Chapter 2: I Will Follow You
[Ding, Are you certain you want to select the special class Jack-of-all-Trades? Yes/No]
"Yes," Li Wei replied without hesitation.
[Ding, Congratulations to the host for choosing the special class Jack-of-all-Trades.]
**CHARACTER PANEL/Start**
Name : Li Wei | Age : 17 | Race : Human
Class : Jack-of-all-Trades (F)
Level : 0
SP : 10 | AP : 10
Coins : 100
*STATUS*:
HP : 100/100
MP : 60/60
XP : 0/100
*ATTRIBUTES* :
Strength : 8 | Agility : 9
Intelligence : 12 | Endurance : 10
Luck : 8
*SKILLS*:
None
**CHARACTER PANEL/End**
"That's it, I really didn't get any skills," Li Wei muttered, checking his panel. It didn't change except for the class stat.
"Hmm, there is a change in the shop," Li Wei noticed.
"Oh, there are all types of class skills divided into it. But isn't it a bit expensive, 999 and 1999 coins for basic skills?" he complained at their prices.
"Brother Wei, what should we do now?" Li Xin asked, finishing her pizza.
*Slurp*
Li Wei took a sip of cola and answered, "Hmm, let's see, with this much commotion, I don't think the country will just watch," he replied, thinking about the situation.
"Then what should we do? They will definitely ask people to fight if they couldn't handle the monsters," Li Xin asked with a concern.
"Hmm, it's really a difficult situation," Li Wei frowned.
"The announcement said it was an invasion of monsters, so they will definitely come through some cracks, gates, or they might even be aliens who will arrive in their spaceships.
We are not safe anywhere, and I think the country has also noticed it; that's why they are not taking any immediate action about how to fight and only managing the civil unrest," he explained after carefully organizing his thoughts.
"Well, doesn't it mean that monsters can directly descend inside the city? If the cities start to fall, then what should we do?" Li Xin frowned, knowing the gravity of the situation.
Other people beside them were also hearing their conversation seriously because what Li Wei said was right, they focused on them silently wanting to know how they will deal with this.
"You're right," Li Wei nodded with a straight face, "the best way is to kidnap a chef who will make pizza for us every day." He suggested the solution that he came up with.
Li Xin pondered for a second before replying, "Yes, but who should we kidnap? There are many chefs, and we don't know all their skills." She expressed her concerns about the quality of pizza.
The people beside them were dumbfounded after hearing their suggestions.
"What on Earth are you two talking about?"
"Yeah, it's just pizza. Shouldn't you be more concerned about the fate of the planet?"
"Indeed, if the Earth crumbles, you won't have a pizza to worry about," they remarked.
"Hmm, what do you mean the Earth would fall? It wouldn't collapse that easily, unless some creepy alien wanted to snack on it. Or do you really think our countries are building weapons just to fight humans?" Li Wei questioned.
"But there are still limits to what the countries can do," a person stated.
"Hmm, you're right, but did you forget that every Earthling has received a novice system and will be able to use a bit of magic?" Li Wei countered.
This time, the person fell silent and didn't respond.
Li Wei ignored him and turned to Li Xin. "XinXin, let's go home," he said, it was time to leave the restaurant.
"But brother, what about the chef? When should we kidnap it?" Li Xin asked with a concerned expression.
"Don't worry XinXin. The country will definitely give rewards to the people who fight against the monsters. We don't need money, status or anything; we just need pizza every day for whole life. I don't think the country will be that stingy with its people and reject us," Li Wei said as if he figured out everything.
"Wow, brother Wei, you're really a genius. You even found a way to keep eating pizza without kidnapping a chef," Li Xin exclaimed, looking at Li Wei as if he was some kind of genius scientist who had won the Nobel Prize for her.
"Haha, as I said, if you eat pizza, you'll become smarter," Li Wei laughed, ruffling her hair. They left after paying for their bills.
"Does pizza really make people smarter? Waiter, give me a pizza with extra cheese," a person who listened to their conversation made a order, thinking that pizza will make him smart.
