PART 1
Monday, August 16, 2010.
Ethan reached Level 3.
His inventory went from approximately 150kg to 159.17kg today.
In addition, he received deliveries from his neighbor, equipping his backpack which gave him 84kg of inventory.
The two [Side Bag] slots also received military pouches with 24kg of space each.
The other items he bought are none better than what he already possesses.
All slots are occupied, and currently his carrying capacity is 288.88kg.
Ethan smiled contentedly at this.
If he just threw food and water in, it should be more than enough to last for 4 months without difficulty.
Now, focusing on the attributes…
Ethan looked at all the attributes.
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
[ ATTRIBUTES ]
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
• Strength: 4 / 10
• Constitution: 4 / 10
• Dexterity: 3 / 10
• Agility: 3 / 10
• Perception: 7 / 10
• Intelligence: 7 / 10
• Willpower: 6 / 10
• Charisma: 2 / 10
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
Honestly, what bothers him most is his Charisma score of 2.
That’s literally below average, even though he’s so handsome.
But that’s Charisma, not Charm, or it would certainly be between 6 and 7.
Anyway, he understands that being stronger, even if useful, won’t help him that much right now.
Charisma seems redundant, but reading its details, it’s what he needs.
If he wants more money, to persuade people, and to be able to trust more things than just lies, he needs it.
It will be useful now and in the future.
Therefore, 3 points invested purely in Charisma.
First result was 3, no increase.
Second result was 7, no increase.
Third result was 5, no increase.
Ethan sighed.
– “Yeah… increasing attributes close to the extremes, the chances are around 10-20%…” – Grunting at having wasted his level.
If I had chosen Strength, with those 3 points, I would go from 4 to 6 now.
“Yeah, looks like my luck isn’t good.” – Ethan sighs and notices his stress increasing in his [Condition] status.
Now, Level 4 will only be reached on the 10th day.
That is, August 20th, 4 days before the end of the world.
…
Ethan receives a call from Jerome.
<> “Hey, can you talk now?”
“I’m heading to Atlanta right now.
I plan to buy some solar panels, why?” – Ethan asks somewhat hesitantly.
<> “I thought about what you said, did some research… you managed to worry me.
Can we meet?”
Ethan is still hesitant, but agrees and says, “You’re off today, I presume?”
<> “Yes.”
“Okay, I’ll stop by your house.
Are you home?”
<> “Yes.
I’ll wait.”
…
Ethan approaches Jerome’s residence, but without his large, flashy vehicle.
He retrieved his second truck, which he left at his rented warehouse.
He closed his eyes, expanding his senses through [Sense Radar].
The range and details flooded his mind.
In a short time, he focused only on Jerome’s house.
“Honey, is what your friend is saying reliable?
You lied to get a day off.” – A woman’s voice sounds.
“Kate, did you see the news?” – Jerome’s voice.
– “Ethan is probably the coldest, most focused bastard I know.
Even though he’s a mediocre cop and turned into a block of ice after his divorce, he’s someone you can trust and he’s not a conspiracy theorist.”
“I still don’t believe it, our lives are at stake, our children’s lives!” – Kate’s voice rang out, almost like a thunderclap to Ethan’s eyes.
“Enough!” – Jerome roars.
– “Let’s talk and be sure, listen to him and then make your decision.”
…
Knowing it’s not a trap, Ethan heads to the house and Jerome meets him at the door.
Kate Manson, his wife, stares at him intensely.
“Ma’am.” – Ethan nods and is welcomed into the house.
– “From what I see, you’re willing to trust me, but you’re skeptical, right?” – He stares at Kate.
“I’m even glad you doubt, it shows you’re intelligent and analytical, but I want them to see this.” – Ethan calmly shows videos from his cell phone, the attacks and even some screenshots of conversations on the Dark Web.
“Those files over there are from yesterday, these are the ones I got this morning before coming to Atlanta.” – Ethan shows them.
“Cases are only increasing, and the government is just covering it up as a mere flu because they don’t understand what it really is, or they’re just ignoring it and avoiding panic as much as possible.”
“But Mrs.
Manson,” Ethan stares at her.
“I want you to imagine the following scenario.
A city with millions of inhabitants, densely populated.
