The Spare's Second Chance in Apocalypse-Chapter 157: Ch : Volunteering Help- Part 1

Selene moved through the worksite, her steps steady but her body protesting with every movement.

A dull, persistent ache throbbed in her temples, and her vision flickered in and out of focus at times.

It wasn’t anything serious—just enough to notice, enough to make her question if she was getting sick. ƒгeewebnovёl.com

Her joints ached, a deep soreness settling into her bones. She flexed her fingers absentmindedly as she walked, trying to shake off the stiffness.

Probably just exhaustion.

She hadn’t been sleeping well. That much was obvious. It was only natural for her body to start feeling the effects.

Still, she had work to do.

She moved through the site, directing the volunteers with clear, concise instructions.

Most of them got to work without hesitation, their movements practiced and efficient.

However, Selene’s sharp eyes caught a group of non-awakened volunteers standing off to the side, looking unsure of themselves.

They looked lost. Out of place.

Selene sighed softly and approached them.

"Hey! First time volunteering?"

She called out, drawing their attention.

A few of them nodded hesitantly.

Selene offered a small, reassuring smile.

"Don’t worry. We’ll ease you in. I’ll assign you tasks that aren’t too physically demanding but still important. How about helping with inventory or organizing supplies?"

Relief flickered across their faces. One of them—a younger girl with nervous eyes—nodded eagerly.

"That would be great. Thank you."

Selene guided them to their respective tasks, ensuring they knew what to do. Once they settled in, she exhaled softly and stretched her arms above her head.

Her muscles protested.

Her entire body protested.

Maybe she really needed to rest.

She spotted an empty seat near the shaded side of the site and walked toward it, sitting down with a quiet sigh.

’Just a second. I’ll just close my eyes for a second.’

She barely even registered the way her head dipped forward before sleep claimed her.

______

A soft rustling sound stirred her awake.

Selene blinked blearily, her senses still sluggish from exhaustion.

"Here."

A voice said.

A cup of steaming coffee was placed in front of her.

Selene blinked again, focusing on the person handing it to her.

It was one of the newer volunteers—a man with an unfamiliar face. He looked polite, but there was something... off about his expression.

Still, Selene gave him a small nod.

"Thanks."

She took the cup and lifted it toward her lips.

But the moment the coffee neared her mouth, an instinctual alarm went off in her head.

Something’s wrong.

The scent of coffee beans filled her nose, but... it was too strong. Too sharp.

She had drunk coffee countless times before. She knew what a normal cup of coffee should smell like.

This wasn’t normal.

Her fingers subtly tensed around the cup as she lowered it without taking a sip.

"...Actually, I think I’ll pass."

She said, keeping her voice light.

She pushed the cup back toward him.

The man’s expression didn’t change much, but there was a subtle shift—a flicker of something in his eyes. His lips pressed together briefly before he gave a tight nod.

"...I see."

He murmured. He took the cup back, turning on his heel and walking away without another word.

Selene exhaled through her nose.

Damn it.

She had almost fallen for it.

She rubbed her temples, silently cursing herself for letting her guard down.

From the corner of her vision, a familiar figure had been watching.

Ethan.

His expression was unreadable, but there was a distinct sharpness in his gaze. He had seen everything.

Selene barely had time to react before he handed off his work to Zara and Orion.

"I’ll be back in a bit."

He told them.

Zara raised an eyebrow.

"Need help with the cleanup?"

Ethan smirked, cracking his knuckles.

"Nah. I’ve got my own plans."

Without waiting for a response, he turned on his heel and followed the man.

Selene let out a slow breath, watching him go.

The unknown man walked briskly through the site, glancing over his shoulder every few seconds.

He knew he had been caught.

His heartbeat pounded in his ears as he tried to keep his movements natural, acting as if he was just heading toward another task.

Just get out of sight. Just get out of sight, and I can—

A hand slammed down on his shoulder.

The man froze.

Ethan’s voice was dangerously low.

"Going somewhere?"

The man jerked forward, trying to run, but Ethan’s grip was like iron.

"Not so fast."

Ethan muttered, his fingers tightening.

The man winced. Panic flooded his expression.

"Wait, wait, I—I can explain!"

Ethan didn’t let go. Instead, he dragged the man toward a more secluded area.

"You and I...are going to have a little talk

Ethan said, his tone almost casual.

The man struggled.

"L-Look, I— I wasn’t going to actually do anything! I was just—"

Ethan slammed him against the wall.

The air left the man’s lungs in a gasp.

Ethan leaned in slightly, his golden eyes sharp and unwavering.

"Do I look like someone who cares for excuses?"

The man swallowed hard.

"I—It wasn’t personal! I was just following orders!"

He stammered.

Ethan’s expression darkened. "Whose orders?"

The man hesitated. His lips pressed together, sweat gathering at his temple.

Ethan sighed dramatically.

"See, now you’re just making this harder for yourself."

He cracked his knuckles.

The man flinched.

"W-Wait! I swear, I don’t know who exactly hired me!"

Ethan’s eyes narrowed.

"Then what do you know?"

The man exhaled shakily.

"...I was only told to make sure she—’Miss Shadow’—was weakened. I don’t know why, and I don’t know who gave the final order. I only took the job because it paid well!"

Ethan let out a hum, as if considering his words.

Then, without warning, he let go.

The man staggered forward, coughing.

"Good talk. Now, here’s what’s going to happen."

Ethan said, brushing off his hands.

The man looked up warily.

"You’re going to leave. And you’re not going to come back. Ever."

Ethan said simply.

The man’s breath hitched.

"And... if I do?"

Ethan smiled. It wasn’t a friendly one.

"Then we’ll have a much less pleasant conversation."

The man swallowed hard.

He didn’t need to be told twice.