The Spare's Second Chance in Apocalypse-Chapter 227: Ch : The Plan- Part 1

Madam Varta leaned back in her chair, her expression a careful mask of indifference. But inside, her mind raced.

"Retrieve test subjects?"

She repeated, her tone neutral but with an undercurrent of suspicion.

On the other end of the line, Dr. Aldric chuckled softly, the sound sending a chill down her spine.

"Yes. Two of my... most promising experiments have decided to wander a little too far from the nest. It’s quite unfortunate."

He said, his voice as smooth as silk. The doctor also made it sound as if he was struck with grief when he spoke and it was beginning to get on Madam Verta’s nerves a little.

Still, she could smell a good deal when she got one and this one made her instincts itch to know more about it.

"Experiments? Are you talking about people?"

Varta’s brow arched as she asked this question.

"Semantics,"

Aldric replied casually. frёeωebɳovel.com

"What matters is that they belong to me. And I would prefer them back where they can be... properly guided."

Varta’s lips pressed together. She didn’t like the way he spoke, his words dripping with cold detachment.

"And what do I get out of this?"

She asked, her tone sharp.

"Ah. I thought you’d never ask."

Aldric’s voice warmed with satisfaction, as if he’d been waiting for her to ask.

There was a pause, a deliberate beat that made Varta’s pulse quicken.

"I will provide you with whatever you desire. Power, influence... information. There is a lot a lady like you would want, right?"

Aldric said softly, the weight of his words hanging heavy in the air.

Varta’s fingers drummed against the desk, her mind weighing the possibilities.

"And what makes you think I’d trust you? For all I know, you might be trying to rip me off. Give me something more solid as a proof that you want me to help you out."

She asked, her voice cool.

Aldric chuckled again, a low, knowing sound.

"Of course, you wouldn’t trust me outright. Which is why I’ve taken the liberty of sending you... a little proof."

He murmured, amusement lacing his tone.

Varta’s system pinged, a notification flashing in her vision. Her eyes narrowed as she pulled up the message, her breath catching as she saw the contents.

A contract.

Her pupils dilated when she noticed the signature at the bottom.

The Vale family.

"What the hell?"

Varta’s composure cracked for a moment, her mind reeling.

"Consider this my assurance. The Vale family is fully aware of this arrangement. Their support... and mine... in exchange for your cooperation."

Aldric said smoothly, his tone dripping with satisfaction.

Varta’s guard wavered, her thoughts racing. If the Vale family was involved... this wasn’t just any mission.

"Is that enough proof for you?"

Aldric’s voice cut through her thoughts.

Varta’s lips pressed together, her instincts screaming at her to tread carefully.

"It’ll do for now. But I won’t put myself in danger for you. And also, you will have to support me in the future as well."

She murmured, her voice more measured.

"Of course. This is a deal, after all. I promise we will spare no expense to help you out."

Aldric replied smoothly.

Varta’s eyes remained locked on the contract.

’This just got a lot more interesting.’

______

Selene stood before Noah and Nora, her expression serious as she laid out her plan.

"There’s a way to fake a dungeon explosion. If we spread the news that both of you were caught in the blast... everyone will believe you’re dead."

She said, her voice steady but her eyes betraying a flicker of uncertainty.

Noah’s eyes widened, a spark of hope flickering in his expression.

"That could work! If they think we’re gone, they won’t come after us."

He murmured, his mind already racing ahead.

But Nora...

Nora’s eyes narrowed, suspicion clouding her features.

"How do you know that would work? How do you know so much about... all of this?"

She asked, her tone sharp.

Selene’s heart skipped a beat.

"I..."

Her mind scrambled for an answer, her pulse pounding.

’Stay calm.’

"It’s one of my abilities. I’ve... seen things. I can predict outcomes."

She said quickly, forcing a small, confident smile.

Nora’s gaze didn’t waver, her expression unreadable.

’She doesn’t believe me.’

But after a long pause, Nora said nothing. She folded her arms, her silence a grudging acceptance.

"Fine."

She said, though her tone made it clear she wasn’t convinced.

Selene exhaled softly, relieved but unsettled.

"We’ll carry out the plan in a few hours. I’ll make the necessary preparations."

She continued, regaining her composure.

She turned to Ethan.

"Keep an eye on them. I’ll be... busy for a while."

She instructed, her tone firm.

Ethan gave a lazy salute, his grin laced with amusement.

"Got it, boss."

As Selene left the room, Nora’s eyes immediately flicked to Ethan.

"Alright, Spill."

she said quietly, her tone laced with suspicion.

Ethan raised an eyebrow.

"Spill what?"

"Don’t play dumb. You’ve known Selene for a long time. She’s... different now."

Nora’s gaze was piercing.

Ethan’s grin faded slightly, his expression becoming more guarded.

"She’s always been... complicated."

He said, his tone more serious than usual.

"Don’t give me that! Something’s changed. And you know it."

Nora snapped.

Ethan leaned back against the wall, his arms crossing over his chest.

"Look, Selene’s been through a lot. Whatever’s going on with her... it’s not something she’ll share easily"

He said after a beat.

Nora’s jaw clenched.

"And you’re okay with that?"

Ethan’s eyes darkened, a flicker of something unspoken flashing through them.

"I trust her."

He said simply.

Nora didn’t reply immediately. She studied Ethan carefully, searching for answers in his expression.

But whatever secrets he held about Selene... he wasn’t ready to share them.

"Fine! Looks like you don’t know anything either. But I’m not going to sit around and wait for things to blow up in our faces."

Nora said finally, though her voice was laced with frustration.

Ethan’s grin returned, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes.

"Good. Because with Selene... things tend to explode sooner rather than later."

He murmured.

And deep down, they both knew...

This was just the beginning.