Chapter 37: The World After the Prologue (2)

***As they drew closer to North Manchuria, the scenery outside the truck began to change.The seemingly endless plains came to an end, giving way to mountains and rivers.On the mountain range, which was just a bit bigger than the hills, coniferous trees formed sparse forests. Thin ice floated on the meandering river that flowed along the mountains, and the cold air stung the nose.Only then did it feel that they were truly getting close to Siberia."We’re almost there. Come on, everyone, wake up! Final weapon check before the mission!"Tian Lin's voice reached Yeomyeong’s ears as he was taking in the scenery. When he turned his head, he saw that Tian Lin was already fully armed.Like the other mercenaries who were just waking up, Yeomyeong also took out his weapon bag without complaint.The Remington MH750 and grenades provided by Jang Man, and the three steel swords supplied by the mercenary group.Although they were all close combat weapons, none of the other mercenaries bothered to point that out.After all, the newcomer wouldn’t have any opportunity to fire a gun during a support mission for the expedition. It was enough that the experienced mercenaries carried guns.Just as all the mercenaries had finished arming themselves and the military truck began to decelerate…...?Yeomyeong felt his senses plummeting. No, his reality stretched long.The sound of the military truck’s engine and Vice Captain Kim Mansoo’s retching grew faint, as if coming from a distant place.He tried to draw his mana, but his mind had long since detached from his body.—Amidst the expanded reality, a shadow surged forth.It was a primordial shadow that swallowed even starlight in the night sky, and at the same time… it was a familiar shadow.Yeomyeong called out her name before he realized it. However, there was no response.The shadow silently enveloped his spirit and lifted him.He soared high above the expanded world, with his spirit separated from his body. Everything below started to become distant.The military truck was the first to become distant. Followed by the mountain range of Manchuria, and finally, the Korean Peninsula became distant.Eventually, once he soared high enough to reach the stars, a voice flowed from within the shadows.『My Chosen One.』

It was a desirous voice, detached from reality. Only then did Yeomyeong realize this was all a dream.

And not just any dream, but Mignium’s dream.

『Look over there.』

Heeding the shadow, Yeomyeong looked west. The first thing that caught his eye was the United States.

The land of supermen, the victor of the Cold War, the strongest human nation.However, the place was shrouded in darkness. Only one source of light could be seen—a small, glimmering orb deep within Washington.

『Can you feel it?』

Yeomyeong couldn’t tell what that light orb was, but he nodded. Searᴄh the Novёlƒire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

Even in the expanded world, he could vividly feel the light orb from that distant land, as if it were within reach.

『Now, find the next orb.』

His gaze then shifted to Australia—Specifically, the western side of the Australian continent, to a place called Lord Howe Island.

Yeomyeong knew that place well, because the building on that beautiful island was none other than the famous Lord Howe Academy.However, the moment he focused on the academy, he narrowed his eyes.Unlike the United States, there were six orbs glittering at the academy.Some orbs were more brilliant than others, some were broken, and some were hidden...However, the combined light emitted by the six orbs couldn’t be concealed. The array of the different lights intertwining was almost blinding....What in the world were those orbs?Questions flooded his mind, but no answers came. Mignium’s shadow then directed his gaze to the next place.

『Look below once more.』

Directly below him, between the Korean Peninsula dyed in a somber red and Siberia bathed in darkness— Manchuria.There were two sparkling orbs. One was hastily heading north from the Manchurian base, while the other was right in front of the Manchurian rift.The moment he realized this, Yeomyeong's mind plummeted downwards.Not towards the military truck he was riding in but to the top of the hill overlooking the Rift.It was the location of the North Manchurian base Tian Lin mentioned. The base should have been filled with armed mercenaries and superhumans, but now, nothing but burning ruins remained.Monsters swarmed around the nearby hills and forests, and the gunfire from the desperate mercenaries echoed.Was this an illusion within a dream? Or a prophetic dream?It was neither. The scene unfolding before his eyes was the reality taking place in real time.Yeomyeong turned his gaze towards himself in reality.Not too far from the burning base, he saw the military truck of the Sonjuk Mercenary Group. Unaware of what was happening, the mercenaries were approaching the base unguarded…Strange figures wearing pig and cow heads were charging at them.Could it be… was the Korean government responsible for the destruction of the North Manchurian base? But why?Amidst the growing questions, Mignium spoke.

『Fate has awakened.』

『All the masters of fate have risen as well.』『You must rightfully seize their fates.』

Incomprehensible words within an incomprehensible dream.

Yeomyeong glared at Mignium, demanding an explanation.But the dream's owner, Mignium, did not resolve his doubts. Instead, she silently smiled and dismissed him.

『Do strive harder, my Chosen One.』

The dream turned upside down. The expanded world contracted, and his mind flew back to his body.As Mignium's shadow receded and the smell of death and blood stung his nose, Yeomyeong woke up from the dream.

