Apocalypse Regression's

This Time is Different

"You don't seem to care that much?"

Joseph said casually. Glancing at the silent Ark, the middle-aged man smiled. It was aware that the young man in front of him had progressed further.

"By the way, there's something I want to talk to you about, Mr. Hades."

"Is there a problem?" ask Ark in a lazy tone.

"The stuff you sold to Mr. Julian."

Hearing Joseph's words, Ark and Julian raised their eyebrows. Obviously, they know very well what is being traded. It seems that Joseph also began to investigate this. That made Julian uncomfortable.

Julian himself also wanted to trade evolution potions with Ark. He wants to create a small team of people who have completed evolution, superhumans, mutants, awakeners, or whatever the name suggests. Of course if others knew, they would also think of such a thing.

Ark replied in a calm voice, but slightly pressed down.

"It's a good step we're not talking about this kind of thing here. We can discuss it at the time the trade is made."

"Good." Joseph nodded.

"..."

Julian also nodded. Totally agree with Ark because this place is not suitable.

"By the way, that's ..."

Joseph glanced at the figure of Finn lying lazily near Debby. Not only him, but many people were also staring at him. That's because ...

There's a saddle on his back!

But unlike horses where there is a snaffle and rope instead of the steering wheel at the head, Ark did not make it because he knew Finn could move according to his instructions. Instead, there is a handle on the front of the saddle that looks quite unique. It is used to hold on when Ark asks Finn to move at full speed. Keep it stable.

"Finn!"

Hearing Ark's call, Finn immediately got up and rushed towards him. The young man then stroked the white man's head casually. Feeling the soft fur through the touch of his hand.

Looking at the scene, Joseph who was standing a few meters away from the Ark subconsciously came forward and wanted to touch. But just then, Finn who had seemed calm suddenly looked at Joseph while showing off his sharp teeth while growling.

"Grnr ..."

Ark patted Finn on the head, making the white one calmer. He then looked towards Joseph and Julian while saying.

"As you may think, Finn is my pet, mount, and partner.

He's not used to other people, so you shouldn't get close because his teeth and claws are poisonous. Also, don't think about the idea of borrowing, renting, or selling because Finn isn't an item."

Although Ark spoke to Joseph and Julian, everyone knew that the young man announced it to everyone without exception.

For some who understand, Ark actually also has a message implied in his speech.

Borrowing, renting, or selling. This seems normal for people who are less knowledgeable. But for people who have seen or may experience. What Ark meant was not actually a trade of wild beasts, but ...

Human trafficking!

The expressions of those who understood instantly became serious. Although it also existed in the days before apocalypse, but this was different because many groups did it as if it was something legal!

Catch humans (usually women) and keep them alive by feeding them, but end up selling them to the person who wants them at bargaining prices. You could say, not much different than selling pets.

Ark found this, but he couldn't stop it. Even if he killed the entire merchant, a new one would reappear some time later. After all, it is human nature to take advantage in times of urgency. So eventually Ark could only pressure them to not be so excessive.

Joseph and Julian's expressions looked bad. Compared to the fairly neutral Ark, their two groups were vehemently opposed to such a thing. Still continue to hunt down human traffickers even though they keep popping up.

There are also groups that support trading because since the apocalypse came, the rules have not been in effect. They believe that the strong have the right to eat or control the weak. Examples of supportive groups are the Third Scars and some intermediate groups.

In fact, the Imperial Tiger that announced that they were being neutral actually supported this. In fact quite a number of people who are on top collect their own "maintenance.

"Mr Hades .." Call Joseph.

"You better go back to your place and rest. I also want to rest. Anyway, I'm done greeting (and observing)."

After saying that, Ark turned around then left followed by his comrades.

***

Next morning.

After eating breakfast in the carriage with his comrades, Ark got off the carriage while carrying two buckets filled with dismembered heart beasts. That's what they got yesterday afternoon, on the way to this place.

Ark then gave it to Debby and Finn. They can usually hunt on their own. However since it was in the Imperial Tiger area and did not want any trouble, he did not allow them to hunt.

After feeding the two, Ark stood up while observing the surroundings. Most groups still save their meals and do not eat breakfast. Meanwhile, there was also a group of Silver Cross and Black Panther sitting around the campfire. Eat porridge together for breakfast.

"..."

Ark looked at them in silence. Unknowingly, he recalled the old memories.

A memory where whenever there was a big meeting before a big fight, he who was considered the figure of one of the strongest humans always stood alone while looking at the other groups.

Arguably, compared to others in his previous life, Ark was the best. Strong talent, great technique, intelligent brain, even incredible luck. It's just ...

He's always alone.

Even if Ark had time to join the group, it was the thing he did at the beginning of the apocalypse. He might have many acquaintances could even be considered friends, but in the end they (his friends) were figures he respected from various groups. "Good" people who end up tragically defending the right or may be sacrificed in the name of "greater good".

They gave what they had (their knowledge) to Ark. But instead, the man carried their burden .. and the burden kept piling up as time went on.

"Chairman!!!"

The girl's screams rang out from behind, shocking the dreamy Ark.

Looking back, Ark saw the figure of Lisa walking towards him. Seemed rushed and angry.

"You said it's better not to eat warm food because it's troublesome. But as you can see ...

They did!"

Lisa pointed towards the Silver Cross and Black Panther groups.

"Don't you know, I almost choked myself to death from eating meat jerky in the morning."

Hearing Lisa's complaint, Ark turned his gaze to the other members who had come.

Darin shrugged his shoulders while saying in a tired tone.

"Sorry, Chairman. I can't stop it."

"That's because you eat in a semi-conscious state (still sleepy). How can you blame the Lord?"

Stacy glanced at Lisa dissatisfied.

"Do you want to fight, Stalker Female?!"

"Ap—" Behind the mask, veins had already appeared on Stacy's forehead. "Who is afraid of you, Little Cow!"

"You ..."

"..."

The two looked at each other fiercely. Darin could only sigh. Meanwhile, Kurona and Shirona were already standing to the left and right of Ark while leaning back.

Looking at the scene, a sincere smile appeared on Ark's face. It was just that, everyone did not see because it was covered in his mask.

'Really ... What am I worried about?'

Thinking that, Ark shook his head lightly. With his hands clenched under his cloak, the young man convinced himself.

'Everything will be fine because ...'

'This time is different!'

>> Connect.