Apocalypse: Building And Hoarding My Way Through.
Chapter 152: A Fox.

Chapter 152: A Fox.

Georgia turned to them, her smile unwavering. "Welcome home."

As Scarlett and Kato stepped into the lavish room, they were immediately enveloped by an atmosphere of opulence. Plush carpets cushioned their steps, crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow overhead, and floor-to-ceiling windows framed a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape.

Scarlett’s sharp eyes swept across the room, taking in every detail. An ornate mirror adorned one wall, its gilded frame gleaming under the chandelier’s light. A set of heavy double doors led to what appeared to be a private balcony, their brass handles polished to perfection. Meanwhile, Kato, far more at ease, let out a relaxed sigh as he dropped onto a nearby couch, sinking comfortably into its plush cushions.

Georgia’s warm gaze settled on them as she clasped her hands together. "Make yourselves comfortable. Scorpion will be back soon with information about the boss." Her voice carried an air of confidence, but there was something else beneath it, an undercurrent of curiosity. Her eyes lingered on Scarlett, studying her intently. "In the meantime, can I get you something to drink?"

Scarlett, still engrossed in examining the room, only belatedly realized Georgia was waiting for an answer. She turned her attention to the woman and offered a polite smile. "I’m good, thanks." Then, as if dismissing the conversation, she shifted her gaze away, her thoughts already elsewhere.

Kato, however, was far more receptive. He leaned back, draping one arm over the couch’s armrest, and grinned. "I’ll have whatever you recommend, Georgia. Just make sure it’s strong." His voice was smooth, carrying a teasing edge.

Georgia’s smile widened. "Oh, I think I have just the thing," she said, giving him a knowing look before turning on her heel and disappearing through a side door, leaving Scarlett and Kato alone.

Scarlett exhaled sharply, her fingers tightening into fists at her sides. "I can’t wait to see the boss’s face," she muttered under her breath, her voice laced with a mixture of anticipation and restrained fury. She carefully laid little Hope on the bed, adjusting the blanket around the child before she began pacing back and forth. "I really can’t wait to use my powers to kill that motherfucker," she added darkly, her steps quickening.

She clenched her jaw, frustration bubbling beneath the surface.

Show me my stats and skills again, she commanded internally. I don’t even remember half the skills I have.

Almost instantly, a translucent holographic screen materialized before her, its light casting a faint glow across her face. Only she could see it, unless she willed otherwise. Kato remained oblivious to the digital display floating in the air before her.

Loading host information...

STATS:

Name: Scarlett Jerkins

Species: Human, Monster

Spirit: 100

Physical: 100

Agility: 100

Defense: 100

Health: 100

Intelligence: 100

SKILLS:

Affinity: Water, Fire, Earth

Title: Queen of Monsters

Overall Rank: SSS

{New powers awakened with your SSS rank.}

{Monster Manipulation: The host can now summon and control various monster species to aid in combat or other tasks. She can communicate with monsters, understanding their thoughts and emotions, and even enhance their abilities, making them stronger and more resilient.}

{Energy Manipulation: The host can wield magical energy to cast powerful spells, channel physical energy to enhance her abilities, or unleash devastating energy blasts. Additionally, she can manipulate life force energy either to heal or to drain life from others.}

{Shapeshifting: The host now possesses the ability to transform into various monster forms, each with unique abilities. She can also shift into human or other creature forms, adapting to situations as needed.}

{Dual Systems Integration: Due to the host’s self-inflicted death, Echo 3 has now merged with Echo 2. All resources from Echo 2 remain intact, granting the host full access to both systems, which she can summon at will.}

{There are other powers you’ve attained before these, but I displayed these because they are your most recent acquisitions. Would you like me to show the rest?}

Scarlett’s eyes flickered across the glowing text, absorbing the information. A slow, calculating smirk curled her lips.

"There’s no need," Scarlett replied immediately, her voice firm.

