Plundering in the Apocalypse



"On behalf of the Awakened Association, I would like to invite you all," Jackson said hurriedly, as soon as he saw Shin's impatient expression. He knew if he continued wasting time here, he might lose this opportunity.

"Invite us, for what? To Join the Association?" Shin asked with a slight frown.

Hearing Shin's annoyed tone, Jackson understood that he needed a take a step back. Otherwise, it would be difficult to rope them in.

"If you are interested to join. We can discuss the conditions." He said calmly.

"Not interested," Shin said without hesitation. He wasn't interested in joining the association and working for them. Rather, he wanted to get benefits from them for the development of the Astros Guild. He knew there were many things that the association can help with.

For Shin's rejection, Jackson wasn't surprised. He knew it wouldn't be that easy. But his intention was just to make contact for now and establish some relations, if possible.

"I see. In that case, what do you think about Astros Guild collaborating with the Association?" Jackson said sincerely.

When Shin heard Jackson's words, he smiled inwardly. But he didn't show it on his face. He showed a contemplating expression, and after a moment of thought, he said. "I'll think about it."

"In that case, we can make an appointment and discuss further details later?"

Jackson noticed Shin's lack of enthusiasm, but he didn't turn down the offer, which could lead to a connection with this group of powerful awakeneds. So he wouldn't let this chance go, just based on Shin's vague answer.

Shin showed a troubled expression and reluctantly nodded.

Jackson was overjoyed. He immediately asked his secretary to come forward and exchange contacts with them.

After they were done, Shin and the others were about to leave when Jackson suddenly stopped them again.

"Wait!"

"What is it?" Shin asked in confusion. What else does this man want to say?

Jackson stepped forward and bowed gratefully as he said. "I want to thank you on behalf of the association for saving the people of Polaris City and my friend, Carnell Bronsky."

Jackson's secretary was surprised at his sudden actions, but she didn't stop him. Because she also knew the weight of the things, the heroes in front of her accomplished.

If they hadn't stopped the demons, Polaris City might have perished by now. Even as it is now, thousands of people have died. Because of the existence of that barrier, she had a feeling if they didn't stop the demons in time, no one in the city would have survived.

Of course, it might have not happened. The elves might have killed the demons if Shin and the others didn't take action. But no one knew about this. So this didn't stop them from thinking of the worst possibility.

Shin was a bit surprised to find that Jackson and Carnell were friends. But it didn't matter to him either way. Before he could say anything, Alice on the side stepped forward and said.

"If you are so grateful, then I hope the association will give a good price for all the demon corpses."

As soon as Alice mentioned that, Jackson and his secretary's bodies became stiff and their lips twitched.

Shin on the other side was applauding Alice inwardly.

Without waiting for their answer, she wrapped her hands around Shin's arms and urged him to hurry back home.

Aurora and Emily followed after without any change in expression. This short exchange just now didn't matter to them. Eddie and Julie were a bit nervous, but as their presence was completely ignored, they just quietly left with them.

Seeing their disappearing backs, Jackson's secretary came up to him and asked. "Is this okay?"

Jackson looked at her with a sigh and said.

"It's fine. I already expected things won't be so easy. After all, these people are one of the strongest Awakeneds and with the greatest potential, currently."

"Sir, will they join the association?"

"To be honest, I'd rather they don't. Because I know those rats sitting in the upper echelons won't let them be and try to control them."

"Sir, what are you saying?" She said with a horrified expression.

"It's the truth, anyway." While struggling, Jackson said, "Unfortunately, I can't do anything about it. We can only hope for a cooperative relationship for now and hope for the best."

***

Although Shin and the others were quite a distance from them. He clearly heard Jackson's words with his Enhanced Senses.

He was momentarily surprised. 'It seems this guy is not bad.'

Shin had no intention of joining the Association. But currently, the Astros guild is just a budding guild. They don't have big contacts and industries to make proper use of the resources. Moreover, Shin doesn't have time to wait for the guild to flourish.

Otherwise, the big families and organizations will take the major share in the guild business and not much would be left for them.

So the only option now is to take outside help. He can't use the resources of the Wolner Clan. So, for the short term, the Awakened Association was a good option.

Thinking of his contacts, a person's image appeared in his mind.

'Maybe I should contact Inaka sometime soon.'

***

Outside the Airport.

"Hey Shin, Alice."

"Mom, Dad, what are you guys doing here?" Shin asked in surprise.

"Alice, sent us your flight schedule, so we came to pick you up," Alfred said as he walked up to Shin.

"But it's midnight. You guys shouldn't have bothered. We would have been fine." Shin said, thinking that they had disturbed their sleep unnecessarily.

"Do you think we are in the mood to sleep now?" Alfred said in a heavy tone.

Shin's expression was also serious at this moment. "Is there any movement from their side yet?"

Shaking his head, Alfred said with a sigh. "Not yet."

Shin nodded. Looking at Alfred's stressed expression, he wanted to say something, but decided to keep his mouth shut for now. Those things can be discussed once they return home.