I Spread my Genes to Level Up in the Apocalypse

"Is this the Awakeners' union that was mentioned online?" Ray mused, a hint of amusement in his thoughts. He could sense several strong presences scattered around the island—at least ten S-class Awakeners, by his estimation.

But to the current Ray, S-class Awakeners were hardly a challenge. He didn't feel any concern, even if he had to face them all at once.

Without hesitation, Ray flew toward the area where the concentration of power was strongest.

Before long, a city came into view. Tall walls enclosed the settlement, with smaller houses surrounding its perimeter. His attention, however, was drawn to a particularly large building in the centre.

"Is that where they are?" Ray wondered, his curiosity piqued as he headed directly for the towering structure.

"Interesting," Ray murmured, a sly smile forming on his lips as he overheard the conversation inside.

Effortlessly, he blended into the sky, his presence becoming nearly invisible as he suppressed his aura to the bare minimum. With an air of confidence, Ray casually strolled into the building, unnoticed.

"We can't keep doing this," a voice echoed from within. "If we stay here, we'll starve due to the lack of food."

"Then what do you suggest we do? Fight those terrifying undead? They're only getting stronger! Especially after the second wave, the number of Level Two undead has become unmanageable."

"We need at least five S-class Awakeners just to guarantee a kill on a Level Two undead," another voice added. "But we only have eleven S-class Awakeners. If even one of us falls, it'll be a struggle to fend off the undead. And if we run into a Level Three undead… that's a dead end for all of us."

"Are we just going to wait for our deaths?" a woman interjected, her voice dripping with condescension as she leaned back in her chair. Instantly, the ten individuals seated in high-backed chairs fell silent, their attention drawn to her.

"What do you suggest we do, Yukia-sama?" one man replied, his brow furrowed in a scowl.

Yukia shrugged her shoulders, slumping her shoulder in the chair again. "Well, how about we stop being cowards and fight? If that doesn't work, we can always look for another place."

"That's impossible! How can you even suggest that?" another voice protested.

"It would be a betrayal to our country if we left..." a third chimed in.

"Even if we could leave, where would we go, Yukia-sama?" someone else asked, scepticism evident in their tone.

With a sly smile, Yukia crossed her long, elegant legs and folded her hands, showing the pair of curves that seemed to be in prison because of the clothes.

"Right here," she said, pulling out her smartphone and playing a video for everyone to see.

"This…"

The ten people in the room, excluding Yukia, were stunned, their eyes widening in disbelief as they stared at the mobile screen.

"There's actually a paradise in this apocalypse? And their technology appears to be incredibly advanced, almost like it's from the future…"

"How is this possible?"

Yukia retrieved her phone, a triumphant smile spreading across her face. "This is on our continent as well. So, what do you think?"

"But can that really accommodate all of us?" a deep voice interjected, coming from the man in the front seat. He wore a long white coat that obscured half of his face, the other half shielded by black goggles, while his hair resembled white snow.

"Yes, it can," Yukia replied confidently, nodding her head. "Are you aware of the information circulating on the internet?"

"Could it be…?" the man in the white coat asked, his deep voice trembling slightly.

"This Gene City is maintained by what is potentially the strongest Awakener in the world," Yukia replied confidently. "His terrifying battle against the King is still reverberating throughout the internet, not to mention that he's also suspected of having killed a Level Three Undead."

"I see," the white-coated man said, pausing as if lost in deep thought. "The earthquake we just experienced was likely due to tectonic plate movements. However, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise; it completely halted our descent into the ocean, giving us some much-needed time. In the meantime, let's hunt the undead to our limits. If that doesn't work, we'll proceed as Yukia suggested."

Yukia's eyes flashed with a hint of disappointment as she stood up from her seat and decisively left.

"Where are you going, Yukia-san?" Suda called after her.

"I'm going to kill more undead," she replied, glancing back at him as she slowly made her way out of the room.

As they watched Yukia's retreating figure, concern etched itself on their faces.

"Are we being too indecisive, Suda-sama?" one of them asked.

"It's fine," Suda replied, shaking his head. "This isn't a child's game; this decision will impact the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. We can't take it lightly."

…

Yukia jumped as she left the room, her cheeks slightly puffed up.

"Why don't they ever listen to me?"

Her cheeks became even rounder, giving her an adorably cute appearance.

"It's because you always act like a child."

Suddenly, she paused and turned around, her expression shifting to one of concern. Her pupils narrowed, becoming extremely vigilant.

"Who's there?"

Yukia shouted, immediately alerting everyone in the base.

The nine men and one woman, all clad in black ninja attire, hurried out of their meeting and looked at Yukia with astonishment.

"Where?" Suda asked, his demeanour serious.

"I don't know... but someone spoke to me..."

Yukia replied, her expression tentative.

"Relax, I'm not an enemy."

A warm breath seemed to sting her ears, causing her pale cheeks to flush slightly.

"He spoke again."

"So where is he?" Suda asked, scanning the surroundings. "Take out your flute, Yukia-san."

"Oh, right!" Yukia mentally chastised herself, a smile breaking across her face as she retrieved her flute. Taking a deep breath, she began to play it in one smooth motion.

Slowly, a man materialised behind her, his eyes fixed on her with a playful gaze.

"Look behind you, Yukia-san."

"Eh?"