Plundering in the Apocalypse

Inside a guest room behind the Xtra Class restaurant, two people could be seen sitting there. It was Shin and Kevin. They had been talking for some time. Alice and the others were still waiting in the restaurant eating deserts.

Shin and Kevin immediately hit it off. Kevin felt Shin was a nice person to be friends with. Although Shin had his motives he also liked Kevin's personality.

Kevin was very passionate about food. His father was also a famous cook. After inheriting the business he wanted to grow the restaurant's fame and make all kinds of cuisines.

Shin also knew that in the future Kevin will become an important person. The only problem is that. He will be tied and suppressed by the others. Under Mark Corporation's pressure, Kevin won't be able to handle it. 3 years later he will die. Many people mourned his death, his food, and his recipes were sensational. But his death led Mark Corporation to its Bankruptcy. People blamed Mark Corporation for everything. Even their others misdeeds came into view.

'But this time I won't let Mark Corporation take advantage of Kevin. Although, I too will use him. At least he won't suffer.'

As they were talking Shin started his plan. He said.

"By the way, would you be interested in a business offer Kevin?" Shin couldn't just ask Kevin to join them. He knew how much he treasured his restaurant. Even in the future, he didn't let go of the restaurant until the end.

If he wanted to entice him. He needs to wait for the perfect opportunity. For now, making a connection with him was good.

And what other way is better than being a business partner?

Kevin raised his eyebrows in surprise. He had thick eyebrows and black hair tied to his back. He wasn't particularly handsome but still above average.

Shin's sudden request caught him by surprise. He didn't expect Shin to be interested in doing business with him. He was somewhat skeptical about this. Although he liked Shin's personality business is an entirely different matter. But he was not unreasonable so he would listen to Shin. Who knows maybe Shin can save them from their troubles.

"What is it?"

"You know, your restaurant is good and the food is great. Let me introduce myself again. I am Shin Wolner and the Guild Master of the Astros guild."

Hearing the name Astros guild Kevin's brows knit in a frown. He didn't know about them. But he felt it was normal after all there were many guilds out there and he wasn't particularly interested in them. He would rather spend his time trying out new recipes.

"It's not a very big guild. But the members of our guild are very strong. Soon our base will also be ready." Shin explained as he thought about the land which he recently bought and had been flattened by the monster attacks. He had yet to recruit a builder. But he had things in mind.

"I see, so what do you want with my restaurant?" Kevin asked. He wanted to know what does Shin want.

"I'll be honest with you Kevin. I'm very interested in the new things that have appeared after the appearance of the portal. You must have heard of companies creating new technologies, elixirs, pills, and many other things."

Kevin nodded his head in agreement. What Shin said was indeed true. Even he was interested in them. 'Maybe we can create new food recipes.'

Like reading his mind Shin also said what he wanted.

"I think we can create new food too. You know how the forest and vegetation had also taken a massive change."

Kevin felt he was somewhat understanding Shin's motive. He was happy thinking about where this conversation was going.

"So what is it that you want exactly?" Kevin just wanted him to get to the point already.

"I will provide resources and capital. I want Xtra Class to research those materials and make recipes. You will have the help of our guild members too. If you want I can arrange anything required. Also now that the guild will be established I want the food to be arranged by Xtra Class. Do you want to work with me?" Shin said he also used Mind Control to make his persuasion better. He had yet to talk about the benefits or how he will use the recipes. But that can be discussed later. After all, he can't tell Kevin what he wants to do with those recipes.

Kevin felt what Shin said was very advantageous for them. His restaurant can have a support of a guild too.

"How strong are your guild members?" Kevin asked the final question. Kevin had a basic understanding of the ranks of the Awakeneds. From his understanding. E and F ranks are common. Below the F rank are basically ordinary people. G and H ranks are only slightly stronger than normal people.

D rank Awakened is very strong. Their abilities are also good. C ranks are a lot stronger with great potential.

As per his understanding if a guild has at least B rank awakened it can be considered good. If a guild has at least one A rank and it is a strong guild. If they had more than one A rank they can one of the high-ranked guilds. If by any chance they have one 'S' rank then it can be considered a top power.

Kevin wanted to know if Shin's guild has the power to back their restaurant. Even if he didn't he will only be slightly disappointed.

But Shin's words made him shocked beyond speech.

"We have several A ranks and above."

A single line from Shin made him doubt his ears. He wanted to know if Shin was messing with him. But Shin's serious expression made him believe what he said was the truth.

"Is that true?" Kevin asked once again.

"Yes, all the people that came with me are A rank and above." Shin felt there was no need to hide it. After all, even if Kevin thinks it's a big deal. It's not, considering the threats they are going to face in the future.

'A rank and above? Are you telling me there is an 'S' rank too?' Kevin gulped at the thought of that. He unconsciously towards their direction.

'Which one of them?' He thought. Kevin saw every one of them and couldn't figure it out.

Unbeknownst to him, the girl munching on the Ice Cream with a satisfying look on her face was an SSS rank Awakened.

Kevin didn't think anymore. He believed Shin was telling the truth. Even if he wasn't this deal was not a loss for him. Also, he believed in his eyes.

"We should meet again and discuss this further. I would love to be a part of this deal." Kevin said shaking Shin's hand.

Shin felt happy with the result. Although he could have waited a little more to let the situation of the Xtra Class get serious before helping them. He felt there was no need for doing all that.

"Let's meet again soon." They exchanged contacts and bid farewell. Kevin had to return to the kitchen. More orders were coming and other cooks were having trouble.

***

Shin returned to the others.

"Shin, you missed the dessert take a bite." Seeing Shin arrive Alice happily raised the spoon to Shin's mouth.

Shin smiled and took a spoon full of ice cream which Alice offered from her cup.

"You are eating ice cream in this cold weather," Shin said while patting her head.

"They taste better in winter," Alice said with a cheerful smile. Alice's smile made Shin's heart warm. He just wanted to kiss her badly but restrained himself thinking of the people in front of him.

*Ahem*

Others were laughing silently.

"So what are we going back?" James asked. Although he wanted to kill that blonde. He had to wait until Shin says so.

"Uhm, let's meet tomorrow-" before Shin could finish what he wanted to say. Alive interrupted.

"Shin!"

Jenny felt it might be something serious so she immediately put up a barrier. So that others can't hear.

"What is it?" He asked alarmed.

"One of the marks disappeared." Hearing this Shin's eyes turned serious.

"Does that mean?"

"Yeah, he died," Alice replied.

Shin started thinking deeply. 'One of the men must have died due to the failure of their mission. So the place where he died should be the location where they went to report.'

Shin pondered for while and came to an answer.

"Guys, are you fine working overtime?"

"I am fine with anything you want," Alice replied immediately. She was even ready to fight the Criminal organization anytime.

Hearing Shin, James, and Jenny raised their eyebrows.

"Are we going to attack their base?"

Although they had no problems. They didn't want to disturb the other guild members after such a tiring day.

"We will check the situation there first," Shin answered.

"If I think it's doable we will attack. If not we will return and come up with a plan."

"Okay, we are ready." Both of them agreed.

Shin turned around and asked Celeste.

"What about you?"