Apocalypse: Building And Hoarding My Way Through.
Chapter 130: She’ll Seal Her Own Doom.

Chapter 130: She’ll Seal Her Own Doom.

Scarlett’s eyes narrowed as she processed the information. Victor’s plan was far more intricate than she had anticipated. A robot designed to mimic his appearance, his voice, and even his scent, an elaborate ruse, all to lure her out.

"What’s the point of this charade?" Ryder asked, his voice laced with frustration as he paced around under the heavy rainfall. "You’re telling me this robot was created just to get a glimpse of Scarlett? Why? Because she’s the so-called Queen of Monsters?"

"Is that it, Scarlett? Is this title of yours the reason he’s after you? Or did you offend him somehow?" Hunter chimed in, his puzzled expression betraying his curiosity. His gaze bore into her, searching for answers she wasn’t ready to give.

"That’s not important," Kato interjected sharply, crossing his arms over his chest. A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. "What you need to know is that Victor considers every one of us Chosen Members his rivals. He’ll kill us without hesitation."

"Well, he’s a big fool if he thinks it’ll be that easy," Larry muttered, starting to pace back and forth with an agitated energy. "He may have found Scarlett, but capturing her? That’s a whole other story. He doesn’t know all of her secrets. Let him believe it’ll be a walk in the park. Little does he know, the mission he’s set for himself has just gotten a lot more complicated."

"Secrets?" Hunter raised an eyebrow, his tone tinged with suspicion. "What secrets? I think Ryder and I have a right to know everything about you...all of you...since we’re a team now."

Kato chuckled darkly, his smirk growing wider as his gaze locked onto Hunter. "Some things are better left unknown," he said, his tone dripping with warning. He took a step closer, his expression hardening. "Because once you know them..." He paused deliberately, letting the weight of his words hang in the air before continuing, "...it might lead to your death."

Hunter and Ryder both gasped, their faces pale as the implication sank in but Larry could only chuckle as he knew Kato was just trying to scare the men.

"Enough," Scarlett said, her voice calm but firm as she adjusted little Hope in her arms, holding the child closer to her chest. "We need to head back to the cave for now." Her tone was steady.

"We leave at daybreak," she added, her voice brooking no argument. "We’ll find another haven. Even though we Chosen Members are powerful enough to take down Victor and his forces, the survivors with us aren’t. We have to think of them too."

Scarlett continued. "Victor created the robot for a reason and that’s because he wants us to know his face and he’s close. It’s his way of telling us he’s done waiting. Whatever he’s planning now, it’s clear he’s fully committed to his endgame. And we can all be sure of one thing." She paused, her tone growing colder. "The days ahead will be harder. Especially for those without powers."

The group nodded in solemn agreement, their determination evident in their faces.

"You’re right. We’ll regroup and figure out our next move once we’re safe," Kato said, his voice steady as he took charge. "For now, we focus on getting out of here."

With that, they began their quiet retreat toward the cave, their steps cautious but purposeful. Scarlett lingered for a moment, her thoughts still swirling with questions about Victor’s plans and the significance of his actions.

As the others disappeared into the shadows of the forest, she tightened her grip on Hope and whispered softly, almost to herself, "I miss you so much darling. I’m going to protect you now. I’m never letting you out of my hand again."

"Let’s head inside now. The baby might catch a cold," Kato said from behind, his voice calm but firm as he chose to stay by Scarlett’s side.

"She’s not going to catch a cold," Scarlett replied, her tone steady as she continued to stare at the scattered remains of metal on the wet ground. "I’m using my fire element to regulate her body temperature."

Kato paused, watching her intently. "You’ve got something on your mind. Care to share?" he finally asked with a heavy sigh.

Scarlett’s eyes darkened as she spoke, anger simmering beneath her words. "He still has Jaden with him." She clenched her fists tightly, her voice trembling slightly with emotion. "I can’t stop wondering why he gave Hope to his robot when he knew I’d take her. Is it because she’s just a baby? Did he see her as unimportant and decide to return her because he couldn’t send her out like he did Golden?" Her voice wavered, but her gaze remained fierce. "Do you think Jaden is about to face the same fate as Golden? Is he preparing him for that... that journey that killed her?"

