Chapter 971 The New World
Three Years had passed since the initial wave of the apocalypse, and the world had undergone a radical transformation. The onslaught of weekly waves had brought despair and chaos initially, but it also fueled humanity's determination to adapt, survive, and overcome.
In the human world, the once-ordinary citizens had evolved into formidable warriors. Those brave enough to venture into the mysterious towers had returned with newfound powers, skills, and enchanted items. These abilities ranged from manipulating elements to harnessing the arcane, each gift tailored to the individual's journey within the tower.
"With the new powers, we can take on the monsters more effectively," proclaimed a seasoned Hero, his blade wreathed in flames.
They no longer trembled at the sight of the creatures emerging from the portals. Fear had been replaced by a steely resolve, as they had learned not only to fight back, but to do so with skill and strategy.
The screen, once an enigma, had become their guide, offering invaluable insights and instructions. Guilds flourished, and a rank-based system emerged, with the most skilled fighters earning the coveted title of "Hero." These Heroes, veterans of countless battles, led the charge against the waves of monsters.
"Heroes, form up! We've got incoming!" shouted a commanding figure, rallying their comrades as the next wave loomed on the horizon.
Scientific minds had shifted their focus from the mysteries of the universe to the practicalities of survival. Laboratories buzzed with activity as researchers worked tirelessly to unlock the secrets behind the powers bestowed by the towers.
"We must understand this phenomenon, not for curiosity, but for our continued existence," a renowned scientist emphasized, determined to find a way to replicate these powers for the masses.
Lost in her thoughts, she continued walking, the footsteps growing louder. Then, suddenly, the world snapped into sharp focus. It wasn't just one set of footsteps; it was many. Panic surged through her veins as she turned around, only to be met with a chilling sight. She was surrounded by the monsters.
However, she wasn't worried in the slightest.
Her unfounded confidence rested in the belief that Hel's Spirit—created by Rudy, the guardian entity of their town, would protect her from harm's way. It had always been there, a comforting presence, just like it always had.
In her mind, the moment the monsters dared to encroach upon her, they would be promptly reduced to dust. That was the way it had been— Rudy's love saved her.
But as she stood there, encircled by grotesque creatures, the very essence of her sense of safety crumbled. The monsters, no longer mindless beasts, had evolved both in intellect and adaptability. They had learned to hide in shadows, to strike from the periphery, and their once-inescapable fate now eluded them, emerging to ambush their prey, to feed on them. Those that survived the initial onslaught now hunted humans with a newfound cunning. They remained whole, tangible and menacing, defying the rules that had governed their existence before.
Rebecca's grocery bag slipped from her trembling fingers as her heart pounded in her chest. She had become apathetic, resigned to her fate, but now, as she stood surrounded by these creatures, a flicker of fear ignited within her. She didn't want to die like this, to be torn apart by monsters.
The first monster leaped at her, teeth bared and claws extended. Rebecca's scream was stifled in her throat as she braced for the inevitable. But something was wrong. Under normal circumstances, the monsters would have evaporated into dust the moment they attempted to harm her. Yet, they remained, tangible and menacing.
In that moment, Rebecca's fear escalated. Panic gripped her as she struggled to comprehend the situation. She didn't want her life to end this way, to become mere fodder for these abominations.
Rebecca's sense of security, once unshakable, was shattered. Her newfound fear gripped her as she confronted the cold, harsh reality that Hel's Spirit, for reasons unknown, had forsaken her.