood.
Then, they heard a clear voice from a middle-aged man.
"Hello! We’re fellow survivors! I’m Jyrus, a wandering merchant! Is it possible to enter your shelter? We might have something you need! We also need a shelter..."
The tension eased slightly.
Wallace and the others exchanged glances.
They had encountered wandering merchants before, more than a month ago.
That time, the group was led by Diego and Santiago with their entourage. Their goods had been expensive, but legitimate. rare items, tools, and supplies that had proven useful.
This time, however, it was a different face.
Jyrus stood confidently at the gate, his guards carried rifles, and his cart was also covered but clearly loaded with goods. He also sounded confident that they wouldn’t get harmed approaching this shelter.
Well, they should’ve noticed the numerous drained or inactive Sentinels around. It was a deterrent, but it seemed that they were aware that this place was controlled by humans, similar to how Diego and Santiago learned of their presence.
’I wonder how they know they’re safe to just approach this shelter...’ Wallace mused as he looked at the merchants below.
In any case, everyone was relieved.
Battling on a rainy day wasn’t something they liked anyway. It was a good thing that they weren’t here for a fight.
Still, Victor couldn’t help but recall their bad experience.
"Merchants... again."
He remembered the last visit. Aside from normal items like medical kits, spare weapons, a few luxuries like coffee, Diego and Santiago had sold them an expensive Alpha Gene Enhancement Serum. They sold it for 15 Survivor Medals, but it turns out that if they purchased it from a Gene Trader, they only have to pay for 4 Survivor Medals!
Of course, the matter of safety was also there since the Gene Traders were out there in the wasteland. However, Claire and the others could help but regret their purchase at that time.
Nonetheless, it was already a different matter. Wallace raised his hand, signaling the others to hold their fire.
"They’re merchants. This one calls himself Jyrus."
The rain continued to fall, dripping from the barrels of their rifles.
The people inside who learned the situation exchanged cautious looks.
Merchants were rare, but they seemed to be unpredictable. They might be honest traders, but others might only be opportunists who would sell information to the wrong people.
Still, it shouldn’t be wrong to let them in... In any case, Kai had always emphasized the importance of trade.
After a quick confirmation with Ralph and Alfie, Wallace gave the signal.
The gates creaked open... Soon, the heavy iron started grinding against wet stone. The merchants then stepped inside with their cart wheels splashing through the mud.
Victor watched closely as they entered.
Jyrus looked really calm, and they didn’t seem like they were up to no good.
The cart they had was covered with tarps, but Victor could see the outlines of crates beneath.
"Thank you for letting us in," Jyrus said before giving a polite nod. "We’ve traveled far, and we bring goods that might interest you. Weapons, tools, medicine... even some luxuries, if you can afford them."
Wallace kept his rifle lowered and nodded...
"We’ll see. But your companion traded here before... Are they not coming back?"
Jyrus smiled faintly. "My companion? I’m not sure about that. There are many Wandering Merchants after all. I don’t really know many of them."
Victor finally stepped forward as he ignored the rain...
"What’s different this time?"
Jyrus gestured to the cart. "Different stock. We’ve obtained new supplies from abandoned shelters and wrecked convoys. Some of it is rare. Some of it... dangerous, but useful."
The workers and guards exchanged glances.
The idea of rare supplies was tempting. Dangerous goods are even more so. After all, their Shelter had been growing stronger, and every advantage mattered.
Wallace finally nodded. "Alright. You’ll be allowed to trade. It’s raining hard. You can set up in the east building."
Just like that, the cart was wheeled further inside.
Inside the shelter, word spread quickly.
Merchants had arrived again, bringing them new goods. Soon, Survivors gathered in the east building while talking about what might be available.
Weapons? Medicine? Food? Luxuries?
They were all excited to find out!
***
Meanwhile, Jyrus kept his outward composure, but inside, he was genuinely impressed!
As he walked deeper into Shelter‑45, he noticed details that set this place apart from the other shelters he had visited.
’This place is weird...’
The inactive Sentinels scattered around the perimeter were proof of the residents’ strength! They must’ve fought and won against them.
As for the Artillery, that was surely a trophy from their previous battle.
Then, he also noticed that the raincoats worn by the guards were new, practical, and uniform, showing organization. He caught sight of pistols holstered at their sides, not the clunky revolvers most survivors still relied on!
Furthermore, no one has body odor in this shelter!
’So refreshing!’