The road ended fifty miles outside of Oakhaven.
Beyond that, there was only dust, wind, and the bleached bones of the old world.
The armored transport truck, blackened by soot and travel, rumbled to a halt at the edge of the broken asphalt.
Axton stepped out.
The wind here was different. It didn't smell of industry and oppression. It smelled of dry earth and ozone.
The Badlands.
A massive expanse of canyons, salt flats, and ruined settlements that stretched for hundreds of miles to the west.
"This is it," Kael said, stepping out beside him, shielding his eyes from the harsh sun. "No man's land. The Heptarchy's maps stop here for a reason."
"Because there's nothing out here worth ruling?" Veyla asked, checking her weapons.
"Because they couldn't conquer it," Kael corrected. "The st
