The Spare's Second Chance in Apocalypse-Chapter 33: Ch : The perfect Place- Part 3

Everyone settles into the house, but Ethan is still sulking about something. He doesn't say what's bothering him, but it's obvious in the way he sighs and mopes around. Zara rolls her eyes and tells Selene to ignore him.

Selene takes her advice and moves forward with what really matters. She gathers them both for a meeting about their next steps. Time is running out, and she refuses to waste it.

"With only a month left before the apocalypse. we need to focus on final preparations."

Selene begins, her voice firm and full of power.

Ethan stops sulking and listens. Zara nods, waiting for her to continue.

"My goal is to form a small but elite squad. We'll raid dungeons and secure resources until the world stabilizes. That should take around six months"

Selene explains, showing that she had a plan in place.

Zara frowns.

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"Only six months?"

Selene nods.

"That is the initial time frame for the party to stay together. That's how long it takes before people start gaining a real foothold. If we work hard, we can keep ourselves safe and help others survive."

Selene sounded so certain that it should have been questioned. But surprisingly, neither of the pair asked any question about how she knew this. Instead, Ethan leaned back in his chair.

"And how do you plan to form this 'elite squad'? Just grab random people and hope they're strong?"

Selene shakes her head.

"No. I already know some people with potential."

Zara gives her a sharp look.

"Is this because of the system?"

Selene hesitates, then nods. She realized that she could blame everything on the system and no one would bait an eye at her.

"Yes."

Zara doesn't question it further. Ethan just smirks, as if he expected that answer. But there was suspicion in his eyes that told her that he knew of her lie, but would not expose her.

They're about to wrap up the meeting when Ethan suddenly speaks up.

"Before we move on... I have a question for you, Selene."

She raises an eyebrow.

"What is it?"

Ethan tilts his head.

"Does your family vault have a jewel called the 'Star of Iridize'?"

Selene blinks. The name is familiar. She's heard it before, but she can't remember exactly where.

"It sounds familiar."

She admits.

Ethan's expression darkens.

"I need to retrieve it."

Selene crosses her arms.

"And what does that have to do with me?"

Ethan grins.

"Simple. When the apocalypse hits, we break into your home and take it."

Selene stiffens.

"You want me to raid my own house?"

Ethan shrugs.

"It'll be a mess anyway. Might as well take what we need."

She wants to refuse immediately. Returning to that place is the last thing she wants to do. But then, a long-buried memory resurfaces.

The first night of the apocalypse... someone had broken into their home. That break-in had caused monsters to flood in. Selene had fought to get her siblings out, but she had been injured and lost consciousness. When she woke up, the twins had dragged her to safety.

They had awakened that night, forced into battle too soon. Her mother had blamed Selene, calling her incompetent for putting them in danger.

Selene had been young the first time around, and her mother's words had left a scar that she did not want to think about.

Would things be different if she stayed away this time?

A part of her wants to test that theory. But another part—the part that still loves her siblings—knows the truth. She doesn't want them to die.

She takes a deep breath and forces herself to speak.

"Fine. We'll infiltrate the estate when the time comes. I will show you how we can get around the security system around that estate."

She says.

She tells herself it's only for the mission. Two more S-Class awakeners would be good for the world.

That's the excuse she clings to. Anything to avoid admitting the truth—she just wants to protect them.

______

Another month passes, and the apocalypse is about to begin. Any second now, the world will change forever.

Selene feels restless. The weight of what's coming presses down on her chest, making it hard to breathe. She needs air. Without thinking, she heads to the roof.

The night sky stretches above her, vast and endless. It should be calming, but tonight, it only makes her more uneasy. Her mind is a mess of emotions—fear, anticipation, determination. Everything she has prepared for is about to be tested.

She clenches her fists and exhales slowly, trying to steady herself.

A hand lands gently on her shoulder.

Selene flinches before recognizing the familiar presence behind her. Ethan.

"Don't be afraid. Be ready to face whatever's coming"

He says, his voice calm and steady. Ethan was standing far too close to her and Selene felt his breath tickle her ear as he spoke.

She doesn't respond right away since her words felt stuck in her throat.

Ethan continued to speak, almost as if he did not notice Selene's response.

"You'll be fine. I'm here to help."

Something in his tone makes her relax. For a moment, the fear eases. She lets out a small chuckle, shaking her head.

"I don't believe in your promises anymore. But I believe in what you've shown me."

She admits.

Ethan opens his mouth to respond, but before he can say a word—

The sky splits apart.

A deep, inky blackness swallows the stars, consuming everything above a certain height. It's as if the sky itself has been erased, replaced by an endless void.

Selene's breath catches in her throat.

Then comes the sound.

A piercing, unnatural screech echoes across the world, shaking the ground beneath her feet. The sheer force of it sends chills down her spine.

She knows this sound.

The apocalypse has begun and the world has plunged into chaos. Now, it was only a matter of time before the monsters and dungeons arrived as well.

"Let's head out now. We are on a timer."