The Spare's Second Chance in Apocalypse-Chapter 71: Ch : The Government’s Desperation - Part 1

"Finally, I can relax. Now, I just need to wait a little bit."

Selene had barely sunk into sleep, her mind drifting in the rare quiet of their apartment, when her phone buzzed on the bedside table.

The persistent vibration cut through the silence, dragging her half-awake.

She squinted at the glowing screen, her eyes adjusting to the darkness. The number on the display was unfamiliar, but the area code gave it away—it was from the government sector.

Her lips curled into a small, sleepy smirk.

"Finally! It’s about time I get this class."

She muttered, her voice raspy with sleep.

Even though her body felt tired, her excitement woke her up.

Instead of answering, Selene let the phone ring, her fingers tapping the screen absently. She knew how to play this game.

Desperation was a powerful tool, and she had no intention of answering until it suited her.

The buzzing stopped, only for the phone to light up again a moment later. The same number, more frantic now.

"Mm, let’s see how long you hold out."

She whispered, closing her eyes and feigning sleep again. It was tough, but Selene knew she needed to ignore this call.

Minutes ticked by, and the calls continued, each one a plea through the screen.

The frequency increased, and by the twentieth call, the phone vibrated so violently, it nearly skittered off the table.

A text popped up, the screen lighting with the official’s words:

[If you do not respond, we will take this as a refusal to cooperate. Legal action will follow. You will regret this.]

Selene’s eyes snapped open, a dark amusement flickering in her gaze.

"Threats?"

She mused, sitting up and stretching. Her bones popped, and she yawned, completely unbothered.

It would have been tough for her to ignore this message if she was alone. But with her current company and situation, she felt more than O.K. to ignore this text....or better yet, give a reply back.

She picked up her phone, her fingers moving swiftly as she composed a reply.

[Your attitude makes me not want to work with you. Good luck with your next dungeon raid.]

She sent the message and tossed her phone back onto the bed, unhurried as she padded to the bathroom, splashing cold water on her face.

She was toweling off when the phone rang again, the tone sharp, the screen flashing with the same number.

Selene pressed answer, but didn’t speak, letting the silence drag. It would make the other side panic even more and things happened exactly as Selene expected them to unfold.

The voice on the other end was breathless, the tone shifting from hostile to apologetic within seconds.

"Miss Selene! I... I apologize for my earlier behavior. It was a mistake, truly. We are grateful for your assistance in the previous raid, and we humbly request your continued support."

Selene leaned against the sink, her expression unreadable.

"Is that so? You are sorry now?"

She asked, her voice cool, a hint of amusement beneath.

"Yes! Of course! If you’re willing, we are prepared to offer you more than what was previously discussed. Resources, protection, even a position within the government, if you so wish."

Selene’s brow arched, the offer as expected.

"I’m not interested in an official contract. Didn’t I tell you that I have my own plans?"

The silence on the other end was palpable, and then a nervous laugh.

"I-I see. Well, we can still work out a flexible arrangement. Your expertise would be invaluable in the upcoming operations. If not for us or yourself, then think about the betterment of the common public."

"I’ll help where I see fit. But you’ll not track me, and you’ll not pressure me. Otherwise, you’ll lose me—and I doubt you’ll want that."

She replied.

Her words were laced with warning, and she could hear the shuffle of the official signaling to halt whatever tracking attempts were already underway.

Due to Orion’s barrier, it would be impossible to track her for now, and that was why she decided to give this warning confidently.

"Understood! We... we won’t try anything like that again."

He said, his voice meek, the fight drained.

"Good! If you need me, you’ll know how to reach me. But I’ll come on my terms. Not yours"

She said, her tone final.

The call ended, and for a moment, Selene stood still, absorbing the faint buzz of power that came with turning the tables. The government, which would one day be corrupt, was already sowing the seeds of its desperation and deceit.

But now, they feared her—and that was a good start.

______

Selene brushed off her pajamas, her expression shifting to business-like focus. She moved through the apartment, her footsteps light.

She found Ethan in the kitchen, already up, his blade dismantled, and cleaning supplies spread out. His routine, no doubt, to calm his nerves.

"Up early?"

He asked, not looking up, but the edge of a smirk tugging at his lips.

"Never really slept."

She replied, grabbing a mug and pouring coffee.

His eyes flicked to her, noticing the shift in her demeanor.

"What happened?"

"The government called."

She said bluntly, taking a sip.

Ethan froze, his hands stilling, and then continued cleaning.

"And?"

"They’re desperate. I pushed back, and they folded. We’ll have a lot more freedom now—at least for a while."

His grin widened, a wolfish glint in his eyes.

"You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?"

She smiled, unapologetic.

"Absolutely."

She set her mug down, her expression sharpening.

"Get your gear ready. We need to head out."

Ethan’s smirk vanished, replaced with seriousness.

"Now?"

"Yes. The government wants a meeting, and it’s better if we control the pace. I want them to sweat a little more."

Ethan stood, his movements fluid, his blade reassembled in a heartbeat.

"I’ll wake Zara and Orion."

Selene nodded, her fingers tightening around the coffee mug. This was just the beginning, but the pieces were falling into place.

She would make sure that when the world shifted, it would tilt in her favor.

And if the government thought they could play games with her, they were sorely mistaken.