"Wait, wait, brother, don't listen to their nonsense. It's an apocalypse time, not a comedy," someone stopped him as it was not a time to joke.
Li Wei and Li Xin arrived at their apartment, which had been left to them by their parents, allowing them to live freely without any troubles.
"XinXin, go pack your clothes and some equipment you might need. We need to be prepared," Li Wei instructed as soon as he got inside the apartment.
"Um, Okay Brother," Li Xin agreed, heading towards her room. She would listen to her brother no matter what.
Li Wei also headed to his room and packed his clothes and some equipment. He then opened a locker inside the cabinet, looking at the gun with a few magazines and some bullets around it.
"I never thought I would have to take this gun out," he murmured as he carefully took out the gun and magazines. It was the same firearm his dad had brought from who knows where.
'A total of 37 bullets, huh? It might still not be enough,' he thought as he packed the gun and magazines.
After a few minutes, they both came out from their rooms, carrying a backpack filled with their clothes and equipment.
"What should we do now, Brother?" asked Li Xin as she settled on the sofa.
"Hmm, let's see how the country will react first. I also have other plans," Li Wei replied, taking a seat beside her.
Ring, ring, ring...
Their mobile phones began to ring simultaneously.
"Listen, this is an emergency broadcast, This is an emergency broadcast. Everyone should already know that the Earth will be facing an invasion of monsters. The country will do its best to provide support. We hope that people will participate with their new skills, especially healers and combat classes. The country will definitely reward you and grant merits for your hard work on the battlefield."
This message continued to play every few minutes, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
[Ding, **Global Announcement**: The first phase Monster Invasion will commence in 59 minutes and 59 seconds. Please be prepared.]×3
Suddenly, a countdown window appeared in front of everyone, casting a momentary silence over the entire Earth.
"Brother, only an hour left," Li Xin remarked, as she felt the tension.
"I know. Let's get out of here. We should stay close to the ground and avoid tall buildings. Who knows, they might emerge from the ground, causing earthquakes," Li Wei suggested as he grabbed his backpack and headed out of their apartment with her.
"We should prioritize getting the skill 'Item Box' from the shop. But it costs 999 coins for an item box. We might have to defeat some monsters to gain XP and level up," Li Wei murmured as they both made their way toward an area with less people.
"Umm Brother, I'm a little nervous," Li Xin admitted, holding his hand tightly.
"Don't worry, everything will be alright," Li Wei reassured her with a smile and gently squeezed her hand.
He, too, felt nervous. This is not a game; but reality, the consequences were dire they will die if they lose.
[Ding, **Global Announcement**: The first phase Monster Invasion will commence in 10 minutes and 59 seconds. Please be prepared.]×3
With every countdown everyone on earth became nervous and panicked. Everyone was afraid of unknown.
They didn't know how powerful monsters will be and where they would come from.
"Brother, my heartbeat is speeding up," Li Xin murmured, clinging tightly to Li Wei.
"Mine is too, but don't worry, everything will be alright," Li Wei reassured her, caressing her back and holding her close in a comforting embrace.
"Brother if you die, I will follow you," Li Xin declared, looking deeply into his eyes. He is her world, the only family she has left after her parents' departure.
He is been her everything, helping her overcome her fear of the outside world, bringing laughter back into her life, all while silently suppressing his own sorrow. He never asked for help; he simply endured in silence.
"I will follow after you too," Li Wei responded, locking eyes with Li Xin and tenderly patting her head.
In his darkest moments, her presence has been his beacon of hope, helping him overcome his inner struggles. Without her, he might have succumbed to depression.
They both didn't know what the future lay ahead; it might be the destruction of the earth or an unlucky encounter. But it was useless to be afraid at this point; they have to face it, or they would die.
[Ding, **Global Announcement**: The first phase Monster Invasion will begin in 3 seconds. Please be prepared.]×3
[Ding, **Warning**: The first phase of the Monster Invasion has commenced.]