Millions breathing the same polluted air, frantic coughing, your children at school, talking and being coughed on by other students who may or may not have this disease.”
“Then imagine these currently isolated cases getting worse?
One of your children is in class, the teacher is talking, a nearby student has a coughing fit and suddenly turns into one of these things and attacks you.” Ethan shows a video of a child tearing open the arm of who must be his mother with a bite.
“I’m terrified by this, by how they’re handling things, and the CDC is on the move.
Sooner or later the military will move in and they’ll certainly isolate the city.
Now imagine, millions of people unable to leave?
The widespread riots and looting…”
Ethan stops talking; he doesn’t need to say anything more.
“Okay,” Jerome says.
“I’ve heard enough, and I believe you.
What do you need, and what do you suggest?”
“Currently, I’m stockpiling supplies.
I’ve already bought dozens of weapons and a lot of ammunition.
If the outbreak actually happens, we’ll have access to the weapons from my county police department; I literally have the keys, but only if the worst-case scenario occurs.
I’m getting my partner together; he’s already aware of the situation, and I’ve currently hired his brother to help fortify my house, and I’ll pay to fortify his.” Ethan says calmly, and Jerome listens attentively.
“The best thing is to quit if you can’t get vacation time.
If you’re worried about money.” Ethan slowly pulls a wad of cash from his pocket.
“Here’s $10,000.
If nothing happens as I say, then you can use this as an apology for the scare.”
“Where did you get that from?” Jerome stares at him.
“Did you forget that I sold my old house after the divorce?
I made a lot of money and invested it in recent years, and I’ve also been withdrawing money over the years, since I don’t trust banks as much after the turn of the millennium.” Ethan says calmly, and Jerome buys into the idea, as does Kate.
“If you want, you can stay at my house.” Ethan says calmly.
“It’s not as spacious as here, but my town is small, the house will be fortified, a safe place.
I also plan to fortify an old horse clinic; once fortified, it should support around 50 people without much difficulty.”
Jerome nods.
“You thought of everything.” He laughs.
“Man, I’m pretty attached to my life, I might be a little paranoid, but with so many tips coming from everywhere, you can’t say I’m being excessive.”
“Okay.
You mentioned solar panels, right?
I have a cousin who works in that area, we should be able to get something.” – Jerome smiles.
“Excellent.” – Ethan smiles.
“Kate, you’re in on it, right?” – Jerome looks at Kate, who still hesitates but nods.
“Yes… even if it’s crazy, it’s good to be prepared for the worst.
We’re talking about our children.” – Kate sighs.
– “I’ll prepare them, tell them it’s a trip.”
PART 2
With Jerome’s support, they went to his cousin to get an idea of how much it would cost.
Ethan used a medical clinic of approximately the same size as an example, knowing that he would need an off-grid solar panel system that wouldn’t depend on the electrical grid.
Online, Ethan discovered that the average cost should be $5-6 per Watt, but Jerome’s brother got it for $4.50 per Watt, recommending 10kW (10,000 Watts), which would cost $45,000.
Next, they discussed Sealed Lead-Acid (AGW) batteries; there are standard and industrial types.
Ethan asked for the industrial type, which is more reliable.
The price per unit is $280, but it could be done for $250.
The average weight of the batteries is 50kg; we’re talking about 150Ah batteries.
To keep the clinic running even after 3 days without sun, he will need 12-15 batteries.
Ethan decided to buy 20, which will cost $5,000.
Ethan realized he didn’t have all that money on hand, but he had enough for a down payment with the money he had in the bank.
At the same time, Jerome, seeing him spending so much, offered to use his savings, having about $20,000, money he’d been saving to send his older brother to a good college as soon as he finished his studies.
Ethan asked if he was sure, and Jerome nodded.
– “We can resell these things for a cheaper price in the future, you’ll still be paying the majority.” – He smiled, but obviously feeling the pressure.
Together, using their bank accounts to pay, Ethan gave the delivery address, saying he wanted it for tomorrow, since he was paying so much.
…
“Jerome, I’m going out to get more money I’ve saved and with some friends.
Here’s the key to my house, do you still remember where it is?” – Ethan asked.
“Man, I don’t.” – Jerome nods.
“Hmm… I’ll call my friend, Clark.
