Apocalypse: Building And Hoarding My Way Through.
Chapter 38: The Hunt Begins.

Chapter 38: The Hunt Begins.

Scarlett’s eyes fluttered open, drawn by the sounds of chattering and footsteps as other survivors prepared for the day. She blinked, adjusting to the soft, warm glow of sunlight streaming through the church’s stained glass windows. The aroma of cooking food wafted through the air, and her stomach grumbled in response.

Beside her, Jaden and Golden stirred, rubbing the sleep from their eyes. They blinked up at Scarlett, smiling with sleepy contentment.

"Good morning, miss," Golden whispered, a gentle smile lighting up her face.

"Good morning, sweetie," Scarlett replied, hugging them both tightly. "How was your night?"

"It was good," they replied in unison, their voices soft yet filled with warmth.

Hope’s gentle cooing drifted through the air, drawing Scarlett’s attention. She lifted the baby from her crib, smiling down at her, but her smile faltered as she looked around, noticing the absence of the others.

Where did everyone go? Scarlett thought, scanning the room, her gaze darting over the sea of faces, some familiar, some new.

Just then, Ethan approached, his expression serious yet tinged with an energy that made Scarlett sit up straighter.

"Good morning!" he greeted, flashing a quick smile before leaning in closer. "Ready to kill some monsters?"

Scarlett’s eyes widened, caught off guard. "Already?" she echoed, barely masking her surprise. "And...good morning to you too." She paused, studying him. "Are you sure everything’s ready? The plans and all?"

"Nope, not all of it," Ethan admitted, a glint of excitement in his eyes. "But while we wait, I figured we could start thinning out the monsters nearby. A little warm-up, you know?" He leaned closer, lowering his voice as if sharing a thrilling secret. "We’ll slay monsters and stack up some coins in the process."

At that moment, Rose, Garvin, and Louise appeared behind him, each equipped with weapons, guns, daggers, and makeshift clubs. Determination was written on their faces as they looked to Scarlett.

"There you are!" Scarlett said with a sigh of relief, gently setting Hope back in her crib. "I was beginning to wonder where you’d all run off to. What’s with all the weapons?"

"It’s simple," Rose replied, her voice full of excitement as she tugged Scarlett to her feet. "We’ve decided to go on the offensive. Take out the monsters before they have the chance to find us. Ethan explained that we’ll need plenty of coins which the pendant take in exchange for resourcces andvwe can only get it by killing monsters and we also have to be fast , especially before your powers and his run out."

Scarlett turned her gaze to Ethan, who nodded in agreement with Rose’s explanation.

"You never mentioned you might lose your powers soon," Rose said, a hint of concern in her tone. "Then I suppose it’s now or never, huh?"

"That’s the idea," Louise said, shaking his head as he gave Scarlett an exasperated look. "Honestly, you women, you never tell us anything. Do you expect us to be mind-readers?"

Scarlett stifled a smile, turning her attention to Garvin, who was inspecting his weapon with an air of practiced confidence. "Ethan and I already scouted this morning," Garvin explained. "We found a spot a few miles out where the monsters are wreaking havoc. There are people there, people we might be able to save. And if we get there fast, we’ll earn the coins to purchase supplies."

Scarlett took a steadying breath. "Alright, I wasn’t expecting to jump into action this soon, but I’m ready." She glanced back at Hope. "I’ll just bathe her, feed her, and freshen up quickly..."

"No need for that, Scarlett," Rose interrupted, nodding towards Mrs. Anderson, who stood a few feet away with a gentle smile. "She’ll look after Hope, Jaden, and Golden. Consider her their nanny from now on."

Scarlett smiled gratefully at Mrs. Anderson, who gave her a reassuring nod. She was about to head off to wash up when Louise let out an exaggerated sigh.

"Scarlett, you don’t need to freshen up before fighting monsters. We’re all going to be covered in their stink by the end of it. Bathing now would just be a waste." He folded his arms, looking at her with mock impatience. "Let’s just kill the beasts and clean up after."

She hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Fine, but I don’t think Garvin should come along. He’d be more useful here, helping the security team." She motioned towards the men in black uniforms who stood on patrol, armed and vigilant.

Garvin raised an eyebrow, his mouth twitching in a smirk. "What, you think I need protection?" He tilted his head, chuckling. "Have you forgotten who I was back on Earth?"

"Of course not," Scarlett replied with a playful smile. "The young billionaire, heir to your family empire. That’s exactly why I think you should stay back and stay safe. You don’t need to risk your life out there."

Garvin scoffed, muttering, "She’s crazy," before turning his gaze to Ethan. "So are we going or not? Because I’d rather not wait until those people are beyond saving."

Ethan chuckled and nodded. "Right, let’s move out." He led the way, and the rest followed in a line, Rose giving Scarlett an encouraging grin as they headed out.

As they stepped out into the hallway, the other survivors glanced after them, curious and wary. Scarlett’s heart pounded as they approached the exit, not because of the task but because of Garvin who wss gojng with them. If he dies, she dies too.

The group stopped before the large double doors that led to the outside world, each of them bracing for what awaited them beyond.

"I didn’t need to plan too much with you, Scarlett," Ethan said, glancing back at her. "You and I share the same powers. But I’ve taught your friends some basic fighting techniques so you don’t have to worry."

Then he gave Scarlett a curious look. "Why didn’t you want Mr. Jerkins to join us? He’s a strong fighter, and if he’s your husband, it makes sense for him to protect you. You may have powers, but having a partner out there... it’d be safer."

"Husband?" Scarlett and Garvin both exclaimed, their eyes widening in surprise. Their faces turned as red as fire as they looked at each other, then back at Ethan.

"You... you thought we were married?" Garvin asked, his tone caught between shock and amusement.

"Not at all," Scarlett added, laughing despite herself. "We’re survivors, nothing more. This journey may have brought us together, but that’s all it is. Please, Ethan, don’t assume things."

Louise burst out laughing, clapping his hands. "Married? That’s a good one. These two? They’re both single, and believe me, they’ve never mentioned any romantic ties to anyone else."

Scarlett nodded. "Exactly. So please, Ethan, next time just ask. No need for assumptions."

Ethan grinned sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. "Alright, my mistake. Miss Scarlett and Mr. Garvin it is, then."

Scarlett rolled her eyes, as her attention shifted back to the doors.

Ethan stepped forward, gripping the door’s handle, his face turning serious as he looked back at the group. "Alright, everyone. It’s time. Stick together, keep alert, and remember why we’re doing this. Ready?"

They nodded, the tension thick as each one tightened their grip on their weapons, mentally preparing for the fight to come. Ethan pushed the door open, allowing the bright morning sunlight to pour over them, illuminating their faces with a fiery resolve. Together, they stepped forward, ready to face whatever awaited them.