The Spare's Second Chance in Apocalypse-Chapter 237: Ch : No longer human - Part 1

Ethan watched as Selene blinked awake, her eyes fluttering open as if it took all her strength.

She looked tired, her face pale and her movements sluggish.

Relief washed over him, but worry still gnawed at his chest. When her eyes finally focused on him, her brow furrowed slightly.

"How long...?"

Her voice was weak, barely above a whisper.

Ethan leaned closer, his hand brushing a strand of hair away from her face.

"You’ve been out since we brought you out of that dungeon. We were getting worried."

He said softly.

Selene groaned, her head falling back against the pillow. Her voice sounded raspy

"I see. I had a feeling that it was something like that. Feels like I’ve been asleep for a week."

"Considering what you did, I’m surprised you woke up at all. Absorbing a core like that... it’s a miracle you’re still in one piece. Also, are you an idiot? How is consuming a core safe?"

Noah muttered from across the room. His arms were crossed, his face serious.

’Ah, his expression right now reminds me of the one he had back when he saw me swallow the stone for the first time. Should I say something to him? But I have a feeling that no one here will hear me out in any regard.’

Selene’s eyes flicked toward him, but then she noticed someone else in the room.

Her gaze landed on Dr. James, who stood near the doorway, watching her with a cautious expression.

Selene frowned, her voice gaining a bit of strength.

"Who’s that?"

Ethan’s body tensed. So did everyone else’s. For a moment, no one spoke. Then, Noah finally muttered.

"Just a doctor. Nothing important. You don’t need to worry about him."

Selene didn’t look convinced, but she was too tired to argue.

"Fine..."

She mumbled, her body sinking back into the bed.

But before she could close her eyes again, Dr. James stepped forward.

His face was pale, and there was uncertainty in his gaze.

"Wait,"

He said softly, his eyes locked on Selene.

"I need to ask...Are you... human?"

His voice wavered slightly, but he pushed on.

The question hit like a thunderclap.

The room fell silent.

Selene’s eyes opened again, this time sharper and more alert.

Her gaze met the doctor’s, but her expression gave nothing away.

Ethan’s jaw clenched, and Noah’s stance shifted, ready for anything. Even Nora, usually the calm one, looked ready to step in.

Selene, however, didn’t react the way they expected.

She didn’t look surprised or angry. Instead, she let out a quiet hum and tilted her head slightly.

"Human? Of course, I’m human.""

She repeated softly.

Dr. James didn’t look convinced. His face was still pale, his hands slightly trembling.

"I... I felt something when I tried to connect with your energy. It wasn’t..."

He hesitated, his voice trailing off.

"Normal? That’s because of my system. It’s different from what you’re used to."

Selene finished for him, her tone calm and steady. She gave him a small, reassuring smile.

"But I’m fine. There’s nothing to worry about."

Her words seemed to ease his tension. Dr. James let out a shaky breath and gave her a hesitant nod.

"If you say so..."

Selene gave him one last calm look before murmuring.

"Thank you for your help, Doctor."

That was enough for him. Dr. James stepped back, clearly eager to leave.

"I’ll... take my leave now."

Ethan gave him a curt nod, and without another word, the doctor left the room.

As soon as the door closed, Selene sighed and looked at the others.

"You all should get some rest. I’m awake now. There’s no need to keep hovering."

She murmured.

"We’re not hovering."

Noah grumbled, though the yawn he tried to hide said otherwise.

Nora rubbed her eyes and frowned.

"Are you sure? You still look—"

"I’m fine. Go."

Selene insisted softly.

After a bit more hesitation, they finally gave in. One by one, they left the room, exhaustion finally catching up to them.

The only one who didn’t leave was Ethan.

He stayed behind, his eyes never leaving Selene. His expression was hard to read, but there was something in his gaze that made Selene pause.

"Ethan..."

Her voice was soft, but it pulled his focus immediately.

"Do you..."

His voice was quiet, almost hesitant.

"Do you want me to leave too?"

Selene didn’t answer right away. She looked at him, her fingers brushing lightly against the blanket. After a long pause, she finally spoke.

"No. Actually... I wanted to ask you something."

She whispered.

Ethan moved closer, his concern growing.

"What is it?"

Selene’s eyes met his, her expression unreadable.

Then, her voice barely above a whisper, she asked.

"What would you do... if I wasn’t human anymore? If I became something... under the system’s control?"

Ethan’s heart stopped.

The question hit him hard, leaving him momentarily speechless. His mind raced, but he couldn’t find the words. He didn’t want to think about it.

The thought of Selene becoming something... else. Something dangerous. Something he might have to stop.

"I..."

His throat felt dry, but he forced the words out.

"If that happened... I’d do what’s necessary."

The words felt wrong.

Selene’s lips curled into a faint, knowing smile.

"You’d end me?"

Ethan’s jaw tightened, but he nodded. He couldn’t say anything else. He couldn’t tell her the truth.

"Good. Then... you might need to get stronger." ƒгeewebnovёl.com

Selene murmured softly, her eyes filled with something he couldn’t quite read.

Ethan’s eyes narrowed.

"What do you mean?"

Selene didn’t answer. Instead, she gave him a tired smile and whispered.

"You should rest too, Ethan. You’ve been worrying too much."

Ethan wanted to press her for answers, but he saw how exhausted she was. Her body was barely holding on. With a heavy sigh, he nodded and stood up.

"Alright... but I’ll be right outside."

As he left the room, his heart felt heavier than ever.

But as much as he wanted to protect Selene...

He knew he could never hurt her.