Plundering in the Apocalypse

Soon Alice and Shin made their way to Simon's house. They avoided the city center by going through the commercial district. Though it took a long time it was worth it.

Many new buildings were made there. It was probably due to the efficiency of Builder jobs. They came across a big building that was going to be the Awakened Association's office.

'Registration is going to start soon. But it's fine. Now that my proficiency has increased in Shadow Veil. I can hide Alice's status too.'

Shin turned his head to the side at the sight of humming Alice who was clinging to his arm.

"You are in a good mood today," Shin said as he heard her melodic humming voice.

She smiled and replied.

"Of course I am. It's our first day as a couple. I am also excited to meet Elena." Hearing her words Shin thought. 'They have become such close friends in the short time together. I am happy for her.'

They soon came across a big building which was of the Shidou Clan. But, 'This is not the location Inaka was advertising. It's also weird thinking the Shidou clan would have to advertise like that. Something is off. Well, I better not butt my head in their matters.'

Seeing Shin who was deep in thought and wasn't giving her enough attention. Alice pouted and kissed his cheek.

Shin smiled at her unusual behavior. He also kinda liked it.

As they continued flirting with each other under the awkward gaze of the driver who tried his best to ignore them. They soon arrived at their destination.

As Shin saw the houses nearby he felt a lot of things had changed.

'Some of them must have been destroyed that day.' Shin thought as he remembered the day of the cataclysm.

'What if I had decided to escape to Simon's house? Would it have changed anything?' Shin thought for a moment.

'Even if I had somehow survived those monsters. I would have been a lot weak. I would have not met Alice. She might have died being trapped inside the debris.'

'I know I made many bad decisions but I don't regret it.'

Alice pulled his sleeves and asked.

"Shin, let's go. Why are you just standing here?"

"Nothing I was just thinking about something," Shin replied while shaking his head.

'I am glad whatever decision I made that day. If I didn't I would have never met this lovely girl.'

"Let's go," Shin said as he went and rang the doorbell.

*Ding-Dong*

No one replied.

*Ding-Dong*

Shin clicked again and finally, he heard a sound.

"Ugh, who the hell is this? I'm already dying here." Simon opened the door with an irritated face. But when he saw Shin and Alice. He smiled and welcomed them.

"Guys, come on in."

Shin and Alice walked inside and sat in the living room.

"Are you guys okay now? Did you have enough rest Shin and Alice?" Simon asked with a worried look. He has known while they were unconscious Shin was taking care of them and didn't get enough rest.

"I'm fine, but you don't look well. Do you still have injuries?" Shin asked as he looked at Simon's painful face. 'Alice's healing should have healed him though.'

"No, I don't have injuries. It's just muscle cramps. I moved my body a lot yesterday. You know." Simon assured Shin and Alice.

"You have great stamina, Shin. You look all refreshed now." Simon was amazed by Shin's stamina who could continue fighting all those monsters and be fine after a day of rest.

"Yes, he does have a lot of stamina. You can't even imagine." Alice said with a smug look. Simon also nodded at her words while folding his hands.

Shin who heard Alice's words thought. 'Don't tell me she is talking about last night? If she is, I am glad she didn't explain herself.'

"Where is Elena?" Alice asked this question enthusiastically. She couldn't wait anymore. She wants to see her loser face as fast as she can.

"She is in her room. After we came home yesterday. She ate dinner and went to her room. She seemed kinda angry at me. So I didn't disturb her. It seems she is not awake." Simon explained as he remembered Elena's face looking at him with disgust.

"Let's check on her," Simon said as he stood up. He was walking weirdly while groaning in pain.

"Alice, does your healing magic not help with muscle cramps?" Shin asked Alice as they were walking behind Simon.

"I didn't know about that too. I'll experiment on it later." Alice replied.

Shin nodded his head.

*Knock-Knock*

Simon knocked on the door but no answer came from inside.

"Elena are you awake?" Simon asked while knocking.

,m "Are you not replying cause you are angry at me?" Simon asked as he thought she must be very pissed at him.

"Shin and Alice are here to meet you. At least let them in." Simon knew this will work. He knew his sister kinda liked Shin. But she wasn't sure of her feelings.

'She should open it anytime now.'

They waited.

1 minute

3 minutes

5 minutes...

No answer came.

Simon and the others started getting anxious. Alice also became serious thinking something bad is going on. She immediately summoned a 'Soul servant' inside the room and unlocked it.

"Move aside Alice I'll break the door," Simon shouted anxiously as he summoned his hammer.

"Calm down. She unlocked it. Let go inside." Shin tapped on Simon's shoulder and asked him to take that big hammer back.

As they went inside they felt the atmosphere became a lot chilly. Elena was laying on her bed as if she was having a peaceful dream but her skin was covered in ice.

Ice crystals were formed around her. She was frozen.

Simon saw this scene and tears started coming out of his eyes. He couldn't understand what was going on anymore.

Shin was also worried. He immediately used his Appraisal to check her condition.

[Elena Adger]

[Condition - Upgrade in progress.]

[The required materials for upgrade are not present. If the upgrade fails the awakened will die. The awakened 'Elena Adger' has 7 days to complete the Upgrade.]

Reading this message Shin was shocked. Alice knew Shin was using his appraisal and was waiting for him to explain Elena's situation.

When she saw Shin's pale face she understood this was something really bad.

Although she didn't like Elena much because she was eyeing Shin and was her potential love rival, now that she already has Shin she has no enmity towards her.

"Shin, what's wrong with her?" Alice asked worriedly.

"She is upgrading. She needs to complete her upgrade in seven days."

Simon who heard Shin's words stopped crying and asked Shin was a dark face.

"Shin tell me everything?"

Shin nodded his head and continued explaining all the details. About how he had also gone on upgrade once.

Alice remembered everything that happened with Shin so she understands how serious of a matter this is.

"So what materials do we need? Should we use the same materials you used in your upgrade?" Simon asked with some hope in his eyes.

"We can't do that. My situation is a lot different from other awakeneds, Simon. We need to find the materials that are suitable for her power." Shin replied while shaking his head.

Simon was extremely sad thinking. 'Is there no way to save my sister?'

Shin patted his shoulder and said. "Don't worry, we will bring the materials and save Elena."

Hearing Shin's words a ray of hope ignited inside Simon.

"Do you know what materials she needs Shin?" Simon asked while grabbing Shin's shirt confirming he is not lying.

"Yes, Simon. It's true. We will save Elena for sure don't worry. She is also important to us. We can't let anything happen to her." Shin replied assuring Simon.

"Well will be back with all the materials. Take care of Elena. Until then. Don't let others know about it. I'll call dad and ask him for any help you need. If anyone gets to Elena while she is upgrading it may be dangerous for her."

"I should also go with you," Simon said, as he knew getting those materials won't be an easy task.

"If you come with us, who will take care of Elena?" Shin smiled and hugged him. "Don't worry bro, you won't lose anyone anymore. I promise."

Simon started sobbing. "Please Shin, save her. Please."

While they were leaving Alice looked at Elena and thought inwardly. 'Don't you dare die before I can mock you, and show you that, you never stood a chance against me.'

Although Alice can do that even after her death by capturing and mocking her soul. She didn't like that idea.

As they came out of the house. Shin was thinking something very deeply.

"What materials do we need Shin?"

"We need a monster core that is above level 100 and divine blessing," Shin replied honestly.

"Level 100? Are we talking about a labyrinth monster?" Alice asked thinking that's the only place they could find the monsters with level now.

"I think so. They must be on the higher floors." Shin replied.

"Okay, and what is a divine blessing?"