[Ding, **Global Announcement**: The first phase of the Monster Invasion has initiated. During this phase, monsters up to B Rank will descend. The Monster Invasion is projected to last for 2 hours.]
[Ding, **Global Announcement**: Due to the global invasion of monsters, the system will introduce a new quest for more information look at your panel.]
As the cold, robotic voice announced, everyone became tense.
Wang Lei, a clad in a military uniform, scanned the crowd before him, his gaze filled with vigilance. "Have you spotted any monsters yet?" he inquired, his tone tinged with concern.
Chen Hao, standing beside him, shook his head. "Not yet, but all the city's residents have armed themselves with swords and shields acquired from the system shop," he reported.
Wang Lei furrowed his brow in thought. "What about civil unrest?"
"Yes, there were some disturbances, but we managed to contain them," Chen Hao replied.
Concern etched on Wang Lei's face, he pressed further. "And what about the patients in the hospital?"
Chen Hao's expression turned somber. "All the doctors have chosen to take up the healer class and are using their newfound skills to treat the patients. However, they're struggling with the most critical cases," he reported.
As the realization of the impending monster invasion had gripped the world, countries took swift action to maintain order and provide aid.
The military was put on high alert, and doctors were encouraged to adopt the healer class to attend to the injured.
The system had also supplied basic equipment to individuals, offering them some semblance of defense against the impending threat.
"Hey, look! What's that?"
"Are those monsters?"
"Yeah, they're coming!"
All eyes turned toward the sky, where distant specks were rapidly enlarging, filling the air with trepidation.
"All people, prepare to defend! Monsters are falling from the sky! Seek shelter under roofs!" Wang Lei's urgent voice boomed.
"Prepare the guns and missiles, be ready to strike if it's a bigger threat," he commanded, his tone resolute.
"Yes!" Chen Hao replied, determination in his voice.
In the sky, helicopters and fighter jets buzzed around, their pilots gazing at the descending monsters with trepidation.
"Report: Monsters are appearing directly from thin air. No other things are detected," a pilot relayed.
"Alright, keep an eye on them. If any big monsters appear, engage immediately," ordered Wang Lei through the communication tool.
"Roger."
*Roaaaaar*
Suddenly, a piercing cry from the sky drew the pilots' attention. Thousands of monsters appeared in the heavens, and the sound of their monstrous cries intensified the chaos.
"Report: Thousands of monsters have appeared in the sky. They look like they're straight out of games—slimes, goblins, werewolves, minotaurs, trolls... and they're all falling down, awaiting instructions," the pilot reported.
"Open fire! Shoot them down!"
"Copy that. Fire!"
*Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!*
The machine gun inside one of the helicopters erupted with deafening gunfire as it targeted the falling monsters. Weak creatures perished, while the stronger ones continued to roar in agony.
"Chopper one, look back! Look back!"
"What? Ret–"
*Booom! Crash!*
Before he could complete his sentence, a thunderous explosion rent the air. High-level monsters launched long-range attacks, reducing the helicopter to scrap.
"Report: We've lost chopper one. There are some mon–"
*Boom! Crash*
Once more, another thunderous explosion cut off the communication.
*Roaraa*
A massive wyvern appeared, hurling the helicopter aside, its monstrous cry reverberating through the sky as it descended menacingly upon the city.
"Fire missiles now!" commanded Wang Lei with an ugly face.
*Bang! Bang! Boom! Bang!*
The missiles shot out, bombarding the wyvern in the sky.
*Ghaaaaa!*
The wyvern screamed in pain, its wings severely damaged, and its black acidic blood oozed from its wounds.
It decided to retreat, fleeing from the relentless barrage of missiles.
*Bang! Bang! Bang!*
Meanwhile, the lower-level monsters reached the ground.
Many perished upon impact, but others survived, landing amidst the lifeless bodies of their fallen kin.
*Ghaaaa! Rawarrrr! Phdsssd!*
Various monstrous cries filled the air as the creatures writhed in pain.
"Hey, look! They're already injured. We don't have to worry too much!" someone shouted, raising hopes among the onlookers.
