Apocalypse: Building And Hoarding My Way Through.
Chapter 34: Meeting A Chosen Member.

Chapter 34: Meeting A Chosen Member.

Scarlett studied him for a moment, her gaze sharp, then extended her hand. She and Ethan exchanged a firm handshake, a sense of unspoken understanding passing between them. Meanwhile, her friends stood back, watching cautiously, ready to step in if needed.

"I’m Scarlett Jerkins," she introduced herself. "Nice meeting you, Mr. Blaze."

"Welcome, Mrs. Jerkins," Ethan replied, his eyes glinting with the thrill of a new alliance. "It seems we have a lot to discuss. But this isn’t a conversation to be had in front of everyone. Shall we talk privately in my office?"

Scarlett paused, her eyes scrutinizing him until he cleared his throat, slightly unnerved by her intensity. She could sense that Ethan has a system and elemental powers; there was no doubt in her mind that he was one of the chosen.

"Very well," Scarlett replied, her tone serious. "But first, I need to speak with my friends."

Ethan nodded in understanding as Scarlett turned and walked back toward her group, who watched her with questioning expressions. They could sense the gravity of the situation, even as other survivors within the church stole glances their way. Rose was the first to speak, her voice barely above a whisper.

"People are staring at us like they’ve never seen anything like this," she muttered, glancing around. "But I guess it’s safe here. There are so many survivors, and they don’t look like they’ve been through the monster apocalypse at all."

"What’s his deal?" Garvin asked, folding his arms. "He’s acting like he knows you, Scarlett. That handshake, that smile... Did you know him before?"

Instead of answering immediately, Scarlett passed Hope to Garvin, who carefully cradled the child in his arms.

"I need you all to know something," Scarlett said, her voice steady and firm. "Ethan has powers similar to mine. He might even have a pendant that can create food and other supplies, like mine does."

The group’s eyes widened in surprise, and Louise quickly chimed in, his curiosity unmistakable. "Wait....there’s another pendant out there, and he has the same kind of powers? Are you sure?"

Scarlett gave a slight nod. "I’m not certain yet, but it’s possible. That’s why I need to discuss things with him in private."

Garvin scoffed, raising an eyebrow. "What kind of ’office’ does he have here, anyway? Isn’t this supposed to be a church, a place where survivors gather? Maybe it’s because they’re in a holy place that they’re not affected by the chaos outside."

Just then, the door on the right side of the room swung open, and two men entered, pushing a trolley laden with a variety of foods, burgers, chicken, pizza, and more. The sight made Rose, The two children, and Louise’s mouths water.

Ethan returned with a broad smile, waving his hands theatrically. "I thought you might be hungry, so I asked the staff to prepare something for you."

Louise’s eyes darted between Scarlett and the towering stacks of food. "Is this really legit? How on earth did he get all this food here? Is it the he has a pendant? Are we safe, Scarlett, or is this some kind of trap?"

"We’re safe," Scarlett assured him. "Trust me. I’ll be back soon. Just wait for me here."

Without waiting for their replies, she turned and followed Ethan into a side room, his office, as he’d called it.

_______

As Scarlett entered Ethan’s office, she was struck by how drastically it contrasted with the peaceful atmosphere of the church. Here, the space exuded a polished sophistication and modernity, a reflection of Ethan’s meticulous and organized nature.

The office was spacious, centered around a large, polished mahogany desk. Two high-backed leather chairs faced it, while a matching couch and coffee table formed a cozy seating area in the far corner. Floor-to-ceiling windows allowed natural light to flood in, revealing a stunning view of the surrounding landscape. The glass was tinted, however, and thick iron bars reinforced the windows, keeping prying eyes out.

Ethan gestured for Scarlett to take a seat in one of the leather chairs, which she did. He settled into his chair on the opposite side of the desk, his fingers steepled together, eyes bright with anticipation.

"Please, make yourself comfortable," he said with a slight smile. "We have a lot to discuss."

"Go ahead," Scarlett replied, her tone cool and focused. She was eager to understand what Ethan knew. Running into another chosen one here was unexpected, and although the thought intrigued her, she was still processing the ordeal they’d recently survived, losing one system only to gain another, a reminder of how unpredictable this world had become.

Ethan broke the silence. "Have you found the safe haven yet?"

Scarlett’s expression hardened. "No," she answered flatly. "And we need all the chosen members together to build it? Apparently, we don’t know how many of us there are."

"Exactly." Ethan nodded. "I’m relieved to have finally met one of you. You see... I’m the leader of this organization, and I’ve managed to keep these people alive. Without the provisions my system grants, they wouldn’t have survived. You’re a leader to your friends as well, aren’t you? Providing for them, protecting them."

Scarlett nodded, understanding his point.

Ethan continued, his tone growing solemn. "But we can’t protect only a few. There are countless people in this world. And according to the system, chosen ones from all around the world, Americans, Africans, Asians, e.t.c are here too. I believe each country may have one or more chosen members who’ll eventually lead their people when the real monster apocalypse begins on Earth. We all come from the same planet, but we have different homes, different cultures, different languages."

Ethan rose from his seat and began to pace, his expression serious. "The only way to protect a significant number of people is to locate the rest of the chosen and build this safe haven the system promised. And maybe then, we’ll be sent back to Earth."

"I understand," Scarlett replied, her gaze following him. "But the system hasn’t revealed where the safe haven is. We’re left to find it ourselves. And though the system didn’t mention a time limit, I feel like there is one, even if unspoken. If we’re all sent back to Earth before we build it and the real apocalypse begins there, what are we going to do then?"

Ethan stopped pacing and looked at her, nodding thoughtfully. "Perhaps you’re right about time ticking away," he said quietly. "But even without a deadline, people are dying every day. Their lives slipping away could be the very ’time’ we’re meant to heed, pushing us to act faster. We’re at risk, too. If humanity perishes, we perish."

Ethan allowed a grim smirk to cross his face. "Apart from you and me, there’s another chosen one I know of. But he can’t persuaded to join us and begin the search for the safe haven."

Scarlett’s eyebrows shot up in surprise, her curiosity piqued. "Who is he? And why isn’t he already working with the other chosen ones? This isn’t a time for division."

Ethan stopped pacing and locked eyes with her. "He’s the leader of the Axe Squad," he replied, his smirk widening. "Commander Victor."