Apocalypse: Building And Hoarding My Way Through.
Chapter 11: Saved!

Chapter 11: Saved!

Startled, Scarlett looked up, her vision still red and blurred, uncertain if she was hearing things. She recognized the voice but dared not assume, not when she was barely holding on to her sanity.

Her gaze focused on a young man standing nearby. He had messy, burnt-brown curls, sharp green eyes, and an athletic build. He wore a white shirt and blue trousers, an oddly normal outfit in this world of chaos. She knew him immediately. Garvin, her boss from work.

"G-Ghost!" Garvin cried, fear lacing his voice and widening his eyes as he took an unsteady step back.

Scarlett frowned, uncertain whether to laugh or reassure him. Her crimson eyes flickered, and she felt the tingling sensation as her flesh, once ripped and bloody from monstrous attacks, began to regenerate. In seconds, her skin returned to its unblemished, smooth state, and her eyes shifted back to their normal, dark pupils.

Garvin rubbed his eyes, staring at her as if he might be hallucinating. "No... I

..I can’t be seeing this. But I swear you... you were practically dead."

Scarlett sighed inwardly, realizing she would have to play this off. "I’m not dead, sir," she said, carefully controlling her voice. "I was saved."

He frowned, his brows knit in frustration. "Yeah, I saved you... But you’re still on life support. The doctor wasn’t even sure you’d ever wake up. How are you here?" He paused, looking around at the dilapidated surroundings. "Is is true everyone either alive or dear from Earth are here now?"

Scarlett’s eyes widened as her mind raced. He had saved her? This arrogant man who seemed to revel in making her life difficult at work? Now he was the one responsible for her second chance but also can be the death of her?

She forced herself to stay calm, her gaze holding his, even though she was still reeling inside. "Well, I’m alive, sir. Thank you... for saving me." She managed a small bow of her head, and Garvin, still visibly shaken, nodded as if trying to process it all.

Scarlett finally took in her surroundings. They were in an empty room, bare of any furniture or comforts. A few other survivors sat on the floor, their attention glued to her and Garvin. Two she recognized, Rose and Matthew stood nearby, their expressions a mix of shock and wariness.

The baby in Scarlett’s arms let out a soft coo, pulling her back to the present. She glanced down at the infant as Rose stepped closer, her eyes softening.

"She needs to be fed, but..." Rose looked at Scarlett with concern. "And she hasn’t had a bath either. Are you... really okay, though? You look like nothing happened. But before..."

Scarlett met Rose’s gaze, feeling the need to reassure her. "I’m fine," she said, trying to sound as steady as possible. "Is something wrong?"

Rose forced a smile. "No, nothing. It’s just... good to know you’re okay." She paused, as if considering. "I don’t even know your name yet."

"Scarlett," she replied, managing a faint smile.

Rose and Matthew both nodded, absorbing this small but meaningful exchange. Matthew, still standing apart, seemed to be struggling with his own anxieties after the recent monster encounters. He trembled slightly, glancing at the others without saying anything.

Garvin’s curious voice broke through the tension. "Where did you find the baby? The last time I checked, you’ve not given birth."

Scarlett hesitated, glancing down at the child. "I... I can explain that later," she murmured.

Garvin sighed, his face still a picture of disbelief. "Fine. Well, there’s some water stored in the mall’s supply closet. It’s not much, but it’s something. Start by bathing the baby, then we’ll think about food. You three can have a quick wash too if you need."

Scarlett nodded gratefully. "Thank you, sir."

"Yeah, you should bathe the baby and yourself first," Rose encouraged. "There’s not much to wear, but at least you’ll be clean."

Garvin pointed to a nearby door. "That’s the bathroom."

Without another word, Scarlett moved toward the door, holding the baby close. She entered the small, dimly lit room and locked the door behind her, the sound of the lock echoing. She glanced down at the baby, who gazed back at her with curious eyes.

"How did I end up with you?" Scarlett whispered softly. "You’re so adorable and i’m glad we both survived."

She shifted her gaze, taking in the tiny bathroom, a sink, a toilet, and a shower stall. Garvin had said there was water, but she wondered how long it would last.

Remembering her ability, Scarlett felt reassured. "System, how many coins do I have now? I need to get some things for the baby... and for myself."

A soft chime sounded, followed by a holographic screen.

{You have 100 silver coins and 7,000 gold coins, host.}

Scarlett’s lips curved into a small smile. That was enough to get everything they needed right? "Alright, system, I don’t need every single baby item, just essentials. Deduct the amount as needed."

{Affirmative, host.}

Listing Items...

{Clothing: Onesies, baby bodysuits, sleepers, socks, hats, mittens, swaddle blankets.}

{Diapering: Diapers, wipes, cream, bags. }

{Feeding: Formula, baby bottles, nipples.}

{Bath Time: Baby bathtub, soft towels, baby washcloths, baby shampoo. }

{Sleep: Crib, mattress, crib sheets, blankets}

{Health: Thermometer, baby acetaminophen, baby aspirator, nail clippers. Miscellaneous: Baby carrier, stroller, pacifiers.}

In a flash, the items appeared, neatly arranged in the bathroom. Scarlett’s eyes widened in surprise. "Wow..."

She quickly turned back to the system. "I’ll also need clothes for myself, jeans, tops, sneakers, toiletries, and some food. Enough for everyone outside, too. And a gas cooker, if possible."

The items appeared instantly. Stacks of clothes, packs of juices, water, bags of rice, vegetables, frozen meats, beans, noodles, pots, plates, and more, enough provisions to sustain them all for a month.

Scarlett stifled a gasp, covering her mouth in awe.

Ding!

{Seven thousand gold coins deducted, host. You now have 100 silver coins remaining.}

"Already?" Scarlett muttered, then shrugged. "It’s worth it." She inspected the designer clothes the system had provided. There was even enough for others if they needed it.

Now she had to figure out how to explain this to everyone. She sighed, thinking aloud. "I could say I found it all here... but does that even make sense?"

With a resigned groan, she decided to worry about it later. "System, can you store part of the frozen meat and vegetables to keep them fresh?"

{Affirmative, host.}

Part of the supplies disappeared, neatly stored away. Scarlett felt a wave of relief. She glanced down at the baby, who cooed softly. "Alright, little one. Let’s get you cleaned up."

Scarlett filled the small baby bathtub with warm water and gently bathed the infant, who relaxed in her touch. Afterward, she wrapped the baby in a soft towel and dressed her in a tiny, comfortable onesie.

Next, she turned to herself, washing away the grime and blood, feeling rejuvenated as she scrubbed her skin with soap and shampooed her hair. She examined herself in the mirror, astonished at her transformation. Not a scratch remained; even her vision felt sharper, clearer.

Once finished, she dressed in jeans and a black top, tying her hair back into a neat bun. She lifted the baby, now dressed in a matching black top and jeans, complete with tiny socks, and took a deep breath before stepping back out to face the others.