However, their optimism was short-lived as they witnessed a shocking sight—monsters eating other monsters.
To their horror, the feasting creatures rapidly healed as if by magic.
*Roarrrr! Gahaaa!*
"What? No way! They can recover just like that?" Panic spread through the crowd.
"Ahaaaaaa!" A person's scream pierced the chaos as he was attacked by a stronger monster, losing his hands in the gruesome encounter.
"Oh no! Run! I don't want to fight!"
"Mom, save me!"
"God, please save us!"
"Help! Someone, help!"
Desperation filled the hearts of those who watched their companions being devoured and slaughtered by the relentless horde of monsters.
"Ahh, fight! Fight them! It's the only way we can survive!"
"Let's form groups to take on the larger monsters!"
"Healers, heal! Combatants, attack!"
In this dire moment, brave individuals emerged to lead the charge. Without their intervention, the casualties would have been even greater.
The battle for survival had begun, and the Earth's inhabitants were determined to fight back against the monstrous invaders.
*****
[Ding, you have received your quest:
1. Kill 1 monster
- Completion: 0/1
- Reward: 10 coins, 1 AP, 1 SP
- Difficulty: F-
2. Kill 5 monsters
- Completion: 0/5
- Reward: 100 coins, 5 AP, 5 SP
- Difficulty: F
3. Kill 10 monsters
- Completion: 0/10
- Reward: 1000 coins, 10 AP, 10 SP
- Difficulty: F+]
"So we have to kill monsters, huh?" Li Wei murmurmed as he checked his panel for the quest and looked ahead.
"it's starting, XinXin," he observed looking at the sky, and saw monsters falling like rain, while military fighting against it.
'I never thought they would fall from the sky like this,' he thought.
"Brother, look, there are also monsters above us, but they don't seem that many," Li Xin mentioned, watching the sky above them.
"It's because there are not many people here," Li Wei replied with a relief.
There were a lot of people who chose to come here, but still not that many.
As long as you didn't create trouble, the military wouldn't bother even if you stayed alone.
*Bang! Bang! Bang! Boom!*
Suddenly, monsters started to fall on the ground in front of them.
A few were barely alive, after surviving the crash, and screamed in pain.
"Let's go kill them while they are weak," Li Wei suggested as he headed to kill one with the iron sword he bought from the system shop for 40 coins.
"Okay," Li Xin agreed and followed behind him with her sword.
Li Wei arrived in front the goblins and looked at it with disgusted face.
"Damn, it's really disgusting, especially their black acidic blood," he cursed and thrust his sword into the goblin's head, killing it.
*Gwaaaa!*
The goblin let out a shriek before it died.
[Ding, Congratulations for killing a Level 1 Goblin. You gained 10 XP]
[Ding, congratulations on completing the quest 'Kill 1 monster.' You have received the rewards: 10 coins, 1 AP, and 1 SP]
"Ugh, damn, it feels disgusting," Li Wei expressed, feeling the sword as it cut through the flesh.
"Brother, are you all right?" Li Xin asked with concern.
"Don't worry about me, I'm all right. It's your turn to kill them. It will feel disgusting, but we have to get used to it," Li Wei stated with a wry smile.
Li Xin nodded with an unwilling expression but didn't hesitate, thrusting the sword at the goblin that was lucky to survive.
*Gwaaaa!* The goblin screamed in pain before succumbing to death.
[Ding, Congratulations for killing a Level 1 Goblin. You gained 10 XP]
[Ding, congratulations on completing the quest 'Kill 1 monster.' You have received the rewards: 10 coins, 1 AP, and 1 SP]
Li Xin received a notification, but her face looked pale.
"Are you all right, XinXin?" Li Wei asked with a heavy heart.
He didn't want to see her in pain, but with monsters in the world, there is no choice but to kill them.
They have to get used to it, even if they are unwilling.
"I'm all right, Brother," Li Xin replied, her voice trembling slightly.
She couldn't hide the disgust she felt from having to kill the monster, but she also understood that there was no other choice in this harsh, new world.