Apocalypse: Building And Hoarding My Way Through.
Chapter 125: Garvin, Louise And Maya.

Chapter 125: Garvin, Louise And Maya.

Her confusion deepened. How does he still remember everything? She studied him for a moment, searching his expression for answers.

As Scarlett examined Kato’s face, she caught a flicker of understanding in his eyes. It was as if he could see straight into her thoughts, grasping the questions swirling in her mind without her having to say a word.

Kato met her gaze steadily, his expression calm but unreadable. "We’ll talk about it later," he said softly, his voice low and reassuring. "Right now, let’s focus on saving Garvin and Louise."

Scarlett hesitated, her thoughts a whirlwind, but she finally nodded. His calm presence was a balm to her nerves, and she felt a surge of gratitude toward him. She knew she couldn’t handle this alone, and having Kato by her side made her feel stronger.

Without wasting another moment, they turned their attention to the two wounded survivors. Scarlett focused on Garvin, her fire and water elements flowing together in harmony as she cleansed his wounds and worked to stabilize his vital signs. Kato, meanwhile, knelt beside Louise. His hands glowed faintly with his earth element as he skillfully sealed the torn flesh and stopped the bleeding, his movements precise and deliberate.

The other survivors continue standing, their gazes fixed on Scarlett and Kato. Though their memories were fragmented and hazy, instincts soon began kicking in. Ryder and Hunter moved to the cave entrance, standing guard with tense determination. Their eyes scanned the area, ever vigilant for signs of danger.

The two men hadn’t fully grasped who Scarlett and Kato were, but the display of their elemental powers made it clear enough. They were chosen members, and that knowledge was enough to keep Ryder and Hunter calm for now. They stood back, watching intently but refraining from interfering.

Ethan and Larry, meanwhile, helped Maya to her feet. She wobbled unsteadily, leaning heavily on them for support. Her wide eyes were locked on Louise’s prone form, her lips trembling as she whispered his name under her breath, too faint for anyone else to hear.

The cave was a flurry of activity, but Scarlett and Kato remained entirely focused. Their powers ebbed and flowed well, each motion deliberate and filled with purpose. Scarlett poured every ounce of her energy into Garvin, her mind already steady despite the gravity of the situation.

The system had already made it clear that his wounds were severe, it was visible to everyone but Scarlett refused to give in to despair. She believed she could save him, even if his recovery would be slow and uncertain. As long as he held on to life, it would be worth the effort.

At last, after what felt like an eternity, Scarlett and Kato stepped back. Their combined efforts had stabilized Garvin and Louise. Both men were still critical, their conditions too fragile to risk waking them. With the help of Ethan and Larry, they carefully prepared the two men for transport. Oxygen masks were secured over their noses, and medical monitors were set up to keep track of their vitals. Even though their elemental powers was more than enough, Scarlett and Kato couldn’t help but to also make use of medical treatment.

The men were gently carried to the hospital beds which had been purchased inside the bus, which the group had retrofitted into a temporary mobile home. Scarlett and Kato worked silently, ensuring every detail was in place before stepping back to observe their work.

Scarlett lingered for a moment, her gaze fixed on Garvin’s pale face. Her chest tightened, a wave of exhaustion threatening to overwhelm her, but she pushed it aside. There was still so much to do.

Kato touched her shoulder lightly, his presence steadying her. "We did all we could," he said quietly. "Now we need to regroup and deal with the others."

Nodding, Scarlett followed him as they stepped off the bus to face the rest of the survivors.

The remaining group were waiting for them just outside the bus, their expressions a mix of unease, curiosity, and quiet hope. Ryder and Hunter stood near the entrance, their postures still alert. Ethan, Larry, and Maya lingered close by, their gazes flicking between Scarlett and Kato.

Scarlett took a deep breath as she stood before the survivors, steeling herself for the inevitable questions with Kato standing beside her.

"They’re going to be fine, right? How did they end up this injured? Was there a monster attack we don’t know about?" Larry was the first person to ask, his brows furrowed as he struggled to piece together the fragmented memories of what had happened. He closed his eyes, his face tightening with concentration. "I remember us leaving the cave and getting to the stadium... but what happened after that? Everything after entering the stadium is hazy."

"Exactly!" Hunter chimed in, his voice sharp with frustration. "I also remember entering a stadium, but the rest is a complete mystery. I don’t even know how I ended up here! I don’t know you people." His words sent a ripple of murmurs through the group as the other survivors nodded in agreement, their expressions filled with confusion and unease.

