Betrayal

Otherwise, wouldn't Jesse Thompson have reincarnated in vain?

And what Bruce Roberts needed to do was to alter Cynthia Sanchez's fate trajectory, preventing this incarnation of Jesse Thompson from getting Cynthia Sanchez.

This would not only weaken Jesse Thompson's circle of influence but also shatter his mindset severely, thereby increasing Bruce Roberts' chances of survival.

"Cynthia Sanchez? So, Young Master Bruce, the person you wanted to invite out was Cynthia Sanchez?" 

After listening to Bruce Roberts' explanation, Zara was initially surprised, then smiled knowingly.

"I've heard rumors that Young Master Bruce came from a first-tier city to a third-tier city for a girl. At first, I didn't believe it, but now it seems the rumors are true?"

"Just consider it true!" Bruce Roberts didn't feel like explaining. "So, are you willing to help me with this favor?"

Cynthia Sanchez was the key to the conflict between Jesse Thompson and Bruce Roberts.

Bruce Roberts indeed came to this school for Cynthia Sanchez.

But that was the actions of the previous Bruce Roberts, which had nothing to do with the current Bruce Roberts.

"Just inviting her out for a meal?" Zara countered instead of answering.

"Of course, and I won't ask for your help for nothing." Bruce Roberts said, pulling out a prepared handbag. "If you're willing, this hundred thousand is yours."

One hundred thousand wasn't much for Bruce Roberts, but for Zara, whose family was of average means and was still a student, it was a considerable sum.

"Young Master Bruce, there's no need for the money, right?" 

Seeing the wad of red banknotes in the handbag, Zara's eyes lit up, but she still pretended to refuse.

Though she was a woman who admired vanity, she was also clever!

She knew when to take money and when not to?

How to take money to maximize her own interests.

She knew Bruce Roberts wasn't short of money, but if she took his money, she would lose her weight in Bruce Roberts' eyes in the future.

However...

"Take it. I don't like owing favors to others." Bruce Roberts said calmly.

The previous Bruce Roberts was most lacking in money in his past life!

But in this life, not only was he the son of a tycoon, but money, after five days, would become worthless.So he gave it away without feeling a thing!

After the apocalypse arrived.

The genetic chain of all species was completely reset!

Humanity was no longer the dominant species on this planet. In this new era, they became cannon fodder, food, and even playthings for some malevolent creatures.

For some people, this was the worst of times. The world collapsed, the economy crashed, and the once mighty tycoons and rulers became nothing but prey for the "predators".

The elites, geniuses, beauties, and the arrogant, who were considered superior in peacetime, no longer held their heads high.

On the contrary, lacking experience in survival, they were likely to be among the first to die.

But for some people, this was also the best of times. With the genetic reset, the beneficiaries were not only insects and beasts.

Some lucky ones underwent mutations, becoming invisible, capable of flight, controlling fire, controlling water, or even commanding fierce beasts!

Before the apocalypse, they were likely failed students, disgruntled employees in the workplace, or even scavengers in junkyards.

Before the apocalypse, they were the lowest of the low in society, looked down upon, discriminated against, and despised by their own kind. But with the advent of the apocalypse, they transformed into "Awakeners", holding power over life and food. Even the goddesses that were once only fantasized about in computer games or dreams became subservient slaves.

In such an environment, human trade shifted from currency to the most primitive bartering system.

Zara didn't know that the apocalypse would come in five days.

So, after Bruce Roberts used his ability to offer money, Zara readily agreed to Bruce Roberts' request.

She was in the same department as Cynthia Sanchez. Although the typical female jealousy made her dislike Cynthia Sanchez, they often attended various activities together, and Zara, being somewhat scheming, didn't show her dislike openly.

So, on the surface, their relationship seemed quite good.

Now, just by inviting Cynthia Sanchez out for a meal, she could earn a hundred thousand?

Of course, she wouldn't refuse!

So, what followed was just a matter of course. After they finished their meal, Bruce Roberts told Zara some details about inviting Cynthia Sanchez, and then they went their separate ways.

Since the hotel was not far from the school, to avoid unnecessary trouble, Bruce Roberts let Zara leave the hotel alone.

Zara also understood this principle, so after they reached an agreement, she left alone!

Watching Zara stop a car from the hotel window, Bruce Roberts took a deep breath.

"It's been two days already, and there's less than five days left. I have to pick up the pace!"

The system was bound two days ago.

After binding it, Bruce Roberts learned about the existence of the apocalypse.

In other words, Bruce Roberts only had a week to prepare.

Unlike Jesse Thompson, who had no experience of the apocalypse, Bruce Roberts had to prepare more thoroughly.

Thinking of this, Bruce Roberts took out his phone and made a call.

The call was quickly answered.

"Elbert, come in."

Elbert and Cedric were the bodyguards Bruce Roberts had acquired from Dylan Roberts.

They were also talents nurtured by Dylan Roberts' security company.

So, in the current situation, these two were still trustworthy.

"Young Master Bruce!"

After Elbert came in, he nodded slightly.

Bruce Roberts nodded. "How are the things I asked you to prepare before?"

"It's almost done!" Elbert replied, "The food and water have filled two entire guest rooms as you requested. Clothing, shoes, protective gear, binoculars, crossbows, hammers, baseball bats, first aid kits, and other items are also prepared very thoroughly.""Good, that's good!"

Bruce Roberts nodded, feeling a bit more confident.

With the advent of the apocalypse, humanity would temporarily lose its productivity and transportation capabilities.

Food and drinking water would become scarcer with each use.

So, ensuring an ample supply of food and water was essential for survival.

Moreover, in order to better survive, Bruce Roberts had not only actively intensified his training but also tried to use weapons and learned some combat skills from the bodyguards.

Well! Although the two bodyguards weren't particularly strong, some training was better than none!

"Where are the people you've found?" Bruce Roberts continued to inquire.

"Young Master Bruce, are you referring to Malachi Stewart and Clarence?"

"That's right."

"We've found the man named Malachi Stewart, but Dragon's Roost is not within our sphere of influence, so it may take some time to find Clarence."

"Oh? You've found Malachi Stewart already?"

Bruce Roberts squinted. "Alright, but don't slack off on finding Clarence. For me, Clarence is more important than Malachi Stewart."

"I understand!"

"Let Cedric continue searching for Clarence. You, take me to meet this Malachi Stewart first."

Bruce Roberts gave the order and started walking towards the door.

"Of course!"

Elbert nodded and quickly caught up with Bruce Roberts.

He had some questions he wanted to ask, but seeing Bruce Roberts already walking away, he decided to bury his doubts for now.

[Character Cards: 1. Zara. 2. Cynthia Sanchez. 3. Malachi Stewart. 4. Clarence.]

In addition to the system panel, Bruce Roberts' system also had a system warehouse.

In the warehouse, some special items produced by the system could be stored. These four character cards were a beginner's tip given to Bruce Roberts by the system to increase his chances of survival.

The front of the character card displayed the person's portrait and name, while the back detailed their entanglements with the protagonist Jesse Thompson in both his past and present lives.

For Bruce Roberts to survive the showdown with Jesse Thompson, he needed to use these relationships to restrict Jesse Thompson's development.

With Zara and Cynthia Sanchez taken care of for now, it was now time to deal with Malachi Stewart and Clarence.