Apocalyptic World: Surviving with my husband and my cute little babies-Chapter 68: Lydia

"Wife, let’s go back to the bank. The vault there will keep us safe," Ethan suggested, starting the motorcycle as its engine roared against the strong winds.

Elena nodded in agreement.

"Husband, let’s go. We also need to find a way to locate the Iron Gang’s base."

They sped back to the bank as the winds howled around them. Once inside, Elena swiftly took the sturdy door back into the vault, forming a solid barrier against the chaos outside.

"Let’s plan inside the Paradise. We need to call everyone," Ethan said.

"Okay," Elena replied, watching the tornado in the distance.

Inside the space, they hurriedly contacted everyone, sharing the troubling news about the situation in City B.

"Grandson, what happened?" Grandpa Caldwell asked, worry evident in his voice.

"A super tornado has been spotted near City B, and it’s getting closer," Ethan replied steadily.

Gasps and whispers filled the portable house as everyone absorbed the shocking news, the seriousness of the situation sinking in.

"Then you should find a sturdy shelter that can withstand tornadoes. Maybe the government has a bunker?" Grandpa Caldwell suggested.

"Grandpa, don’t worry. We’ve found a bank vault nearby. We’re currently staying there," Ethan reassured him.

A collective sigh of relief echoed through them.

"It’s good to hear that. But grandson, you are almost a two-hour drive from City A. Would it be better to drive off?" Grandpa Caldwell asked, his concern still lingering.

"We can’t. We’re looking for someone."

Everyone was intrigued, their curiosity piqued.

"Looking for someone? Tell us, nephew," Uncle Anthony urged Ethan to tell them immediately.

Ethan remained silent, allowing Elena to take the lead.

Elena took a deep breath and began to explain.

"My friend Lydia is missing. We believe a gang took her. We don’t have much time and must find her before the tornado hits City B."

Everyone understood the gravity of the situation, their expressions turning serious.

"How about you drag us all to City B so we can all look for her?" Mr. Ford suggested.

"No need; I already have a lead on where the gang’s base is," Elena said, her voice steady and determined.

Everyone looked at her with questions in their eyes.

She actually wanted to retaliate against the gang that ambushed them in the museum, but she held back. First, it would take too much time. Second, the sudden rain made her anxious, and she feared it would catch up with them. So, she dismissed the idea of taking action.

But now, things were different. The rain that poured down outside was caused by the approaching tornado. The main storm hadn’t hit yet, giving her a chance to find Lydia and seek revenge.

"They might be at the evacuation center, especially the bunker Grandpa mentioned earlier."

Ethan nodded in agreement.

The City B buildings were severely damaged; only a few sturdy buildings could survive the tornado. The government bunker seemed like the perfect hideout for the gang.

"So, what preparation are we going to do? You’re not planning to go there alone, right?" Uncle Anthony asked concern etched on his face.

Ethan sprang into action, outlining their plan.

"I’m taking Oslo and Poochi with me. Rather, my wife will pull them into City B. Oslo will be our backup when we infiltrate their base, and Poochi will use his sense of smell to track down Lydia."

Thankfully, when Elena slapped Vivian back then, her belongings spilled everywhere. When a sudden tornado appeared, Vivian panicked and left her things behind. That’s when Elena noticed some of Lydia’s items among the scattered belongings.

"Can you manage with just the three of you?" Uncle Anthony pressed.

"Don’t worry, Uncle. With all the chaos from the tornado, the gang is probably distracted and less alert. It’ll be easier for us to get in." Ethan reassured.

Then he looked at Oslo and asked, "Oslo, are you willing to join?"

"Yes, chief," Oslo confirmed, his expression serious as he prepared for the mission ahead.

Ethan then gave Oslo ten minutes to gather his gear and get ready.

Meanwhile, Poochi was practically bouncing excitedly at the prospect of joining his master and mistress on this adventure. He quickly grabbed his mini bag, eager to venture out with them.

Seeing Poochi’s enthusiasm, Mr. Ford couldn’t help but tease him.

"Poochi, you just need to wear your gear. You are not going for a picnic!"

Poochi paused, his ears perking up in confusion.

He tilted his head and barked loudly, "Aw~aw~~aww."

’Why?—Oh, mission!’

With newfound determination, he dashed back to gather his gear, dragging it toward Mr. Ford. The little dog was eager to get ready, and he nudged the items toward Mr. Ford, who chuckled at the sight.

"Alright, buddy, let’s get you suited up," Mr. Ford said, kneeling to help Poochi with his gear.

While everyone was busy preparing, Ethan and Elena took a moment to finalize their plans.