Kato swallowed hard, turning to meet Scarlett’s gaze with a feigned look of confusion. "I don’t think so," he said cautiously. "Jaden’s still young, isn’t he? Victor wouldn’t bother sending out someone so young."

"Golden was young too," Scarlett snapped, her voice sharp with frustration. "But she could run, talk, and think for herself, just like Jaden. That’s why I can’t help but feel like his life is in danger. All their lives have been in danger since the moment they were taken to Victor’s organization. But thinking about Jaden facing the same fate as Golden..." She trailed off, quickly wiping away the tears threatening to fall.

Kato said nothing, his usual smirk replaced by a somber expression.

Scarlett took a deep breath and straightened her posture, her face hardening with determination. "Now that I’ve seen his face, the task of killing him has become easier. He has to die, die a thousand deaths if that’s what it takes. He has to pay for every single life he’s destroyed. Especially for Golden’s death, for Jaden’s suffering, for Hope’s pain. He’ll pay for it all."

"He will," Kato agreed, his voice low but firm. "But first, let’s go inside. The baby in your arms looks malnourished. You need to feed her."

Scarlett nodded in agreement, her fiery resolve still burning in her eyes.

Kato moved to the bodies of the fallen guards. With a flick of his hand, his earth element sprang to life, shifting the soil around them. He tossed the lifeless bodies into the makeshift grave and covered them with dirt. They didn’t deserve such a courtesy, but he couldn’t risk them rotting in the open air and polluting the environment.

__________

Meanwhile, back at Victor’s organization, his loud, satisfied laughter echoed through the vast, metallic halls. Though the screen in front of him showed nothing, his gaze remained fixed on it, his wicked grin widening with each passing moment.

The loud growls of monsters, humming machines, and the rapid footsteps of scientists filled the air, adding to the chaotic ambiance.

"This is quite interesting," Victor mused, his voice dripping with amusement as he finally spoke amidst his laughter. He leaned back in his chair, rubbing his chest to ease the ache his outburst had caused. "I wish the robot had lasted longer. Didn’t anyone tell her that the so-called ’Queen of Monsters’ is supposed to be a formidable figure? Look at her, frail, emotional... a disappointment. I was expecting someone with an athlete’s build, not... that."

A nearby scientist, clad in a pristine white lab coat, hesitated before chiming in. "It is surprising. I expected her to be stronger too."

Victor chuckled darkly, rising from his chair with a casual air of authority. "And to think, she still believes the boy.. Jaden...is in my custody." He shook his head mockingly. "The truth is, the boy never even made it to her. Not like the girl."

He paused, his smirk widening as he stared at the blank screen. "Now that I’ve seen her face, the real games can begin. She knows my face, and I know hers. That connection is all I need."

The scientist tilted his head, curiosity evident in his expression. "What’s the next plan, boss?"

Victor’s smirk turned into a sinister grin as he began pacing. "The plan is simple. My guards will hunt, kill, and capture more humans and monsters. I stopped for a while, but now it’s time to resume at full force." His voice grew colder with each word. "The so-called Queen of Monsters won’t sit idly by while humans are slaughtered. Her goal is to protect everyone. She’ll try to stop me, but I’ll be waiting. I’ll make it impossible for her to ignore me."

He stopped pacing and turned to the scientist, his voice dropping to a low, menacing tone. "And when the time is right, I’ll use Jaden against her. She’s already blind with rage and guilt. The boy is the perfect tool to break her as well as the death of several survivors that would be occuring now."

Victor burst into another fit of laughter, the sound reverberating through the room. "She’ll strike a deal with me to save humanity and in doing so, she’ll seal her own doom."

The scientist nodded, his hands trembling slightly as he prepared to carry out his orders.

Victor’s laughter echoed long after he stopped speaking, a haunting sound that promised destruction.