Kato, who had been observing the group in silence, finally spoke, his tone calm but firm. "A lot happened at the stadium," he said, his gaze sweeping over the survivors, "but you can’t remember because you don’t have powers." He paused, his eyes narrowing slightly as they landed on Ethan, Larry, Hunter, and Ryder. "And as for you four... it’s probably because you’re S-ranked."

Scarlett, silently agreed. Her gaze shifted to Kato, her thoughts mirroring his. He’s SS-ranked. Even though I’m SSS-ranked, we’re both still half-human and half-monster, so it makes sense that we can recall what happened.

"I don’t understand what you’re saying," Ethan interrupted, raising an eyebrow in confusion. His voice was laced with frustration. "What happened at the stadium, and why the hell do we have to lose our memories because we’re S ranked? None of this makes sense!"

Kato sighed heavily, his expression briefly softening before returning to its usual stoicism. "You know what? Just forget about it for now. I’ll explain everything later," he replied, his voice carrying an edge of finality. Then, he shifted his attention to the other survivors. "For now, you can decide whether to stay here or leave. The choice is yours. But if I were you, I’d stay. This cave is safe."

Ryder and Hunter exchanged uneasy glances, their uncertainty mirrored in the other survivors. Despite their confusion, they couldn’t deny the truth in Kato’s words. While their memories were incomplete, they hadn’t forgotten the dangers of the apocalyptic world outside. Staying in the cave was a far better option than wandering aimlessly, only to fall prey to the monsters lurking in the wilderness.

As if sensing their decision, Kato heaved another sigh and dropped into the chair as well as Scarlett, who was too weak and heart broken to deal with the survivors.

Maya, however, remained seated across from them, her trembling form consumed by fear and terror.

Ethan and Larry approached and took seats nearby, their gazes fixed on Maya. Her hands were still stained with Louise’s blood, and she hadn’t stopped shaking since they returned.

"Maya," Larry began gently, pulling her into his embrace as he patted her back soothingly. "What happened? Can you tell us? You’re safe now."

Ethan’s voice was firmer as his eyes scanned the room. "Yeah, what happened? It’s obvious there was some kind of battle here. Look at this place, broken chairs, overturned tables... And Louise’s wounds...they weren’t caused by just anything. Was it a monster?"

Despite their gentle coaxing, Maya stayed silent, her sobs the only sound breaking the tense quiet.

"Maya," Scarlett said softly, her voice tinged with sadness. She leaned forward, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. "Please. Tell us what happened while we were gone." Scarlett’s mind raced as she spoke. She was already worried about Garvin, Louise, and now Maya. Yet, amidst her thoughts, something else pressed down at her, an inexplicable detail.

Scarlett furrowed her brows, her sharp senses picking up an anomaly. She could detect the scent of two SS-ranked chosen members within the cave. There should only be one...Kato. But now, she was sure there was another. Her gaze darted toward Maya, a sinking feeling forming in her chest. Am I hallucinating? Maya is human. There’s only one female chosen member in existence and that’s me. So why is the scent of an SS-ranked chosen member coming from her?

"We... we were attacked," Maya finally whispered, breaking the silence. Her voice was hoarse and unsteady as she kept her face buried in Larry’s chest.

"No way," Kato said with a dry chuckle, leaning back in his chair. "That’s impossible. This cave and the surrounding forest are covered by Scarlett’s formation. No monster could break through that." His smirk widened as he added, "So maybe you’d like to tell us what really happened, Maya."

"I just told you!" Maya snapped, her voice suddenly louder as she raised her head to glare at Kato. Her tear-streaked face was filled with frustration and anger. "We were attacked. Or are you saying the monster that did this to Louise was already in the cave? If that’s the case, shouldn’t you kill it now that you’re back? Or are you waiting for it to attack us again?"

"You’re right about one thing," Kato said coolly, leaning forward slightly. "The monster that attacked Louise is in this cave with us right now."

His words sent a ripple of shock through the other survivors, gasps and murmurs filling the space.

Scarlett’s eyes widened as her gaze snapped to Kato. So he senses it too. But her thoughts returned to Maya. How is she giving off that scent? She’s not a chosen member, and certainly not SS-ranked...

The room fell silent, tension hanging thick in the air as the survivors stared at Scarlett, Maya and Kato, waiting for an explanation.