I’ll give you his number and tell him about you.
Go to Linden County and decide on a meeting place.
He’ll take you to my house, get settled in, and there are some weapons in the garage, they’re covered and sealed, but be careful your kids don’t look.” – Ethan says.
“Okay.
But will you be alright alone?”
“Dude, focus on calming down and organizing your family.
Clark should take you tonight to the place I plan to be the base; we’ll have some work cleaning up and checking the wiring.
But once everything starts, we’ll have plenty of time and motivation.” – Ethan smiles and Jerome nods.
“We can start with that tomorrow.
Today, finish your things, okay?”
…
Ethan frequents casinos more often; curiously, he was kicked out of some, even though he never went there.
But he was accepted into others, and before they knew it, he had already taken a good amount of money from them.
Night was falling, and Ethan went to one of Clovis’s casinos.
He knows that currently, Clovis is the biggest mobster in the city.
Casinos, drugs, and much more.
There must be many people after him, but for now…
“I was informed that Clovis is around here more often.
Tell him that the policeman who made over $100,000 in his casinos is here,” Ethan says to one of the henchmen, who blinks, staring at him and recognizing his face.
Some time later, he is invited in, searched, and placed in a VIP room.
Ethan waits patiently until a man arrives.
He observes him with [Radar Sense], listening to his brief conversation about whether he was there, then enters, obviously armed and with two thugs.
He stays there, waiting until the door opens.
– “So you called for me?” – A light laugh comes from the man in the center, around 40 years old, Caucasian, well-dressed, and with sharp eyes.
Ethan stands up, calm and facing him, extending a hand.
– “It’s not a pleasure to meet you, but I’m here on business.”
“Oh, direct and impolite.
I don’t meet police officers like that all the time.” – Clovis laughs, to which a black man beside him says.
– “I do.”
Clovis laughs at the joke and says.
– “Okay, how about we sit down?”
Settling in, Ethan faces this dangerous man, then says.
– “I have information worth $300,000.”
“Huh?” – Clovis raises an eyebrow.
– “You cheated to take over $100,000 from my casinos, from my pockets, and you want to take another $300,000?
You’re quite bold, officer.”
Ethan smiles.
– “Indeed, but without the information I have, I believe your millions in drugs, casinos, and whatever else, will evaporate, including your life.”
Clovis narrows his eyes as he stares at him.
– “I’m listening.”
“I’m not talking about the police.
Bill fell not long ago and you took his place.
It will take time, unless you’re a useless slob.” – Ethan smiles coldly and provocatively.
– “I have contacts in the military and I guarantee that what I have to say will be extremely useful, but it costs $300,000.”
“Hmm… insider information related to the military?
Interesting, I’m listening.”
“First the money.” – Ethan smiles.
– “I want to see it, then I’ll tell you.
But if I tell you now, I’ll tell you half, but the price will increase to $400,000.”
“A cop extorting me?
That’s a new one.” – Clovis laughed.
– “Why don’t I just kill you, right here and now?”
“I have two dozen cops, including my military friends, who know who I’m talking to.
If I disappear or die, they’ll have access to the photos and evidence of your various illegal casinos, which, whether you like it or not, will all shut down.
As you well know, everyone knows where your casinos are, but they prefer to investigate, but if a cop dies at your hands…” – Ethan drags out his words while staring at him.
“That’s some fine protection you have.
But okay.” Clovis waves his fingers, then someone leaves and minutes later, a bag full of money appears, which is placed on the table.
Nice money, $300,000.
“Now, how about telling us what you know?” Clovis smiles.
Ethan nods.
– “You must have seen the news about the increase in this flu, right?”
“Huh?” Clovis looks to the side.
“Yes.
The news says a 400% increase compared to last month.” – Says the henchman.
“Curious, a criminal who doesn’t pay attention to the newspapers.” – Ethan laughs.
– “I have contacts in the CDC and the military, I have an uncle who served with my late father in the war, currently a colonel.
I was warned to stockpile weapons and food and stay away from the cities for a while.”
Clovis raises an eyebrow.
– “Apparently, there’s going to be martial law in at most 10 days.
They’re going to seal off the city; nobody can get in or out.
They’re going to force their way into every place, disinfect the locations, and whether you like it or not, they’re going to raid your warehouses and properties.
