Surviving The Apocalypse

CHAPTER 5

The late afternoon sun poured through the restaurant’s wide glass windows, casting warm stripes across the wooden floor. I sat in a corner booth near the window, nursing a half-finished drink as I waited.

The place smelled faintly of roasted coffee and fresh bread. Waiters moved between tables with practiced ease, their polite smiles masking fatigue. It was the kind of place where you could blend into the background, which was exactly what I needed right now.

I had been here for almost fifteen minutes when someone’s shadow fell across my table.

I looked up.

The moment I saw his face, my chest tightened with recognition. Luke Alexander.

Even without his reputation, he was the type of man who drew attention effortlessly. Tall, broad-shouldered, and built like someone who took his training seriously. His jawline was sharp, his lips naturally pink and almost too perfect for a man who looked like he could crush steel with his hands.

Luke Alexander — a level 8 awakener. Elemental type. Dual abilities: lightning and water. In the coming apocalypse, his name would become even more feared, and his presence alone would change the balance of power in any battlefield.

And yet, here he was, standing in front of me like this was just another day.

"Hi, are you Exon?" he asked, his voice steady but curious.

"Yes, I’m Exon. And who are you?" I asked, playing dumb even though I knew exactly who he was.

"Oh, sorry for the late introduction — I’m Luke Alexander, the owner of the property you want to buy."

I nodded. "Is that so? It’s nice meeting you, Alex. So, can I see the papers before I transfer the money?"

"Ok, just wait a sec," he said, slipping a leather folder from his bag.

He placed the documents in front of me. The faint scent of new paper and ink hit me as I opened the folder. My eyes scanned the title page, then moved down to the details — property number, location, registry stamps, signature blocks. Everything was there.

Still, I took my time. If there was one thing I had learned from my past life, it was that trust should be earned, not given. After the apocalypse, scams would be the least of people’s worries, but right now, caution was still a necessity.

Once I was certain the documents were legitimate, I pulled out my phone and made the transfer. My system pinged softly in my mind — transaction complete. Luke quickly verified the payment, then did his part to officially place the property under my name.

"It’s nice doing business with you, Exon," he said with a small smile.

"It’s nice doing business with you too, Alex," I replied, my tone polite but distant.

I slid my chair back and stood, but before leaving, I leaned forward just slightly, enough for my words to be heard only by him.

"Alex, just a friendly reminder — store as many supplies as you can."

I didn’t wait for his response. I turned and walked away, keeping my gaze forward. The less he saw of my thoughts, the better. But in my mind, I knew this warning might just save his life in the months to come.

---

Luke Alexander’s POV

I was in my office, surrounded by neatly stacked contracts and the low hum of the air conditioner, when my phone rang. The screen flashed an unknown number. Normally, I let those go to voicemail, but something — maybe instinct — told me to answer this one.

"Hello?" I said, keeping my voice neutral.

“Hi, I’m calling about the house near the mall. Is it still for sale?” a voice asked.

“Yes, it’s still for sale. Why, are you interested?”

“Yes, I’m interested. How much are you asking for it?”

“It’s only twenty-five million,” I replied. “It’s old, but if you want it, everything inside comes with it — furniture, appliances, even some tools left behind.”

"I am. Is it still available?" His voice was calm and confident, but there was something behind it — an almost imperceptible sharpness that made me sit up straighter.

“I’ll take it.” he replied

“Alright, then. Let’s meet at Bxxxx to finalize the papers.” I said, slightly interested on this person

"There’s a restaurant near the mall. I can bring the papers there," I offered.

“Sounds good,” he replied without hesitation.

We ended the call, and I found myself tapping the phone lightly against the desk. No negotiating, no unnecessary questions — this was not how most buyers behaved.

—

When I walked into the restaurant, the first thing I noticed was him.

He was sitting near the window, the afternoon light spilling over his features. He didn’t fidget like most people waiting for a meeting. Instead, he sat in a way that looked relaxed yet deliberate, as if he could spring into action at any moment. His gaze moved subtly, sweeping across the room, noting the staff, the exits, the people.

Not a typical buyer at all.

I approached his table. "Hi, are you Exon?"

He looked up at me, his expression unreadable. "Yes, I’m Exon. And who are you?"

"I’m Luke Alexander — the owner of the property you want to buy."

"It’s nice meeting you, Alex. So, can I see the papers before I transfer the money?"

Straight to the point. I could respect that. "Ok, just wait a sec," I said, pulling the folder from my bag and placing it on the table.

He took the documents and began reading, his eyes scanning quickly but thoroughly. It wasn’t the lazy glance most people gave — this man knew exactly what to look for. His focus never wavered until he was satisfied.

"It’s okay," he finally said.

The transfer was done in seconds. No hesitation, no small talk. I confirmed the payment and completed the ownership change.

"It’s nice doing business with you, Exon," I said.

"It’s nice doing business with you too, Alex."

He stood to leave, but paused. His eyes locked on mine, and his tone shifted — lower, heavier.

"Alex, just a friendly reminder — store as many supplies as you can."

The words felt strange. Not just advice. A warning. A serious one.

I opened my mouth to ask what he meant, but before I could, he had already turned and walked out, his figure blending into the crowd outside.

I stayed seated for a while, staring at the papers still on the table. I didn’t know who this Exon was, but I had the unsettling feeling that I’d just met someone who knew far more than he was letting on.