She narrowed her eyes slightly, inhaling deeply. "Is Garvin and Jaden really here?" she asked inwardly. I can scent Garvin’s blood faint but unmistakable. He was injured before , and that scent is still lingering. And of course, Jaden’s scent is here too. But I need to be sure I’m not just hallucinating.

She exhaled slowly, her brows furrowing in thought. Kato says they’re here, but I want to hear it from my system. Even if you can’t warn me when danger is approaching hence why I always have to rely on myself, you can at least provide me with this little piece of information. Are they really here or Kato is mistaken? Is my mind just playing tricks on me because I want them to be here hence the reason why I followed Kato immediately he dropped the information?

A sharp ding! sounded in her mind.

{Do not doubt your powers, host. They are both here. And if you need further confirmation, you can use your skill that allows you to recall memories of a certain place, enabling you to see past events that occurred there.}

Scarlett smirked, amusement flickering in her eyes. I know I could do that, but it’s not necessary, she responded inwardly.

She folded her arms, leaning slightly against the wall. I’m not in a hurry to see what the so-called master of this organization looks like. Besides, using that skill would only show me what happened in the parts of this mansion I’ve already been to, specifically, the hallway and this room. Sure, the hallway might reveal Garvin and Jaden being taken inside, since that’s the only route into the organization’s inner chambers, but it still wouldn’t tell me where they’re being held. I’d have to be in the exact location to see those memories.

Her expression darkened slightly. And just as Kato said, we need to be cautious. I’m not just here to save Garvin and Jaden, I’m here to destroy this entire organization, once and for all. To do that, I need to play along until I’m able to achieve my goals.

Her smirk widened as a calculated gleam flashed in her eyes. Although I came here under the alias of Maya, not as the wanted Scarlett, I’ll use this identity to gain his trust. I’ll make him lead me straight to Garvin with his own two legs.

A pause.

Then, another notification appeared in her mind.

{What about Kato, then? You already admitted that you have a bad feeling about him. Although I can’t access his system anymore since his host’s objectives have changed, the sheer violence radiating from him is overwhelming. It’s dangerous, host. Terribly dangerous.}

Scarlett chuckled darkly. Ah, so now you finally say the word ’danger.’ Took you long enough.

She tilted her head slightly, her fingers absentmindedly tracing the fabric of her gown. Kato acts like a friend, but he’s a fox. I’ve known that from the start. I don’t know just how deep his ties to this organization run, but there’s one thing I’m certain of: the scent coming off him is pure evil. I sensed it before, but now? It’s even stronger.

Her eyes glinted with something unreadable. I can’t wait to see him show his true colors completely. His killer instinct is undeniable, but what I really want to know is whether he wants to kills to save humanity this time around or to ruin it.

A voice suddenly cut through her thoughts.

"Hey! Are you even listening to me?"

Scarlett blinked, snapping out of her mental conversation. She turned toward Kato, her gaze meeting his.

Judging by the tension in his posture and the concerned crease in his brow, he’d been trying to get her attention for a while now.

"What are you thinking about?" he asked, his voice edged with worry.

Scarlett quickly masked her thoughts with a warm smile. "Just about the journey," she replied casually. "What’s wrong?"

Kato exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "You asked a question, and I answered, only to realize you completely spaced out," he said. Rising from his chair, he closed the distance between them, placing his hands on her shoulders as his piercing gaze locked onto hers. "You don’t have to worry too much. Everything will be fine. Just believe."

Scarlett held his gaze for a moment before offering another small smile. "I know," she said, shrugging his hands off as she stepped past him and sat on the bed.

Kato studied her for a second longer before sighing. "Anyway, Scorpion is taking too long. I’m going to check around," he finally said. "You stay here and look after Hope. I’ll be back soon."

Scarlett’s fingers gently combed through Hope’s soft hair as she glanced up at him. "No problem. I’ll be waiting here," she replied with a reassuring smile.

Satisfied, Kato nodded once before turning and exiting the room.

The second he was gone, the smile vanished from Scarlett’s face.