And we know the police are going to take advantage of this moment to try and screw you over.”
“So start moving your things out of the city.
The military is going to be merciless.
And that way, I saved your ass and made $300,000.” – Ethan smiles as he grabs the bag.
“How true is that information?” – Clovis narrows his eyes, and two men block Ethan.
“Do you know what the Dark Web is?” – Ethan stares at him.
Clovis looks at the henchman.
“It’s an area of the internet that the government has almost no control over; at most, they monitor it.” – Says the henchman.
“Go to it and look for outbreaks and the latest news.
The government can’t cover up what’s being posted there,” Ethan says.
Clovis watches him and nods, letting him leave.
PART 3
Ethan, in his old pickup truck, didn’t just leave with $300,000 in hand.
His objective, in the early hours of Tuesday, August 17th, is to rob.
He’s been analyzing the casinos he’s been to before meeting Clovis for quite some time.
Using [Radar Sense], he’s been locating everything.
Then, heading to a more isolated location, one of the places that kicked him out, Ethan focused with [Radar Sense], knowing there are fewer and fewer people around.
Curiously, the activities of this clandestine casino are focused on the morning and afternoon; the nights tend to have fewer customers.
The nights are more for slot machines, but there aren’t any here.
It’s more for gambling, a less exciting and addictive environment.
A terrible strategy, but they still manage to make good money, because Clovis has many enemies who defame him and affect his credibility.
That’s why other casinos profit so much.
Ethan plans to harm Clovis; he doesn’t want a crime boss alive in the apocalypse, with weapons and personnel, dangerous criminals who will be enemies, not the kind of people he wants on his side in the apocalypse.
How will he avoid robbing Clovis?
Ethan knows he will become a prime suspect, the police will be on his case, and CDC military personnel will pay more attention to this war that will begin.
Therefore, Ethan focused on the present.
The casino, sparsely populated, security not very strong.
Wearing a mask and covering himself with dark clothing, Ethan went to a dumpster and climbed onto it, gaining access to the next floor.
Entering the place, he waits patiently, analyzing the positions.
The office on the second floor is where the safe is located, and it seems the boss of the place handles it.
He can “see” what’s inside the safe and licks his lips, anxious.
He soon opens the door, his gloved hand.
Alone in this place, he walks stealthily, then takes tools to unscrew the safe from the floor.
When he does, Ethan grabs it and stuffs it into his inventory.
It occupies over 150kg.
He expected that, and with almost 300kg capacity, it’s not a big deal.
Calmly, he walks to a cabinet and opens it, almost whistling.
He found weapons and ammunition, even a grenade.
– ‘Beautiful thing.’
Ethan puts everything away and leaves.
…
BANG!
In a construction zone, Ethan throws the safe from the 3rd floor, which shatters on the ground.
Going down with a sledgehammer, Ethan hits it until he opens the lid, finding a weapon inside, along with precious stones, a gold watch, and money, about $150,000 in cash.
Putting everything away and leaving the safe there, Ethan goes to his warehouse, empties his inventory, and goes to the next location.
…
In the second casino, the safe was small but heavy.
It was a large place, without a second floor, but there was a basement level, at the back of a convenience store.
The safe is there.
Ethan saw the paths and knew.
Drawing a pistol, Ethan went to one of the back routes, taking advantage of the fact that it was early morning, people were bored or sleepy.
The main henchmen were in the gaming room, guarding it, and security in the other areas was decent.
Ethan broke in stealthily, staying out of sight, finding no cameras, suspicious, but good for him.
Reaching the stairs to the lower floor, Ethan lured one of the guards up, who went to investigate and was greeted with a shotgun barrel in his face.
Ethan simply silenced him with his fingers and the man nodded.
– “Come down.” – Ethan whispered, trying to disguise his voice.
The man went down.
– “It’s good to know how to act, or I’ll put a hole in your chest.” – Ethan whispers in his ear and presses the gun against his back, pushing him.
When they go downstairs, they enter a room.
– “Hey Steve, how did it go?”
“I-it’s fine.” – He stammers.
Ethan kicks him and points the shotgun at him.
“My aim isn’t the best, but you don’t need to be a good shot with one of these.” – He smiles and the man trembles, raising his hands.
