The Questioner System (Ask Me Anything)

Chapter 21: Strategy in the Shadows

The industrial complex felt different in the early morning light. Though the rising sun illuminated the broken windows and cracked walls, it also cast long shadows that seemed to stretch ominously. The faint chirping of birds was the only sign of life in the desolate area.

Victor, Marcus, and Adam gathered around a rusted table in the storage room. Adam stared at the glowing interface of his system, the words floating in front of him like a lifeline.

Victor leaned forward, his expression sharp. "We need to be smart about this. Our first question has to give us a clear direction."

Marcus nodded. "No vague questions. Let's pin down Jared's next move or figure out a way to get ahead of him."

Adam took a deep breath, his fingers twitching as he thought. He had three chances, and each one needed to count. "What exactly do we want to know? Jared's location? His plans?"

Victor rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "His plans would help, but knowing his immediate location could give us an edge if we decide to strike."

"Strike?" Adam blinked. "We barely escaped with our lives last night."

Marcus smirked. "Relax, kid. It's just a possibility. But yeah, first, we need intel."

Adam nodded and focused on the interface. The system felt alive, waiting for his command.

"Where is Jared right now?" Adam asked, his voice steady.

The response was immediate.

Victor's eyes narrowed as he read the glowing text. "Four miles. That's close."

Marcus let out a low whistle. "And only five guys with him? Sounds like he's not expecting trouble."

Adam frowned. "This isn't a game. He's dangerous, and he has resources we don't. We can't just charge in."

Victor nodded. "Agreed. But this gives us an advantage. We know where he is, and he doesn't know we're watching."

Marcus stood and began pacing. "Alright, so we've got Jared's location. What's the next question? Do we figure out his plans, or do we look for something that can give us leverage?"

Adam thought for a moment. His mind raced through the possibilities. The system had already proven it could reveal specific, actionable information. If they played this right, they could stay ahead of Jared for the first time.

"What's Jared's immediate plan for us?" Adam asked.

The system's glow intensified before displaying the answer.

"Damn," Marcus muttered. "He's already on the move."

Victor stood, his jaw clenched. "That means we've got three hours before this area is swarming with his men. We need to decide our next move now."

Adam felt a pang of urgency. The third question needed to be crucial, something that could either buy them more time or shift the odds in their favor.

"What about resources?" Adam asked. "Is there anything nearby we can use—supplies, vehicles, anything?"

Victor's expression softened slightly. "That's smart. It could give us an edge."

Adam nodded and turned back to the system. "Where can we find resources to aid our escape?"

The system paused for a moment before answering.

"Now that's what I'm talking about!" Marcus said, grinning.

Victor nodded, his eyes scanning the room as though forming a plan. "That changes things. With the ATV, we can move faster than they can track us."

The group quickly packed up their minimal belongings and left the storage room. The industrial complex felt even more oppressive now, its looming structures casting deep shadows. Every creak and groan of the buildings put Adam on edge.

Victor led the way, his pistol drawn, while Marcus took up the rear with his shotgun. Adam carried a flashlight and his makeshift pipe weapon, feeling woefully underprepared compared to the others.

They moved cautiously, avoiding open areas and sticking close to the walls. The northern section of the complex was marked by larger buildings with heavy steel doors, many of which were rusted shut or covered in graffiti.

Finally, they reached the storage unit the system had mentioned. The door was a dull gray, with a heavy padlock securing it.

Marcus knelt in front of the lock, inspecting it. "Solid, but nothing I can't crack." He pulled a small toolkit from his bag and got to work.

Adam kept watch, his nerves on edge. Every shadow seemed to shift, every faint sound amplified in his mind.

"Got it," Marcus said after a few tense minutes. The lock clicked open, and he swung the door wide.

The interior of the storage unit was cramped but packed with supplies. Shelves lined the walls, holding canned food, bottled water, and boxes of ammunition. In the center was a rugged ATV, its tires thick and built for rough terrain.

Victor inspected the supplies quickly. "This is exactly what we needed."

Marcus climbed onto the ATV, grinning. "I call driver."

Victor shot him a look. "We'll decide that later. First, we load up and secure the area."

The group worked quickly, loading the supplies into bags and checking the ATV's fuel. Adam found himself carrying a heavy bag filled with water bottles and canned food, his arms straining under the weight.

As they finished loading, the faint sound of engines reached their ears. Victor froze, his head snapping toward the door.

"They're here," he whispered.

Marcus cursed under his breath. "How'd they find us so fast?"

Adam's heart raced. "What do we do?"

Victor's face hardened. "We move. Now."

Marcus revved the ATV's engine, the sound echoing through the storage unit. "Hop on, kid. Time to see what this thing can do."

Victor climbed onto the back, pulling Adam up with him. "Hang on tight."

The ATV roared to life, tearing out of the storage unit and into the open. The sound of approaching vehicles grew louder, but the ATV's speed quickly put distance between them and the threat.

As they sped through the industrial complex and toward the open road, Adam couldn't help but feel a mix of fear and exhilaration. For the first time, it felt like they had a real chance of staying ahead.