Apocalypse: Building And Hoarding My Way Through.
Chapter 113: Kill Them All.

Chapter 113: Kill Them All.

She focused on her system, issuing a mental command: Provide all the necessary items to set up the bus.

Instantly, the bus began transforming. Beds with soft mattresses and plush pillows appeared in the bedroom area. The kitchen filled with appliances, an electric stove, a refrigerator, a microwave, and shelves stocked with canned goods, dried food, and fresh produce. The bathroom sparkled as a shower, sink, and toilet took form, complete with toiletries. The living area became cozy, with couches, a small dining table.

The group watched in awe as the bus became a luxurious home on wheels before their very eyes.

"Well, that settles it," Kato said, his voice filled with admiration. "Scarlett, you’ve outdone yourself. This bus is perfect."

Ethan sighed, scratching the back of his head. "Guess we’ll be relying on you for a while, Scarlett."

Scarlett crossed her arms and just let out a light chuckle.

"Deal," Ethan replied with a grin, and the group began filing into the bus, finally finding some respite from the relentless rain.

___________

The next day arrived swiftly as the golden rays of the rising sun filtered through the grimy prison windows, illuminating the weary faces of the survivors. Some were already awake, going about their daily routines with quiet determination, while others remained curled up on the cold floor, clinging to the last vestiges of sleep.

The sound of chirping birds and the gentle rustling of leaves provided a sharp contrast to the grim reality of their situation. Despite the temporary haven, the weight of the apocalypse hung heavy in the air.

At the long, worn dining table, Victor sat with one of his burly guards, their faces composed as they ate breakfast alongside the survivors. Fresh toast and crispy bacon filled the plates, accompanied by glasses of juice, a luxury that felt almost surreal in this broken world.

Soon, the other guards joined them, one leaning close to Victor and whispering discreetly, "They’ve got everything, food, appliances, weapons. You managed to extract some weapons with your powers last night, but not all as you didn’t want to arouse suspicion."

Victor smirked, his sharp features darkened with cunning. "Someone with powers must have provided all of this. It’s too much for ordinary survivors to gather on their own."

The guard nodded. "I’ve already taken care of the remaining weapons. Poured water into the bullets and killed the two men who were in charge of security. It’ll take a while before anyone realizes what’s happened."

"Good," Victor murmured, his eyes narrowing as he turned his attention to the woman holding little Hope. The baby’s soft breaths were barely audible amidst the subdued chatter at the table.

Victor leaned forward, his voice deceptively calm. "The apocalypse has harmed everyone, yet you all seem... untouched. How is it that you have all these supplies? Food, weapons, appliances, it’s like you’re living in a bubble while the world burns."

The survivors froze mid-bite, their eyes darting toward each other nervously. Trusting strangers was a luxury no one could afford anymore, especially after witnessing the cold-blooded brutality of people like Kato.

Finally, the woman holding Hope spoke, her voice trembling yet firm. "Some good Samaritans helped us. That’s why we’ve managed to survive this long. We’re grateful to them every day." She hesitated, then added, "Now that the weather has cleared, perhaps it’s time for you and your group to continue your journey."

Victor’s eyes narrowed. "Good Samaritans?" he repeated, his tone laced with mock curiosity. "And where are these kind souls now? I’d like to meet them, thank them for their generosity... perhaps even learn how they managed to gather so much."

The woman tightened her grip on Hope, her expression cautious. "They’ve moved on, as all wanderers do. People with powers... they come and go. If you’re lucky, you’ll cross paths with them. But I’ll warn you, not all of them are kind. Some are saviors, others... well, they’re no better than monsters."

Victor chuckled darkly, the sound sending chills through the room. "Is a woman among these good Samaritans you’re talking about? And where might they have gone?"

The woman’s expression hardened. "Why do you care about that? This world is filled with evil people, and I can’t risk revealing too much. Those with powers have done more for us than anyone else. It’s our duty to protect them, their identity."

Victor raised his hands in mock surrender, his smile cold. "Relax. I mean no harm. I’m simply curious. If my daughter and my group were to meet them, perhaps they could help us too. Now, tell me, was there a woman among them? What did she look like?"

The woman sighed heavily, her resolve wavering under the weight of Victor’s gaze. "I’m sorry," she said finally. "I can’t reveal any more information. And if you’re so worried about your daughter, you’re welcome to stay here. There’s enough for all of us."

Victor’s smile vanished, replaced by a sneer. "Cut the crap, woman, and tell me what I want to know," he snapped, slamming his fist on the table. The guards flanking him immediately raised their weapons, aiming at the security men stationed nearby. In quick succession, they fired, taking down the eight guards before anyone could react.

"Everyone, down!" one of Victor’s guards barked, his voice cold and commanding. "The weapons are gone, the ammunition is ruined, and your security is dead. Don’t try anything stupid."

The survivors dropped to their knees, trembling as the guards aimed their guns at the elderly men and women among them.

The woman holding Hope finally broke, her voice quivering. "The woman... she had blonde hair. That’s the only detail I can clearly recall. Oh, and blue eyes. Please, spare us!"

Victor’s smirk returned. "Blonde hair and blue eyes," he mused. "And how many people were with her?"

"Five, I think," the woman stammered. "They didn’t stay long... just enough to help us. Please, that’s all I know!"

"And her name?" Victor pressed, leaning closer.

"Scarlett," the woman whispered. "Her name was Scarlett. Please, I’ve told you everything. Don’t hurt us."

Victor chuckled, a cold, mirthless sound that made the room feel even colder. "You lied to me earlier, withholding information. That’s disrespectful. And disrespect has consequences."

He stepped forward, gently taking Hope from the trembling woman’s arms. "Your behavior has implicated everyone here," he said, his tone almost playful.

The room erupted into desperate pleas and cries for mercy.

"Enough!" Victor roared, silencing the survivors with a single word. He strode to the door, throwing it open and letting sunlight flood the dim room. "Kill them all," he ordered over his shoulder before stepping outside, leaving the guards to carry out the grim task.