Ethan takes off his zip ties, throwing them away.
– “You know what to do.” – With that said, he cocks his shotgun.
The men tied themselves up.
Ethan gagged them and did the same with their legs, pushing them into a room.
– “I’m going to do my thing, you guys stay here.
If you make any noise, I’ll make sure to shoot you two or three times before I run.”
Closing the door, Ethan went to where the safe was, guarding it while collecting everything of value, from the drugs he found there, scattered money, and weapons.
…
At the 3rd casino, security was too tight, but Ethan overheard an interesting conversation about selling drugs and that it was time to deliver the money.
Ethan listened to the location, found it on his [Map], and went there.
The place is a house in a high-crime area of Atlanta.
He investigates, searches, and discovers 5 people inside, 4 sleeping and only one awake, using drugs.
The money is in a backpack.
Ethan searches for routes and finds one; in 20 minutes, he’s inside.
Five minutes later, he grabs his backpack, finds a revolver, hides it, and leaves.
…
Ethan decided to keep searching, looking for any sign of crime until dawn, which is when he left and analyzed his profits.
$300,000 from Clovis.
$150,000 from the first safe.
$80,000 from the second safe.
$120,000 from the third safe.
$40,000 taken from drug dealers.
In total, $690,000, on a good day’s work.
Ethan has nothing to complain about; it was smooth sailing, but having information and details makes everything easier, even if he’s not an athlete.
PART 4
On Tuesday, Atlanta’s underworld awoke in chaos, with police wiretaps reporting numerous robberies, primarily the disappearance of safes from three casinos.
Ethan stretched, tired and sleepy, but with over $700,000 in his hands.
With so much money, not to mention the drugs, he knew it could be useful in the apocalypse, but he simply dumped the trash down the drain.
He didn’t plan on using it.
Next, he decided to go to sleep, but not before calling Clark and Jerome to see how they were doing and talking about how lucky he had been to get bank loans and even pulled out $200,000 from a loan shark.
He also mentioned that his contact at the CDC informed him that in one week, the city of Atlanta would be under martial law.
His confirmation of these facts lent more credibility to his drastic actions.
Ethan asked Jerome to meet him, telling him the hotel he was staying at and that he would sleep until he arrived.
About three hours later.
Jerome knocks on the door, waking Ethan, who is still tired but opens the door and lets him in.
“Dude, you look terrible.” – Jerome stares at him.
“I know…” – Ethan grunts, cracking his neck.
– “I’ve been taking out as many loans as possible overnight, I got almost $700,000.” – He yawns.
“What?!” – Jerome’s eyes widen.
Ethan shows him a bag next to the bed, full of money.
– “There must be about $150,000 in there.”
Jerome kneels, shocked to see so much money.
– “I have more scattered around, we can get it later.
I want you to take this back, pay Clark’s brother, and also talk to your cousin about getting double what was asked for.”
Jerome nods.
– “And you, what are you going to do now?”
“Dude… I’m going to sleep for another 2 hours, then I’m going to try and buy as much medicine as possible to last 2 years.” – Ethan says, and Jerome nods, but asks, frightened.
“You think it will last that long?”
“Honestly?” – Ethan stares at him.
– “I think it could last longer.
But if the worst-case scenario happens, many will die and money will lose its value, food and medicine, that will be gold.
Then in 1 to 3 years, things should gradually normalize with the government and military, in 4 to 5 years, maybe an economy will resurface.
But it’s good to have this new world gold in hand.
And if it doesn’t happen as I predict, well… I can give you a few thousand dollars and run away.” – Ethan laughs.
Jerome grunts and nods.
…
Hours later.
Ethan drives to his destination after researching online.
He ends up passing a crime scene and, stopping to listen, discovers the detectives talking about a war that is beginning.
Apparently, some of Clovis’s men were killed.
It seems his attack targeted the territories of five different criminals, but Clovis, who is obviously the richest and most influential, even without having fully consolidated his power, was unaffected.
Street criminals, who use children as traffickers and messengers, are both intelligent and stupid.
Only the leaders survive, but they must always remain strong; they cannot falter or they will fall.
The pawns on the streets are the ones the bosses must show this strength to.
