Plundering in the Apocalypse

Outside the dungeon gate.

Shin was surprised to see the crowd there. It was almost three times the number they saw in the morning.

"So many people are here. Is everyone here awakened? Damn. Just how many people are there?" Shin uttered in surprise.

Hearing his words everyone nodded their heads, it was indeed surprising.

"It's surprising, right? Many people are Awakened and they all are trying to, clear this dungeon and level up as fast as they can." Selene replied to Shin.

"Just like us. But we got ourselves in trouble." Marine said meekly.

Shin nodded his head in understanding. It was true. After all. If he and Alice didn't come to the rescue they would have been long gone.

Shin looked at everyone's downcasted expression and decided to change the topic.

"I'm a little hungry now. I wonder if I can eat something nearby." Shin said while looking at the time, it was way past lunchtime.

Shin turned his head a little to the side. At the sight of Alice, who was clinging to him. Like a koala clinging to a tree.

Alice was so happy linking her arms with Shin that she forgot about other things. Her mind was only enjoying this blissful moment.

'I won't let this arm go. What an opportunity! This is so awesome. I should have done this sooner.'

Looking at her expression that said 'I won't let it go.' Shin sighed.

'It looks like she doesn't want to let it go.' Shin shook his head and thought maybe he should let her be. It's fine as long as she is happy. Shin smiled.

"Uh, I don't think, You can find lunch nearby here," Marine said with her timid voice.

"Yeah, she is right. There's no way some restaurant is gonna be open after what happened on that day." Selene said agreeing to Marine's words.

"Who knows when another invasion happens?" Marine said with a meek voice.

Everyone got silent at that moment. After all, they all had faced that terror.

"There's no way people are still fine after those monster attacks." Marine continued with a gloomy expression.

'It seems she lost someone important to her.' Shin thought as he looked at Marine bitterly.

"Where can we find food now? I want to eat." Selene said trying to lighten the mood.

"We should have brought lunch," Shin said thinking about the morning. When his mom asked whether he want lunch or not and he said it was fine. 'How stupid.' He facepalmed.

"I want to eat something good. Yeah, just like this smell." "Eh? Where is it coming from?" Selene sniffed again confirming her doubts. She took the lead to where this smell is coming from.

Shin widened his eyes in surprise. This smell is coming from nearby. But. How? As I remember there wasn't any restaurant in the morning.

He fastened his steps while Alice was clinging to him. Marine and Alex also followed after him. They soon arrived in front of a square. Many food stalls were there with a lot of customers.

Most of the Awakeneds were the customers. It looked like the business was going well.

'Damn. Even in such difficult times, people are doing such great business.' At this moment. Shin understood. What human greed Is. Fear is nothing in front of greed.

'Well, money is important after all.'

'At least they aren't living in fear.' He was glad. If people stopped going outside in the fear of monsters that would have been terrible.

'Everyone did a good job in clearing these areas from monsters.'

"Let's eat something," Shin said while looking toward the food stands.

They were hesitating for a bit. Thinking Alice won't like it. Shin understood their thoughts.

"Alice, you are fine with that right?" Shin asked Alice.

"I am fine with anything you say," Alice replied without any hesitation.

Shin didn't know what to say about that. He just nodded.

Selene and Marine were happy that Alice agreed. It was good to get acquainted with such nice and strong people. Also, why would they say no? When such a perfect kind man asks them for a lunch. He was also their savior.

Alex was still sad about his broken heart. But he wanted to get over it, so he also decided to agree with them for the lunch.

Over lunch, they got acquainted with each other and started talking about random things.

"Wow, Shin you are so young and handsome. Alice too. She is very beautiful and young." Selene said in excitement. She was surprised when she heard about them.

Marine was also chatting normally. At first, she was on edge remembering how strong Shin and Alice were but soon she got comfortable with them.

As they were eating lunch a commotion started. Four black cars arrived and stopped nearby. Soon many individuals wearing black suits came out of those cars. They immediately made a human wall to not let anyone come close without instructions.

'Just what is going on.' Shin thought while much on his lunch.

A moment later a lady in dark blue clothes came out of, one of those cars. She had a weird aura around her. She was full of charisma and confidence.

'Is she the leader?' Shin thought as he activated his Appraisal.

[Inaka Shidou]

[Level - 28]

[Age - 26]

[Special ability - Ice Master (A)]

[Trait - Justice-minded, Overworked, Irritated.]

*Pfft*

'Level 28??'

'Is that even possible?'

Shin used appraisals on all the black individuals. To his surprise, all of them were above level 20. The lowest was level 20.

'Just why is everyone so ahead of me in level? Why am I having trouble leveling up?' Shin frowned thinking.

"Hello everyone, I would like to get your attention," Inaka said with a tone of authority and dominance.

Everyone's attention was turned to her. Some who were about to enter the dungeon stopped to listen to her words. The ones who just came out were confused. They soon understood as the people nearby informed them.

People were intrigued by the sudden appearance of these people. So they were interested. But many of them were angry thinking these people are wasting their time. They thought of ignoring it and enter the dungeon but were stopped by Inaka's people.

"I am Inaka Shidou from the Shidou clan." As her words sounded everyone stopped as a look of shock appeared on their faces.

Shidou Clan was one of the richest families with big influence all around the country. Soon many whispers were sounded.

"Is she really from that Shidou Clan?"

"Do you know them?" Someone asked only to get dissed by others around him.

"Don't you know about them? They have many big companies under them."

"Yeah, their influence is in many sectors. Food, entertainment, Property, Hotels, Malls, and so on. I can't even count. There are so many." One of them said with an exaggerated expression.

"No one dares to cross them. They have a history of more than 500 years. If you offend them. Not even the government will protect you."

"Just stop it, man. No one is above the law." One of them scoffed.

"Yeah, but that's if the matter reaches the law. You won't get a chance." Another one replied.

That man gulped in fear.

Shin who was listening to their talks thought 'These people are well informed.'

'But why are they here?' Shin turned his attention to the lady as she was about to say something.

"Silence." She raised her hand and said in a dominating voice.

*Silence*

Everyone stopped talking and listened very carefully.

"As you all know how so many changes are occurring all over the world. You have awakened and already experienced these powers firsthand."

"Many of you might be thinking of what to do with these powers. Killing monsters and leveling up. That's ok. But what after that? When you will get injuries. Where will you get weapons items or equipment to fight?"

"That's why I am here to recruit you Awakeneds. For the cause. You would be thinking about what's in it for you. Or we would only be using you guys. But that's where you are wrong. We are going to be your support and I'll prove it right here." Her words made everyone who was about to question the exact thing, silent.

She took out a bottle from her pocket and showed it to everyone. It was full of green liquid.

Shin got curious so he used appraisal and the result surprised him.

[Item - Minor recovery potion(Low grade)]

"This is what we call recovery potion," Inaka said with a smile. She looked very smug as she presented it.

Everyone gasped when they heard it. Did they hear it correctly? Recovery potion? Does such a magical thing exist?

"I know many of you are thinking about its validity and I assure you it's true. I'll give a demonstration right here." Inaka said with a smile. She was happy seeing everyone react just like she expected.

She snapped her fingers and a woman in black clothes came forward. She took out a dagger and presented it in front of everyone. Under everyone's curious and expectant gaze Inaka held that dagger and cut open a wound in her palms.

*Swish*

*Trip, Trip*

Blood started dripping from her hands. Some people were surprised by her bold actions. Inaka showed her wounded hand in front of everyone and said.

"See this wound."

She took the bottle of green liquid and started pouring it at her wound.

Everyone waited with expectant gazes. Will it work?