Chapter 9: Solving the Problem of Funds

After a long night's sleep, Odin awoke suddenly with every thought in high definition. His eyes took in the golden rays of the morning sunlight streaming through his bedroom's window, and, without a doubt, he knew that he'd slept too long.

"Another nightmare!"

Odin's mind slowly relaxed after a few more seconds. It was now four days since he awoke from the comma after facing the assault by the wolf in Yellowstone. He'd already left the hospital and returned to his adoptive mother's house located in West Bozeman.

However, he was still experiencing nightmares from the disastrous incidents he'd witnessed in the prophetic vision. Every morning, he would wake up with a start, thinking he was about to face the terrifying attack from the gigantic claw within the dream. His nights were now pure torture. He wasn't enjoying the solace of returning home after spending two years away.

But an even more frustrating fact was that he'd failed to raise enough funds to prepare for the apocalypse. In the end, Aunt Lucy refused to give him the 30,000 dollars since he couldn't come up with a reasonable explanation as to why he needed such an amount of money.

Of course, Odin wasn't about to continue insisting that he wanted to use the funds to prepare for the apocalypse. He couldn't risk it since he didn't want to worry Aunt Lucy excessively. And if he continued yapping on about the end of the world, she would most likely insist that he undergo a psych evaluation.

Odin didn't have time to waste going to a psychiatrist. So, he swallowed his frustration and started thinking of other ways to obtain the funds.

"What to do?"

Odin frowned as he switched on his phone. It was already Friday, the 29th of July, the year 2033. Going by the prophetic vision, the apocalypse would descend in three days.

In the short time window before the calamity, he had to prepare enough supplies if he wished to survive the start of the apocalypse. He was a mere student with savings totaling a measly amount of about 2,000 dollars. Such an amount wouldn't be enough to prepare the supplies to take his immediate family members through the start of the apocalypse. He was at his wit's end.

"Maybe, Nicole can help."

Odin's eyes glittered with anticipation. Nicole was from a very wealthy family and, by extension, considered a person of considerable means as well. She owned plenty of expensive clothes, branded handbags, and a Porsche car that was usually the source of envy among most of her classmates. An amount of 30,000 dollars was obviously like pocket change to her. If he asked nicely, maybe she would give him the money.

Immediately after making the resolution, Odin went into action. He picked up his phone and dialed Nicole's number. As the call connected, he could feel his heart beating fast with anxiety.

What if she asks why I need the money? Then, how will I respond? Despite his doubts, there was no turning back since the call had already connected. Moreover, he couldn't shy away from the task. He really needed the money.

"Hello, Odin," the excited voice of Nicole resounded in his ear after a few seconds. "How are you feeling? Have you recovered yet?"

"Hello, Nicole," Odin responded, his tone relaxed. "I feel pretty fine, especially since there was nothing wrong with me in the first place."

"That puts my heart at ease," Nicole said. "So, when are you planning to return to the university? Professor Evelyn has been asking for you."

"I can't come back to university yet," Odin answered. "I still have things to do. Nicole! I called to ask for a favor."

"What is it, Odin?"

"I urgently need about 30,000 dollars," he replied. "I'll surely repay you in the future."

What Odin didn't say was that he would probably have to clear the debt using other means. Since the apocalypse was about to descend, printed money would soon become useless. So, humans would again enter the age of batter trade after thousands of years.

"30,000 dollars!" Nicole mumbled from the other end of the line, seeming in thought. "When do you need it?"

"As soon as possible. The faster I can receive it, the better."

"Oh, okay."

"What?"

"I said okay," Nicole said, her voice without fluctuations. It was as if she was deciding a matter of no importance. "Text me your account number, and I'll wire the money right away."

Odin was startled. "Aren't you going to ask me why I need the money?"

"Odin, we've been friends for more than two years. I'm well aware that you wouldn't ask for money if you really didn't need it for something urgent."

"Thanks, Nicole, for your help and understanding," Odin replied after letting out a breath. "I'll surely repay you in the future."

"No problem, Odin. Friends are meant to help each other out. Just go do what you have to do."

"Okay, I'll text you my account number immediately after hanging up. But, just one more thing before you go."

"Yes, Odin!"

"Can you do me a favor and stay indoors on Monday," he said. "Additionally, please remember to purchase plenty of supplies, like ready-to-eat packed food and cartons of bottled water. You'll need to store them at your place before the upcoming Monday."

"Why, Odin?" Nicole asked, seeming a bit startled. "Why do I need to stay indoors on that day?"

"Don't ask questions," Odin said with a sigh. After the experience with his adoptive mother, he wasn't about to repeat the mistake of telling another soul that he'd seen the future. "Trust me, and do this one thing for me, Nicole. If my worries are baseless, you'll only have wasted a few dollars on some supplies. However, if my fears are true, those supplies might save your life."

"Is this related to the abnormal wolf that attacked us?" Nicole asked, her voice lowering slightly.

"In some ways, yes," Odin replied. "Make sure that you stock the supplies at your place before Monday. And whatever happens, ensure that you lock yourself in your house and don't come out on that day. If anything goes wrong, as I expect, then I'll come for you."

"Okay, Odin. I will do as you say and purchase the supplies. Thanks for worrying about me."

"I'm glad that you've considered my suggestion," Odin said, feeling a wave of relief wash over him. "I'll now hang up and send you my bank account number. Thanks again for your help."

"You're welcome. Take care, and have a good day."

"Good day to you too," Odin said before hanging up.

Without losing a second, he searched for his bank information and texted it to Nicole. He then settled back on his bed and waited with bated breath while glancing at his phone's screen.

However, all his worry and anxiety were needless as Nicole was good at keeping promises. About a minute later, his phone vibrated with a message indicating that his bank account had been credited with 30,000 Dollars.

"Finally!"

Odin sighed with relief after perusing through the message. With the money in hand, he would be able to purchase weapons, packaged food, waterproof gear, and many more life-saving supplies. With those preparations, he wouldn't face any problems while protecting himself and his loved ones during the initial stages of the apocalypse.

"First things first, let's start by strengthening my abilities."