***

Having smelt something burning, Tian Lin stuck his head out of the military truck.The smell was wafting from beyond the coniferous forests of North Manchuria. Was it just the smell of gunpowder? No. Along with the gunpowder, there was also the scent of burning wood and flesh.Tian Lin frowned and saw black smoke rising into the sky as he looked up.That was undoubtedly an ominous sign.He picked up the radio and tried to make contact with the North Manchurian base. However, there was no response, even the signal tone was absent.Being a seasoned mercenary, Tian Lin did not disregard his instincts. Something had gone wrong, and things had taken a turn for the worst."Halt! Everyone stop!"He hit the driver's seat to stop the truck and gathered the attention of the other mercenaries.The mercenaries, who were gearing up, looked at him in confusion and then frowned as they too noticed the smoke filling the sky."That can’t be...""Leader, what’s happening in North Manchuria?""I can't tell because communication is down. For now... our mercenary group will disembark here. Wake those who are still sleeping! Secure the perimeter!"As soon as Tian Lin gave the order, Yeomyeong, who had his eyes shut, opened them slowly."...Newcomer?"As the Newcomer opened his eyes, the air around him grew heavy. Was he finally feeling tense in the face of danger?No, that didn’t seem to be the case.With a rigid expression, Yeomyeong drew his sword and shotgun and approached Tian Lin."Senior Tian Lin. We need to retreat immediately.""Retreat? Are you scared or something?”"There’s no time. A part of the unit needs to retreat and alert the rear. North Manchuria has already fallen.""Fallen? What are you talking about—?"Tian Lin was unable to continue his question.The next moment, something flew towards the military truck carrying the other mercenaries.By the time Tian Lin figured out what it was, the rocket had already struck the truck.!!It was a powerful explosion. Unable to withstand the impact, the thick military truck was lifted off the ground.Flames, screams, perplexity, and fear mingled with the shockwaves that struck the mercenary group.Tian Lin, who was in the truck right beside it, was also thrown into the air and fell to the ground."Ugh, goddamn… it."Fortunately, he landed on soft dirt. Although his head was ringing, he wasn’t seriously injured."""My arm! My arm!"However, unlike Tian Lin, who was somewhat lucky, those who hadn’t died instantly were screaming, having lost their limbs or been hit by shrapnel in vital spots. Most of their injuries couldn’t be treated with the on-site first aid kits they had."200 meters ahead! In the western woods! More than 10 enemies!""Damn it, RETURN FIRE!"Those who were still conscious began returning fire in the direction the rocket had come from.The loud sound of gunfire filled the air.However, it was nothing more than suppressive fire. The firepower they could project with their rifles was limited against enemies hiding among the coniferous trees.It might have been different if they had brought grenades or mortars, but the weapons issued to the mercenaries were just automatic rifles and shotguns.It was inevitable. They were here to hunt monsters, not wage war against armed humans.The mercenary group was now facing a hopeless situation. It was only a matter of time before they were all wiped out.“Damn it, everyone, retreat! Disperse into the forest!!”Having assessed the situation, Tian Lin called for a retreat. Following his orders, some mercenaries started to run behind the cover.However, as soon as they turned their backs, the enemies fired rockets again.Were they using magic? Because the enemy's rockets landed precisely above the mercenaries’ heads.Amidst the exploding blasts, blood and flesh scattered. Many mercenaries were swept away without even having the chance to scream.“Retreat! Retreat!”The odds were already stacked against them. Though it was unclear how the Newcomer knew that, there were high chances that North Manchuria was in shambles as well.“Don’t let yourself die in vain! I said, RETREAT!”Contrary to his words, Tian Lin moved forward and fired his gun. He intended to buy time for his subordinates to escape....Tian Lin scanned his surroundings even as the sound of gunfire rang in his ears.No matter what, those two had to escape alive.Tian Lin pulled a grenade from his belt, tossed it, and took cover behind the foremost truck.By divine providence, the two he was looking for were also taking cover not too far from him.The two were conversing with their weapons drawn. They didn't seem to be in bad shape.Unlike the Newcomer, who only had slightly damaged clothes, Kim Mansoo was scorched in several places... but such wounds were superficial to a Superhuman.Breathing a sigh of relief, Tian Lin shouted at them."Newcomer! Vice Captain! At this rate, the monsters will start moving south! Both of you should retreat and alert the Manchurian base!”Even at the expense of the rest of the mercenaries, they had to stop the monsters from moving south. With a ruthless heart, Tian Lin gave orders to the other mercenaries.“Everyone who’s still alive, provide support! Cover those two! Buy them time!”As soon as Tian Lin gave the command, the two began to move.However, not towards a path of retreat, but towards the enemy.