The Spare's Second Chance in Apocalypse-Chapter 235: Ch : Get the Doctor- Part 2

Ethan slipped through the clinic’s back corridors, his steps silent, his senses on high alert.

The building was bigger than he expected—an old repurposed factory, its corridors dimly lit and filled with stale air.

Every corner, every shadow felt like a potential threat, but Ethan moved with precision, keeping his breathing even and his movements calculated.

He couldn’t afford to mess this up.

Selene’s life depended on it.

"I cannot believe a human is making me behave this way. When was the last time I felt so panicked? Ah, this sucks. I don’t want to be a prisoner of my feelings anymore."

Ethan complained, but no one heard him. And even if anyone had heard him, they wouldn’t have cared.

Even Ethan did not care that he was complaining. He was just following his instincts at the moment.

His first step was to get to the doctor and to do that, he needed to get past the guards.

Guards were stationed at the key entrances, but they weren’t expecting someone like Ethan.

A ranked awakener.

He moved through the shadows like a predator, slipping past guards who barely noticed the faint disturbance of air as he passed.

They were focused on keeping people out, not someone already inside.

’Amateurs.’

Ethan’s lips twitched into a grim smile.

He reached the door he was looking for—

Dr. James’s office.

The door was slightly ajar, the glow of a desk lamp spilling into the hallway.

Ethan pushed it open without a sound and stepped inside.

______

The doctor looked exactly as Noah had described.

Dr. James was in his fifties, his hair a mix of thinning gray and white. His posture was slightly hunched, giving the impression of a man weighed down by the burdens of his work.

He wore thick-rimmed glasses that sat crookedly on his nose as he scanned through a chart on his desk.

Fragile. Weak.

Ethan’s eyes narrowed.

Most people would have felt pity.

Ethan didn’t.

Selene’s life was on the line. Compassion had no place here.

"Who’s there?"

James’s voice was soft, but there was a tinge of unease as he sensed someone’s presence.

Ethan stepped into the light.

The doctor looked up, his tired eyes barely registering Ethan at first—

Then his expression changed.

A double take.

Confusion.

"You’re not...Who are you? You don’t match the face on the profile."

James blinked, looking down at the profile on his screen.

Ethan didn’t waste time.

"Quiet. Don’t make a sound. You’re coming with me. If you try to alert the guards, then this will be your last day on the earth. Are we clear?"

His tone was low, firm.

James froze, his eyes widening.

"W-What?"

"I’m not here to play games. Get up. Now."

Ethan’s voice was cold, leaving no room for negotiation.

Panic flashed in the doctor’s eyes, but he was smart enough to realize his situation.

"Are you... kidnapping me?"

James’s voice trembled slightly.

"Not if you cooperate. Do as I say, and I won’t hurt you."

Ethan’s gaze didn’t waver.

James swallowed hard, his hands trembling slightly as he pushed his chair back.

"Alright... I’ll come."

"Good choice."

Ethan’s tone remained cool, but his muscles were coiled, ready to strike if the doctor tried anything.

"But...Promise me... you won’t—"

James’s voice wavered.

"I need you alive. Hurting you doesn’t help me. But if you alert security..."

Ethan cut him off, his gaze hard.

The threat hung in the air, unspoken but clear.

James nodded slowly, his face pale as he stood.

"Let’s go."

Ethan led James toward the exit, keeping a firm grip on the situation.

They moved quietly, taking a back route that avoided the main hallway. But as they neared the exit—

"Doctor?"

A guard’s voice rang out from behind them.

Ethan tensed, but James remained calm, surprising him.

The guard approached, his eyes narrowing as he looked between James and Ethan.

"Where are you going, Doctor?"

"I have to run some tests on a patient. I’ll be back shortly"

James’s voice was steady, but there was a slight tremor underneath.

The guard’s eyes flicked to Ethan, suspicion clouding his expression.

"Who’s he?"

"My assistant. He’s New."

James didn’t hesitate.

The guard’s gaze lingered on Ethan for a beat too long.

"I’ll come with you."

Ethan’s jaw clenched, but he didn’t let it show.

Damn.

"Fine."

Ethan gave James a slight nod, signaling for him to go along with it.

They didn’t make it far.

Ethan’s patience had run out.

The moment they were out of sight, Ethan struck—

Fast. Precise.

His hand shot out, grabbing the guard by the throat before the man could react.

A quick twist.

Silence.

The guard slumped to the ground, unconscious.

James’s eyes widened, his face draining of color.

"Oh my God..."

"He’s fine. Let’s move."

Ethan’s voice was calm, but there was no softness in it.

James didn’t argue.

Ethan’s car tore through the streets, the engine growling as he pushed it to its limit.

James sat beside him, his hands fidgeting nervously in his lap.

"Where... where are we going?"

The doctor asked, his voice shaky.

"To save someone."

Ethan’s eyes remained fixed on the road.

"And you’re the only one who can help."

James swallowed hard, his eyes darting toward Ethan.

"Who... who is it?"

"Someone important."

Ethan’s tone was clipped, but the weight behind his words was undeniable.

Selene.

James didn’t ask anything else after that.

Smart man.

They reached the hideout faster than Ethan expected.

The moment the car screeched to a halt, Ethan was out and pulling James along with him.

Time was running out.

The door swung open, and the room fell into a stunned silence as Ethan dragged the doctor inside.

"Ethan?"

Noah’s voice was the first to break the silence. Her eyes widened when she saw James, recognition flashing across her face.

"You actually did it..."

"Of course I did."

Ethan’s tone was sharp, his focus already on Selene, who was still unconscious on the couch.

Her breathing was shallow, her face pale.

Too pale.