Surviving the Apocalypse with my Multiplier System-Chapter 254: Following the Trail

(A/N: Thank you so much to Astrick_Le for your continuous support as one of this novel's top fans! This chapter is dedicated to you!)

Julian looked at Rayne's serious expression and smiled.

"Yes, you can come", he said.

He knew that she would want to come, especially when there were people who were in need. He wasn't planning on doing anything dangerous on this trip, simply to go to those areas where Damien's men visited to see exactly what they had done.

Although Alpha Team tailed these men, they were ordered to stay back and observe. Ian and Julian did not want to risk losing anyone else, so they put strict orders not to show themselves.

"When were you wanting to go?", asked Rayne.

"I was thinking either tomorrow or the day after. There's a few small things I need to discuss with Ian first but plan on the day after tomorrow.", he replied.

Rayne calculated the timeline and smiled, "The rec center should be close to finishing construction today or tomorrow. We can also use this trip to 'find books' to fill the shelves!"

Julian smiled, "Yes, we can go find anything you desire." freeweɓnovel.cѳm

-

Two days later.

Rayne woke up early to see the finished rec center. The construction team worked well into the night to get it finished for today and Rayne was too excited to sleep any longer.

She and Julian would also be leaving on their trip to the city today so she didn't have much time to explore.

It was still mostly dark outside, but there was just enough light so that she didn't require a flashlight.

Rayne walked over to the newly built building. It was a long rectangular design with a full wrap-around porch so that people could read outside if they wished.

She walked up to the double-door entrance and marveled at how skilled the construction team was. Everything was built solidly and with care, leaving no gaps between the wood planks.

The inside was a simple two-room design with a small walkway between. The room on the left side was where Rayne wanted the library to be and asked for floor-to-ceiling built-in shelves to be placed.

The room was spacious with plenty of room for a long table and chairs, as well as a couch or a pair of armchairs but the window.

Since windows were considered scarce, they only installed four windows in the entire building: two at the front and one on each side.

The room on the right was built as a multi-purpose room, where people could socialize, play games or do crafts.

There were a few built-in shelves and cabinets where various relevant supplies could be stored and a space in the center for tables and chairs.

"They did such a good job", she said smiling to herself.

It was exactly what she had envisioned and couldn't wait to fill the space with books and craft supplies! This felt like the next big step to enriching everyone's lives.

-

While everyone in the settlement knew that something big was being built, Rayne asked the construction team and anyone who knew what it was to keep it a surprise.

She wanted to have a proper 'opening day' celebration once it was ready for use.

After taking a good thorough look around, she went back home to get ready for her trip to the city with Julian.

-

"Hey, you're up!", she said as soon as she walked in.

Julian was standing in the kitchen, drinking a glass of water. He had woken up not long after Rayne left and was slowly getting ready while waiting for her to come back.

"How's the rec center? Are you happy with how it came out?", he asked.

Rayne quickly nodded, "Yes, it's even better than I expected! I can't wait to fill out the shelves with books and other fun things!"

Julian was happy to see her so chipper and excited.

"I was thinking of leaving after breakfast, does that work for you?", he asked.

Rayne walked over and sat down at the small kitchen table, "Yes, is there anything you're craving?"

"Honestly, I've been thinking of a nice bagel and cream cheese", he said. Usually, he was okay with anything, but ever since he woke up today he had a bagel in the back of his mind.

"Oh! We haven't had that in a while! Great idea", said Rayne as she opened her system panel and took out two freshly baked bagels, a tub of cream cheese, and some iced coffee.

They both quickly ate their breakfast and set off to the city.

-

"Do you know where you're going?", asked Rayne.

"The Alpha Team scouts brought back a few locations of recently raided areas of the city. I want to start there and see what their purpose was", said Julian.

The more he knew about Damien's motives and movements, the better prepared they were for the future.

They drove quietly to the first location, a small unremarkable building.

Julian walked over to the door and knocked a few times.

The silence lasted for a few moments before a shaky voice was heard from inside.

"What? Now you're pretending to have manners? Did you forget a pile of crumbs and came back to get them?"

Rayne looked over at Julian, unsure of what to say.

"Hello, we're not here for anything. We're just looking to speak with you", said Julian.

"Ha, as if I care what you're here for. You already took everything from me, everything else doesn't matter much", the voice answered.

Julian frowned then opened the door, revealing an elderly man sitting on the floor, leaning against the wall. He was old, frail, and looked like he hadn't eaten in a long time.

The old man didn't even bother looking up at them.

"Feel free to take whatever else you want, not sure what you'll find".

Rayne looked around the room and noticed how empty it was. By the elderly man's words, she knew that they had been recently robbed.

"Can you tell us what happened here?", she asked the old man.

He finally looked up at her, revealing his puffy red eyes, "Who are you?"