Since everything indicates that Clovis may be the culprit, and he wasn’t harmed, they will harm him.
Not to mention that news of Clovis starting to move his people has already surfaced, as there are spies everywhere.
As a result, the conflicts are only beginning, and Clovis…
‘He’s intelligent.’ – Ethan nods.
– ‘But also ignorant; he was probably one of Bill’s henchmen for quite some time before killing him and taking everything from him.’ “Only an ambitious person learning to be a boss.”
Nodding, he heads off to buy the medicines in bulk.
He also called Jerome and said, “Refrigerators, I want you to buy refrigerators.”
They’ll need a place to store the meat they’re buying, which should last for months.
Money began flowing from his pockets like water.
Boxes of various types of antibiotics like Amoxicillin, Doxycycline, and Ciprofloxacin.
For trauma control, local anesthetics, potent analgesics, gauze, syringes, sutures…
Many medicines for various problems, but nothing long-term.
If anyone has some irritating illness, tough luck.
The apocalypse is no place for charity.
Ethan placed orders, buying large quantities, paying in cash, and specifying the delivery locations.
They were delivered within a few hours.
He used several different suppliers to avoid raising suspicion.
The rented warehouse filled up quickly.
He called Jerome, giving him his location, and then rented a small delivery truck.
When Jerome arrived, he was tired, it was only his second trip to Atlanta.
But together, they packed everything and started transporting.
It was night when they arrived at the Barrys’ Horse Clinic.
The place has been abandoned for about two years.
It was a place that many local farmers used, since they own many horses and other animals.
The Barrys were a much-loved family of veterinarians, but during their vacation, a tragedy killed everyone in the family.
The few relatives who inherited the place abandoned the clinic, which no one plans to buy.
It’s relatively far away, ultimately forgotten, and the price is relatively high.
Obviously, the owner doesn’t care about the place; he must be enjoying what he inherited from other properties, since the Barrys had a lot of money: a farm, a pasture with many animals, and properties in several cities.
But all this makes it convenient for them to take possession of the place.
“How did it go?” – Ethan found Clark there.
“Man, you look terrible, look at those dark circles under your eyes.” – Clark points.
“I have to work, but then what?” – Ethan looks around.
“I spoke with my brother, he doesn’t believe it, but with the money, he’ll keep quiet and work.
He took a look at the wiring and structure of the clinic, everything’s great, he even connected a diesel generator we bought, we have power.” – Clark smiles.
“Okay, but let’s avoid drawing too much attention, we don’t want local farmers coming here to see what’s going on.” – Ethan says.
– “And what about the refrigerators and freezers?”
“I brought that old one I had at home and was planning to buy more tomorrow.” – Clark says.
Ethan nods.
– “Your family got along well in my house?” – Ethan looks at Jerome.
“It’s not a big deal, but we’re comfortable and properly fed.” – Jerome smiles.
“Good to know.
How about we store the boxes and return to Atlanta tomorrow?
There are other places with food, water, and various items.
I’ll also leave money for building materials and more food.
Clark, I’ll ask to make some trips; it would be good if Kate and Jasmine helped—more hands.” – Ethan says.
“I’ll ask Jacob and Marcus to help.” – Jerome says.
“Good.
Give your children some money to buy what they want—video games, games, clothes, and things like that.
We don’t know when things will get worse, and order them to stay alert.” – Ethan looks at Jerome, who nods and accepts the money.
Soon they work, store things, and Ethan finds Jasmine.
– “I didn’t know you were here, why didn’t you tell me?” – Ethan looks at Clark.
“Surprised?” – Clark laughs, and Ethan rolls his eyes.
“I doubted it, but seeing all this… is it really that serious?” – Jasmine looks at Ethan.
“I wish it weren’t so, but it is.” – Ethan nods.
“Okay.
I’m cleaning up a bit… I’ll call my dad and brothers.” – Jasmine says, and Ethan nods.
“It’s good that you don’t talk too much about it.
Gathering family and friends, I understand and prefer that, but… the resources we’ve gathered might last 4 to 5 months depending on the numbers, maybe half a year if the worst happens.
We don’t want people to rush to us for shelter when the outbreak hits and try to take our resources.” – Ethan says seriously, and everyone falls silent.
They agree and begin to work.