The Spare's Second Chance in Apocalypse-Chapter 59: Ch : Breakout the madness- Part 3

Selene was lying.

The system could not care less for human development, but it was just a thing that took the most progressive course.

What the system was and how it operated- no one knew. It was a mystery, even in the future. But from what Selene knew of the future, she knew that it was seen as a way humanity evolved.

Even if most people did not think that way right now, they did have doubts about the system and why it originated.

Thus, making people think that the ranking and invoking competition was the next step for the system was easy to do.

The silver-haired man spoke again, his tone more measured.

"Even if what you say is true, why are you telling us this? What do you gain?"

Selene smirked, letting a bit of her real personality slip through.

"I’m not doing this out of the goodness of my heart. I want something in return."

The officials exchanged glances, the atmosphere tense. They could not read Selene, especially since she had a mask on her face.

"Go on! Tell us more about what you are saying."

The blonde woman said. She wanted to take advantage of Selene, which was what Selene wanted in the first place. fɾeewebnoveℓ.co๓

Selene folded her arms.

"I want protection—not just for me, but for a small group of people. I want access to information and a say in how the rankings are implemented. You do that, and I’ll make sure you’re prepared when the system’s rankings drop. You’ll be able to adapt quickly and maintain control."

The silver-haired man’s expression shifted, a mix of suspicion and intrigue.

"And if we refuse?"

Selene shrugged.

"Then you’ll be blind and scrambling while the rest of the world adapts. You’ll lose control of the narrative, and when the public realizes you’re manipulating them, they’ll turn on you."

Silence hung in the air, thick and suffocating. Even if they did not believe Selene’s words, this was not a risk they could take.

Finally, the blonde woman nodded slowly.

"Let’s say we believe you. How do we know you’ll keep your end of the bargain?"

Selene reached into her coat pocket, pulling out a small notebook filled with scribbles and notes.

"This is proof. Detailed predictions of what the system’s rankings might look like, along with strategies to maintain your influence. Moreover, here is a report about your shortcomings and what is happening internally in your organisation."

She tossed it onto the table, the thud echoing through the room. Before anyone could ask a question, Selene decided to clarify herself.

"I found this all out because of my power to be able to see the future. You can check to see if this is true or not."

It was a lie. Selene compiled these notes from her memory and from what she remembered happening this time around.

The officials crowded around, flipping through the pages. Their expressions shifted from skepticism to surprise, and finally, to acceptance. She had already won this round against these people.

The silver-haired man sighed, his shoulders relaxing slightly.

"Alright. You’ve got our attention. We’ll discuss terms."

Selene nodded, the weight of her gambit settling in.

She’d managed to infiltrate the government’s camp, outsmart their officials, and put herself in a position of power—all under an alias and with a disguised face.

But beneath the victory, her mind raced with plans and contingencies. She was one step closer to safeguarding her group, but the game was far from over.

And in this new world, only those who could outthink and outmaneuver the rest would survive.

Selene sat at the center of the room, her expression neutral, while the government officials arranged themselves on the opposite side of the table.

The room was cold, both in temperature and atmosphere, with only the soft hum of monitors filling the silence.

Her Insight skill painted the room in subtle hues, showing her which officials were tense, who was lying, and where the weak points lay.

The silver-haired man, whom Selene had mentally labeled as Lead Negotiator, leaned forward. His hands were folded, knuckles white with tension.

"Before we proceed, we need to know exactly what your abilities are. Your Title, your Skills, and your Rank."

Selene didn’t even blink.

"No."

The room stiffened, a ripple of discomfort moving through the officials.

"Excuse me?"

The blonde woman with a stern face asked, her voice sharp.

"I’m not here to handicap myself by giving you leverage. You want my help. I’m offering it. My abilities are irrelevant to the outcome."

Selene said smoothly.

The officials exchanged glances, a mix of frustration and unease passing between them.

Lead Negotiator’s smile was tight, a thin mask over displeasure.

"You must understand our hesitation. Working with an unknown variable is... risky."

Selene met his gaze head-on, her voice icy.

"Riskier than starving?"

Her words were like a blade, sharp and merciless.

When it became clear that they couldn’t bully her into compliance, the officials shifted tactics.

"Let’s not be hasty. We understand your value, and we’re prepared to compensate you generously. Resources, protection, a comfortable lifestyle—all at the government’s expense"

Lead Negotiator said, his voice now syrupy sweet.

Selene almost laughed, but she kept her expression steady. She knew that behind those empty words lay empty coffers.

"I suppose you’ll offer me food rations, too? Because I know for a fact that your supplies are dwindling. The public distribution centers are running dry, and you’re barely keeping the peace as is"

She raised an eyebrow, her tone mocking.

The blonde woman’s nails dug into the table’s edge, her anger palpable. Others in the room seemed ready to snap, their masks of professionalism cracking.

"Mind your tongue!"

Someone hissed.

But Selene’s composure remained intact.

"I will help. But not because I trust you. I don’t care about the government’s survival. I care about the people who depend on you. The ones who will suffer if your system collapses"

She said and her words hit like a punch, leaving the officials reeling.