"Haist, the apocalypse hasn’t started yet, but I feel like our adventure has been way too much," Elena sighed, shaking her head.

"From City D to City F, then to City C, and now here in City B."

Ethan chuckled, trying to lighten the mood.

"After we arrive at City A, we must take a lot of rest, wife," he playfully suggested a mischievous glint in his eyes.

He leaned in and kissed her cheek, then added with a wink, "And do a lot of banging."

Elena glared at him, her cheeks flushing a deep shade of red.

"Hooligan, when did you become so shameless?" she retorted, trying to maintain her composure but unable to hide her embarrassment.

’Gosh! Why is my husband talking so smoothly now? That darn book must be banned.’

Seeing the smile on his wife’s face, Ethan couldn’t help but pull her into a warm embrace.

He pecked her lips gently and said, "You should always smile, wife. You look so beautiful."

Elena’s heart swelled at his words, and she felt a rush of affection for him.

"No, I don’t want to be beautiful, especially in the apocalypse," Elena insisted, her tone serious.

Ethan raised his brows, intrigued. "Why not?"

"Beauty is a curse in the apocalypse," she replied, her expression turning somber.

She recalled the stories from her past life, in which many beautiful women—even those who were clean and presentable—were kidnapped and never seen again.

The harsh reality of the apocalypse for beauty is real.

Ethan softened at her words. "No matter how you look, you will always be beautiful," he said earnestly, trying to reassure her.

Elena rolled her eyes at her husband’s endless compliments.

"Husband, what Chapter are you in that book?" she asked, a teasing lilt in her voice.

Ethan was taken aback, caught off guard by her question.

’How did she know I read the book How to Please Your Wife, 12th Edition?’

Feigning ignorance, he replied, "What book, wife?"

"As long as you know it," she said with a smirk, crossing her arms playfully.

Their lighthearted conversation helped ease the tension, lifting their spirits as they prepared to raid the gang’s base.

Their bond felt stronger, a reminder that they could face anything together.

After a few minutes, Oslo returned, fully geared up and ready for the mission.

He looked determined, his eyes focused on the task ahead.

"I’m all set," he said, a hint of excitement in his voice.

"Great! Let’s move out."

With that, she exited with them from the space and appeared at the City B bank vault.

*****

The Iron Gang members were frantically storing everything inside the bunker, their frustration palpable. They were angry not only about the impending tornado but also about their failure to find the woman who had killed their brother.

Now, they had to run for their lives.

"Boss, all the items are securely stored now," one of the gang members reported, trying to keep his voice steady despite the chaos.

"Good. Take all the beautiful females we capture to the bunker and set aside those ugly ones," the Iron Gang boss ordered, his voice dripping with disdain.

"Yes, boss," the member replied, relieved to have received a clear directive.

’Finally, a reliable member.’ the Iron Gang boss thought.

Meanwhile, Lydia was jolted awake by the loud banging on the door. As she looked around the unfamiliar room, confusion washed over her.

’Where am I?’

Then, memories flooded back—someone had attacked her from behind, and everything went dark.

’Did the criminals kidnap me?’

Panic began to set in as the banging grew louder.

After a few seconds, a sinister voice called out, "All of you line up; if you don’t want to die, bit*hes, you have to obey me."

Lydia’s heart raced as she felt an overwhelming sense of unease. Her instincts screamed that these people were dangerous.

"You! You and you... come to this side... and you get to the other side," the bald man barked, selecting individuals based on their appearance.

Lydia’s alarm bells went off.

She quickly scanned the room for anything that could help her blend in and make herself less appealing. She found a piece of dirty and tattered fabric, and she hastily draped it over herself, trying to look as disheveled as possible.

When it was her turn, the bald man looked at her with confusion. This room was supposed to have a beautiful woman, but the one standing before him was anything but appealing.

"Where is the pretty woman here?" he demanded, his eyes narrowing. freeωebnovēl.c૦m

Lydia seized the opportunity to create an alibi.

"The woman was taken by someone, sir," she said, trying to sound convincing.

"Damn it, they already made a move. That woman was supposed to be mine," he growled, frustration evident in his voice.

He then looked at Lydia with disdain.

"You go to the other side," he ordered, dismissing her with a wave of his hand.

Lydia was placed on the "ugly" side, away from the other women.

The bald man took all the beautiful women with him, leaving the less appealing ones behind to carry materials back to their base.

"Anyone who tries to escape, I will hunt you down," he warned, his voice cold and threatening.

As the bald man left, Lydia felt a wave of relief, but it was quickly replaced by anxiety.

’What kind of situation have I been put into? ’