Apocalypse: Building And Hoarding My Way Through.
Chapter 131: Only Kato And I Would Go.

Chapter 131: Only Kato And I Would Go.

Back at the Cave

Ryder and Hunter sat around a crackling fire, their faces illuminated by the warm glow as they silently processed the night’s incidents. The other survivors, reassured that the danger had passed, returned to their makeshift bedding, seeking what little rest they could manage in the apocalypse.

On the far side of the cave, Scarlett, Ethan, Larry, and Kato huddled together, their backs turned to the others. A heavy silence hung in the air, punctuated only by the occasional hiss and pop of the fire.

Ethan was the first to break the tension. "Victor is definitely going to fail with whatever plan he’s cooking up," he said, his tone filled with quiet frustration.

Larry leaned back against the cold cave wall and sighed heavily. "Yeah, especially since Scarlett can mimic other people’s faces and disguise herself as them. If his plan hinges on capturing her, he’s in for a rude awakening. Honestly, revealing his face was the dumbest move he could have made. It just makes him an easier target for us to eliminate."

Ethan frowned, his brows knitting together. "But Jaden is still with him," he reminded them. "That complicates things. Do you think he revealed himself on purpose to provoke us? I can’t help but to think that he plans to use Jaden against Scarlett, to manipulate her."

Scarlett’s sharp intake of breath drew their attention, but before she could speak, Ethan continued, his voice tinged with frustration. "I should have seen this sooner. Victor didn’t just reveal his face to provoke us, he wanted Scarlett to know exactly who he is. He’s trying to intimidate her, to make her afraid of him. There’s no doubt he plans to use Jaden as leverage against her."

Kato smirked, his arms crossed over his chest. "Victor thinks he’s smart, but he’s really not. If he plans to use Jaden to threaten Scarlett, it won’t work. He knows as well as we do that if he kills Jaden, Scarlett won’t come running to him. He wouldn’t dare risk that."

Scarlett, who had been quietly observing the conversation, finally spoke. Her voice was low and steady, but her piercing gaze commanded their full attention. "You all think he’s just going to use Jaden to threaten me?" She looked at each of them in turn. "Victor is going to start killing the other survivors. He’s stopped for now, but it won’t last. This is how he works, he creates chaos, instills fear, and forces people into impossible decisions."

"We know that," Kato said, his voice uncertain. "But honestly, that’s not our problem. If he wants to kill survivors, let him. Our priority should be survival, finding a way to build a safe haven and rescuing whoever is still alive. Victor can’t kill everyone, no matter how hard he tries. He’ll pick off some, sure, but his goal is to make you miserable, Scarlett. He wants you to flinch, to break. That’s the trap."

Scarlett arched an eyebrow, her expression darkening. "So you think it’s fine if he kills innocent people?" she asked, her voice cutting through the air like a blade. She scoffed bitterly. "Well, I care. I know exactly what Victor wants. He’s trying to force me into a corner, to make me beg him to stop. But he’s underestimated me. I’m not going to give him that satisfaction."

Kato leaned forward, intrigued. "So what’s your plan?"

Scarlett’s gaze hardened, a fire igniting in her eyes. "He wants me to come to him, to give in. I’ll go when the time is right, but not on his terms. For now, we act like we don’t know what he’s planning. Let him think he has the upper hand." Her lips curled into a faint, dangerous smile. "He wants to play a game, and I’m more than willing to play along. But this game won’t end until one of us is dead."

The others exchanged uneasy glances, nodding slowly. They didn’t fully understand what Scarlett had in mind, but her determination was palpable, a force they couldn’t ignore. Whatever her plan was, they knew it wouldn’t be long before it came to light and when it did, the real battle would begin.

________

The next day arrived swiftly, the golden sun casting its warm rays over the earth. The soft light bathed the rugged terrain, offering a fleeting sense of calm in a world consumed by chaos.

Scarlett and the chosen members, along with the other survivors, had risen early. They had already prepared themselves for the long and treacherous journey ahead.

"Alright, let’s head out," Scarlett commanded, her tone firm and resolute. The survivors nodded in agreement, their movements deliberate as they began their cautious trek out of the forest. Larry and Ethan took the lead, their senses alert for danger.

