Apocalypse: Building And Hoarding My Way Through.
Chapter 146: They’re Pests.

Chapter 146: They’re Pests.

"No women at all?" she asked, her tone laced with curiosity and a hint of disgust. "And the boss?"

At the mention of their leader, Kato’s entire demeanor shifted. His jaw clenched, his fingers curling into fists at his sides.

"His name is Nuel Vex," he spat, as if the very name left a bitter taste in his mouth. "A power-hungry bastard with no moral compass. He’s relentless, he’ll do anything, sacrifice anyone, just to achieve his goals. And the worst part?"

He took a deep breath, his voice growing darker.

"He has a vendetta against people like us, those who are like him, yet refuse to follow his twisted vision. He doesn’t just hate us; he wants to wipe out every living being that isn’t a monster. Humans, survivors, rebels, none of them matter to him."

Scarlett folded her arms, her expression unreadable as she absorbed the information.

"And no women in the organization at all?" she repeated, her voice sharper this time.

Kato nodded.

"None. Nuel sees women as weak and disposable. That’s why you going in as my sister works perfectly. He won’t suspect you of being anything more than a helpless survivor I happened to find. That’s why I agreed to it, it’s the best cover we’ve got."

Scarlett was silent for a moment, her eyes narrowing as she processed everything. Then, finally, she exhaled, her lips curling into a smirk.

"I see," she murmured, her voice dripping with determination. "Well then, we’re going to take him down. Every last one of them."

She then turned to Kato, her expression all business. "How long is the journey from here to the organization?"

Kato rubbed his jaw before answering.

"If we go on foot, it’ll take about three to four days. If we take a bus, we could get there in two," he explained. "But considering everything that’s going on, taking a bus isn’t a good idea. We don’t want to attract monsters. It’s safer to move on foot."

Scarlett nodded in agreement.

"True. Then we should start moving now. The sky is clear, it’s still morning, this is the perfect time to begin our journey."

She pushed herself up from the rock chair, stretching slightly before turning on her heel.

"I’ll be back. Let me get Hope."

Without waiting for a response, she strode toward the building, her figure disappearing inside.

Kato watched her go, his face remaining impassive. Then, the moment she was out of sight, he exhaled slowly and reached up, tapping a tiny earpiece hidden deep inside his ear.

A soft, feminine voice crackled through the receiver.

"Yes, boss?"

There was a hint of anticipation in her tone. "I’ve been waiting for your call."

A slow, triumphant smile spread across Kato’s lips.

"Everything is set," he murmured, his voice dripping with satisfaction. "The plan is unfolding exactly as we want. Get everything into motion, I’m coming over. And I’m bringing my queen."

There was a brief pause before the voice on the other end responded.

"Confirmed, boss. Everything is ready. We await your arrival."

With that, the connection cut, and Kato lowered his hand. His smirk remained, his expression unreadable.

Just then, Scarlett emerged from the room, carrying little Hope securely strapped to her front. The infant’s tiny body was wrapped in a protective sling, her fragile form nestled against Scarlett’s chest. An oxygen mask covered Hope’s mouth, the faint sound of her breathing barely audible over the tension in the air.

Ethan and Ryder flanked Scarlett on either side, their guns gripped firmly in their hands, their expressions hard and unreadable.

The trio walked up to Kato, who was already waiting for them.

"Time to leave," Ryder announced, adjusting the straps of his backpack. "The more we wait, the more survivors will die."

Kato, who had briefly feared they might have overheard his secret conversation, tensed for a moment. But as he studied their faces, he realized they were oblivious. He exhaled a quiet sigh of relief and pushed himself to his feet.

Scarlett turned to Ethan and Ryder, her gaze steady, her voice filled with quiet resolve.

"You must stay alive. No matter what happens, let’s all meet back here when this is over."

"Sure!" Ryder replied, nodding. "You two better come back alive too. If we have to die, at least let it be on our own terms. Dying at the hands of the enemy is the worst and most disrespectful way to go."

"Yeah. Dying at the enemies hand is the worst kind of death. You two are actually going into the lions den hence you must be very careful. Even though Kato says he knows the leader of the organization, that doesn’t mean you’re both save as those pest can betray even their family in this apocalypse. They all want to win and would do anything to take out whatever is suspicious out of their way." Ethan added, his gaze fixed on the sword he was busy sharpening on the rock table.

Scarlett’s lips curled into a warm but determined smile. "You’re right. They’re pest who would be stepped on by us. Anyways, goodbye then."

Ethan and Ryder exchanged a look before nodding in silent agreement. There was nothing more to say, only the mission ahead.

The four of them stepped out of the building compound, stepping onto the eerily quiet streets. They stood there for a brief moment, taking in each other’s faces, as if silently committing this moment to memory. Then, without another word, they parted ways, Scarlett and Kato heading left, Ethan and Ryder veering right.

As they farther walked away, Scarlett and Kato quickly disappeared into the crowded streets. Thanks to Scarlett’s invisibility spell, they blended into the chaos, monsters and desperate survivors filling every corner, the air thick with fear and violence. Even as they remained unseen, they continued slaying whatever crossed their path.

Meanwhile, Ethan and Ryder moved swiftly, their steps silent but purposeful. Their fingers remained steady on the triggers of their guns, ready to strike at any moment.