The Spare's Second Chance in Apocalypse
Chapter 55: Ch 55: The unexpected meeting - Part 1

Chapter 55: Ch 55: The unexpected meeting - Part 1

Selene’s eyes flickered between the glowing green platforms ahead of her.

Her Insight ability was working in ways she hadn’t expected—it was actually highlighting the safe places to step.

The faint green tint on some platforms reassured her that they wouldn’t collapse or trigger traps.

’This is too good of a cheat. I won’t ever fall for a trap if this cheat works. I need to try this.’

She took a careful step forward, then another.

"Orion, follow exactly where I step. Don’t hesitate, and don’t stray from the path."

She said, her voice hushed yet steady. Her confidence made Orion reassured as well.

Orion, trailing behind her, nodded nervously.

"O-Okay! I will follow your lead."

Slowly, she led him forward, guiding his every step. The platforms weren’t particularly wide, and the spikes below looked unforgiving. One wrong step, and they’d plummet.

Selene tightened her grip on Orion’s wrist, making sure he was right behind her.

As they moved, her Insight adjusted dynamically, revealing more green-lit platforms as they progressed.

This ability is... more useful than I thought.

After what felt like an eternity of careful movements, they finally reached the other side of the room. The first challenge was complete.

Selene let out a deep breath, shaking off the tension. Orion, too, looked relieved.

"That was... terrifying. Let’s not do that again."

Orion admitted, his voice shaking.

"But we did it. And don’t worry! You will get used to all this soon."

Selene said, offering a small smile.

However, there was no time to celebrate.

The second room awaited.

The moment they stepped inside, Selene immediately felt it—

A crushing weight pressing down on her shoulders.

Her knees nearly buckled, and she gasped as gravity seemed to increase tenfold.

Orion let out a choked noise behind her, barely managing to stay upright.

The room was relatively small, with nothing more than an open space between them and the exit. However, the gravity was overwhelming.

Selene gritted her teeth. This is a test of endurance.

"All we have to do is cross. Just a few steps."

She muttered to herself.

But each step felt like a struggle against an invisible force trying to crush them into the ground.

Orion groaned beside her.

"This is impossible... Can we just—can we give up? My body feels like it is breaking apart. I cannot take it anymore!"

Orion complained as he tried to move. But he was not able to move even a single inch under increased gravity.

"No. You can’t give up. We have to keep going."

Selene said immediately. Speaking was tough and her mouth hurt, but Selene knew she needed to convey her message.

Orion hesitated, sweat dripping down his face.

"But—"

Selene reached out.

"Take my hand."

Orion’s eyes widened, but he grasped her hand tightly.

Selene pulled. It required so much more force than she anticipated, but it was not a futile thing for her to do. She was actually able to pull Orion a little bit when she tried.

It was agony. Every step burned in her muscles, every inch forward felt like lifting the weight of the world itself.

But she didn’t stop.

Orion panted heavily beside her, leaning on her for support, but he didn’t let go.

Step by step, they pushed forward.

Until—

They reached the other side.

Selene collapsed to her knees, gasping for breath. Orion fell beside her, shaking.

"W-we did it..."

He whispered, sounding dazed.

Selene could only nod, too exhausted to speak.

But deep down, she knew—this dungeon wasn’t done testing them yet.

Selene’s Insight timer ticked down.

5 minutes left before Damian and his party catch up.

She dragged herself to her feet, shaking the fatigue from her limbs.

"Come on. We can’t rest yet"

She told Orion, helping him up.

Orion groaned.

"I need... five more minutes..."

"We don’t have five minutes. They’re catching up."

Selene said sharply.

Orion’s eyes widened.

"T-the Vale family?"

"Yes! And the government as well."

That was all Orion needed to hear.

Struggling but determined, he forced himself to stand.

"O-Okay. I’m ready."

Selene gave him a grateful look.

They hurried toward the next room—each step bringing them closer to escape...

And each second bringing Damian Ross and the Vale twins closer to catching them.

The chase was on.

______

Damian Ross and the Vale twins reached the first challenge room—and immediately noticed the missing platforms.

Someone had already been here.

Nora narrowed her eyes.

"We aren’t alone."

Noah cracked his knuckles.

"Guess we’ll have to catch up."

He stepped forward, ready to leap onto the platforms, but—

Damian grabbed his shoulder.

"No. You’re too reckless. If you fall, we’re wasting resources to pull you out and treating your wounds."

Damian said firmly.

Noah scowled.

"Then what’s your plan?"

Damian smirked.

"I came prepared."

At his signal, a woman stepped forward.

She was dressed in a sharp black suit and fitted professional pants, her silver-rimmed glasses resting perfectly over her calculating eyes.

Her presence alone exuded confidence and precision.

Rize Spencer—the barrier master.

Noah frowned.

"Who’s this?"

Damian crossed his arms.

"She’s the one who will get us across."

Rize adjusted her glasses and gave a cool smile.

"It’s a pleasure, young masters."

Noah arched a brow.

"You hired her?...who is she anyway? A barrier maker? Would it even work?"

Damian barely resisted the urge to groan.

Of course, he had to hire someone like Rize Spencer, the money-hungry demon!

If Selene had been here, she would have done the job for free—and with even better results.

But Selene wasn’t here.

So, Damian had spent a fortune to bring in Rize Spencer instead, someone who had awakened the barrier skill.

Internally, he cursed. Damn that girl. This is all her fault.

But outwardly, he remained calm.

"Yes. I hired her for this exact situation."

He admitted.

Rize gave a small nod before stepping forward, raising her hands.

A barrier bridge formed beneath her feet, stretching across the platform gaps.

"Shall we?"

She said smoothly, gesturing for them to walk forward.

Noah whistled.

"Well, that’s convenient."

Even Nora looked mildly impressed.

"Not bad."

With Rize leading the way, the group crossed the first challenge with ease.