Meanwhile, Scarlett and Kato stayed behind, carefully pushing makeshift beds that carried Garvin and Louise. The cage holding Maya, their most dangerous captive, was secured and pushed alongside them.

"My invisibility spell can’t cover everyone," Scarlett said, her voice tinged with concern. "So once we encounter monsters, we’ll all have to fight."

"You mentioned that last night," Kato replied with a confident smirk. "We’re ready. If it weren’t for your concern about the other survivors, we chosen members wouldn’t have a problem staying in this cave. If Victor or his men show up, we can handle them with our powers, unlike the others who can’t defend themselves. But you care, so we’ll make sure these people are safe first. After that, we’ll deal with the monsters and rescue whoever we can."

Scarlett gave a small chuckle, her shoulders relaxing slightly. "I’m glad you remember our experience in the monster domain. I know I didn’t explain much at the time, but it was important that we went down there. And honestly, it wouldn’t have mattered if I had explained because I believed none of you would remembered anyway."

Kato’s grin widened. "Yeah, that part surprised me. The others forgot, but I didn’t. I guess it’s because I’m half-monster, half-human. Comes with its perks, I suppose. It’s nice being on the same page with you, though."

Scarlett nodded, her lips curving into a faint smile. Before she could respond, Larry’s voice cut through the air. "We’re heading down the mountain. Everyone stay alert. There’s no doubt monsters are waiting for us."

Scarlett and Kato turned their attention toward Larry, who was scanning the area ahead. Those with powers could already hear the guttural growls of monsters echoing from below, while the powerless survivors remained blissfully unaware.

"You all wait here," Scarlett ordered, her sharp tone catching everyone’s attention.

"What’s wrong?" Larry asked as he approached her, concern etched on his face.

"There’s a hell of monsters down there," Kato interjected, his ever-present smirk remaining intact. "And there’s also an entry to the monster domain. It’s better if the survivors stay here."

"Monster domain?" Larry repeated, confusion clear in his voice.

"You’ll find out once we go down there if you’re willing to come," Kato said nonchalantly. "Just know you’ll lose your memory again, just like you did the first time."

Larry frowned but said nothing, waiting for Scarlett to elaborate.

"Only Kato and I will go," Scarlett announced, her tone leaving no room for argument.

The others froze, their eyes widening in disbelief. "Why only him?" Ethan demanded, his gaze narrowing at Kato. "You should take someone who’s been with you since the start of this apocalypse. And I’m not afraid to say it...I don’t fully trust Kato yet."

"Exactly," Larry agreed, crossing his arms. His expression was one of barely-contained anger.

"You don’t trust me, but Scarlett does. And that’s what matters," Kato retorted, chuckling softly. His calm confidence only fueled Ethan and Larry’s irritation.

Scarlett stepped forward, her voice gentle but firm. "Trust me, Ethan. I have my reasons for asking you to stay. That monster domain below has humans trapped inside it. Kato and I can handle it without putting anyone else in danger. If you come, you’ll lose your memory again, and we won’t have time to explain things afterward. Stay here and protect the others. I trust you to do that."

Ethan clenched his fists, visibly torn, but Scarlett’s pleading gaze eventually softened his resistance.

Scarlett’s thoughts raced as she considered the task ahead. The monster domain can pull people in, no doubt. It’s better to deal with it and the surrounding monsters first, then bring the others down later. The growls, the tearing of flesh, and the agonized cries of humans already fill my ears. Her gaze shifted to Garvin, still unconscious. I’ll be back. You need to wake up soon so I can put my plan into motion. It’s the only way to save humanity and leave this damn world.

She then turned her attention to Maya, bound within the reinforced cage. Using her powers, she strengthened the locks and bars, ensuring there was no chance of escape.

"Let’s go, Kato," Scarlett said aloud, fastening the baby carrier securely to her chest. She placed an oxygen mask over Hope, silencing any cries that might draw attention. She couldn’t trust anyone else to keep the child safe.

With one last glance at the group, Scarlett and Kato began their descent down the mountain. The survivors watched in silence, their gazes fixed on the pair until they disappeared from sight.