Chapter 375 [Bonus ] The Great Earthquake
[SYSTEM ALERT]
~The Second Wave Of ARMAGEDDON Will Now Commence!~
<The Second Scenario: Let The Sky Fall, Will Now Be Initiated>
[SYSTEM INFORMATION]
<Second Scenario: Let The Sky Fall>
[Scenario Information]
<Week 1>
There will be a great earthquake.
[Quest Update]
<Quest 1>
Survive The First Week
<Quest 2>
Challenge The First Mystery Of The Five Miseries And Solve It
<Quest 3>
Defeat The Boss And End The Scenario
[Rewards Such As Karma Points And Items Will Be Given For Each Quest Accomplished]
~BEST OF LUCK!~
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>RUMBLE!<
>RUMBLE!<
>RUMBLE!<
As was prophesied by the System, the moment the Second Scenario began, the earth began to tremble.
No, perhaps that was too tame an explanation.
It cracked and crumbled, vibrated and rumbled, creaked and swayed—breaking apart like old furniture.
This occurred all over the world, all without prejudice.
Anyone who had remotely any contact with land was bound to suffer for it, most dying in the process.
Fortunately, the Alliance had already prepared for this.
As people hurriedly sought shelter, seeking safety from the unpredictable tremors that threatened their very foundations, those who had fallen under the banner of the Alliance had no need for worry.
Rather, excitement awaited them. Amidst the chaos, several bases all over the world whirred into action. These buildings, unmistakably belonging to the esteemed 'Gifted Alliance,' started to defy gravity.
As the tremors grew more violent, the structures housing the Gifted Alliance, responded in a way that showcased their unique capabilities. Slowly, steadily, the buildings started to levitate, defying the pull of the quaking earth.
People on the devastating gasped in awe and disbelief as the buildings gently detached from the ground, their foundations seemingly irrelevant in the face of this unprecedented crisis. The Gifted Alliance had prepared for such a cataclysmic event, harnessing their extraordinary abilities to safeguard their precious knowledge, resources, and the people within their care.
With a seamless coordination that spoke of intricate attention to detail for the synchronization, the buildings rose higher and higher into the air.
Architects and engineers with exceptional spatial manipulation talents skillfully guided the levitation process, carefully maintaining the structural integrity of the floating structures. However, they all had to give honor to whom it was due.
The grand visionary of this entire project was none other than Pariah, their Grandmaster.
Cheers of victory and sighs of relief echoed from the Gifteds who took solace in their sheltered haven of safety. Even as they watched the few foolish ones perish, they were simply glad to be alive.
It almost felt like the time of Noah from the stories of the Holy Books. However, instead of a Great Flood, an earth-shattering Earthquake riddled the world. Instead of an Ark, there were multiple bases.
… And instead of Noah, there was the Pariah.
The Gifted Alliance had become a beacon of hope, their defiance against the destructive earthquakes instilling a sense of wonder and reassurance among the members.
Once again, cementing the position of their 'Noah'
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'What idiots.' I thought to myself as I watched the bright eyes of the members of the Omega Team.
I had taken the place of their leader, Luke, so I needed to act the part. However, seeing the starry-eyed expressions of the innocent people before made it almost comical to me.
'Whether this is a floating castle or not, a lot of people are going to die.'
And that was because this global earthquake was simply a prelude. Something akin to a warning sign, or a signal of what was to come.
'Like how Towers suddenly appeared in the sky as a result of the Four Horsemen Scenario.' My thoughts flowed.'
The major concern for this Second Scenario was to complete the Quests. However, this Second Phase was particularly wicked because it was nearly impossible to complete one Quest without the other.
'There are currently three Quests…'
One was to Survive
The Second was to 'Solve' the Mystery of the Misery
The Third was to defeat the 'Boss'.
All three of them were connected.
Of course, I didn't mean that everyone had to find the Boss or solve the mystery. However, the simple implication was that someone had to do it.
If not, the calamity would be so severe that a lot of people would find even the first Quest utterly impossible.
'Something doesn't seem right, though. Paul should know about this, yet these people seem so blissfully unaware. Is he keeping them in the dark?'
I nearly chuckled out loud once I imagined the prospect of that being the case.
'To think Paul would resort to doing something I would do. Looks like he's grown quite a bit… unlike someone else I know.'
Sariel was busy with certain matters, so she wasn't here with me. Still, during times like these, I missed her company.
My eyes narrowed as I watched the cracked and shattered earth, spreading across as far as my eyes could see. The holes and cracks were already glowing crimson, and seeing it made my lips subconsciously curl into a smile.
'For all those who think they are safe, look closely…' My grin widened.
'... And think again!'
******
Across continents and oceans, from the highest mountains to the deepest valleys, the land quivered as if in the throes of an immense and vengeful beast. No corner of the globe was spared from this rampant devastation.
Massive cracks and fissures spiderwebbed across the terrain, splitting open the once-solid ground with an eerie precision. These fractures, like deep wounds in the earth's flesh, seethed with an otherworldly energy. From within these rifts, flame-like glows emerged, casting an ominous light upon the crumbling landscape.
The glimmers of fiery luminescence pulsated and danced, creating an ethereal display that sent shivers down the spines of those unfortunate enough to witness it. The vibrant hues of crimson, orange, and deep violet flickered and swirled, casting distorted shadows on the trembling ground.
As the earthquakes continued to rend the earth, the cracks widened, birthing an unholy legion. From the depths of the infernal abyss, demons clawed their way through the jagged crevices, their malevolence radiating with each emerged entity. They were beings of twisted form and grotesque visage, their features contorted by centuries of darkness and malefic intent.
With razor-sharp talons and fiery eyes, the demons spilled forth onto the trembling land. Their presence exuded an aura of dread, their very essence steeped in chaos and destruction. Some crawled on all fours, their sinewy bodies contorting with an unnerving fluidity, while others towered with hulking frames that defied human comprehension.
Their skin, tinged with a sickly pallor, bore intricate patterns that seemed to writhe and shift, echoing the swirling glows from the depths of the fissures. Malevolent laughter and guttural growls filled the air, a cacophony of unholy voices that echoed the terror and torment they intended to unleash upon the world.
As the demons emerged, their eyes, aglow with an infernal fire, scanned their surroundings with a hunger for chaos and souls. With gnarled claws and serrated teeth, they sought to rend and tear, reveling in the imminent chaos that was at hand.
The war that had to emerge.
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[A/N]
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