11 Arc 1: Chapter 9
[ Mission Task:
1.Protect Martin Arden.
2.Survive until of old age.
3. Find the antidote.
Mission Reward:
1. Skill (?) 2. 500pts.]
Worl Energy Level: F
[Host, the data gathered was insuficient. The main system's connection was cut off, however, the subsystem were installed with a program protocol that ensures the safety of the host, mission completion and mission rewards. The Main System was currently cleaning the glitches, it was unknown, When it will recover its function. The memory imprint of this world seemed to have faded due to an error, creating various loopholes and problems that the host may encounter. No complete explanation as to what phenomenon affects the worlds conscious trajectory. May host be cautious of dealing with the worlds fate. It may affect host's mental and spiritual body. Please proceed with caution.]
Bastian blinked. He felt incredulous by the sudden change of the Systems mission interface. From a little difficult to simply simple. He's already doing the first mission. The second one is a little tough, but can be accomplished. And the third one, is just too easy. He already had an idea where it was. Thus, he felt that there's really not much of a challenge.
He wasn't against the system, and he wasn't a masochist who'd look for trouble when he was already given a much easier task to complete.
However, it seems that he will be dealing with it blindly since no information were transmitted and saved. He glanced at Martin walking towards their vehicle, his back straight and he seemed aloof, however, the red tips of his ear already betrayed him infront of Bastian. Bastian felt like chuckling. He pressed his lips, biting the inside of his cheek to avoid the rising curve of his lips.
Bastian knew, he shouldn't feel this way. It was just a mission. He wasn't even halfway to the mission he needed to complete, and he was currently affected by this feeling called affection.
Martin was simply a breath of fresh air. It caught his attention. It was wrong to be this greatly influenced by a person who will remain here.
Although he knew, he still couldn't prevent it from happening. With a wistful sigh, Bastian followed along Martin. His deep gaze only following that slender silhouette, thinking, 'Since he needs to survive and live through this apocalypse, he still have a plenty of time to be with this person. He'd just consider it as his vacation, a vacation with a very amusing person.
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"Eusto, it seemed that that general Amadeus made a move. Thanks to your initial warning, we were able to avoid any conflicts. The report stated that the general ambushed a military group. Did you-
"It's fine. He wont die." Eusto cut off Allen's worried voice. He looked at the tall man beside him. Eusto felt like it was just yesterday when he died, carrying all the memories of his and his lover's death at the hand of that man. Such a terrifying and horrid man- General Amadeus. He fiddled with his hand gun, lips pursing as he thought of that bastard. "Martin won't die. They have no conflict of interest, the General won't harm him. Why are you even worrying about him? Aren't I your lover? Besides, Martin should've expected a little compensation to me. He left us on our own accord after he sucker punch at my face. don't you think I've been lenient?" Eusto grumbled, his anger rising again as he thought of that day. Martin, at that time, was still his boyfriend. Eusto must admit, it was his mistake and sin, thus he cannot complain even if he wants to. Martin discovered their relationship much Earlier, he caught the two of them kissing at the veranda.
The reborn Eusto, also suddenly returned to that time, however, the moment he emerged was at that time where he was punched. He couldn't dodge and Allen didnt even budge. Eusto felt like something was truly wrong. He was dead. His lover is dead. And Martin seemed younger. He was confused, unable to fully react at what just happened.
That time, seeing Allen. He was truly relieved. So relieved he cried and even forgot the bruise on his cheek and cut on his lips.
He came back. He came back carrying all the future memories he had experienced.
He also remembered how Martin denied his invitation. He thought that they can accomplish many things with Martin around. However, it seemed Martin having chosen to decline, escaped his death. The betrayal of the General killed Eusto, Allen and the whole team who participated at that time. The virus resources from the meteor were stolen. It was a tragedy he couldn't afford to have a repeat at. He would grimace at the memory.
Allen stared at Eusto with a worried gaze. His mouth pursed, thoughts possibly churning, worrying himself to death but still unable to ask. Allen never ask. He never questioned Gusto. Not even once. Even in their past lives, Allen would silently stand behind him, always there to support any decision he makes with a blinded trust.
"I'm fine. Don't worry. General amadeus is planning to use my 'vision' to find it. But... He can't do that. I won't let him. This time- for sure- we will win. After Martin arrived at the base, contact him. Send a coded message. Tell him this..."
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"Rod, bring some of this to the logistics. Trade it with the usual, however add additional portion for Bastian." Martin gestured at Rod, before shooing him away, making the latter click his tongue before following the boss's order.
Passing the scanning and security check, Bunny, Martin and Bastian parted ways with the others. They headed at the house assigned for the team.
Bastian observed the surrounding as he walked beside Martin, his eyes calmly taking in the bustling town-like base. There are various trading shops, small eateries, and even some clothes shop lined up at the sides of the paved street. No loud musics can be heard, but still, for Bastian, the place was too noisy.
"Here's the trading district for the common people. Since the military is currently limited in terms of supplies, they were allowed to do business in here. however, the prices still were in the range of the suggested price, the products being selled is up to them though.
At the east from here, you can find the logistics office. That's the only place where you are permitted to trade for weapons. This trading market is at the center of the base, since the hospital and other departments were mostly stationed here, it was the termed first circle. The second circle is where the normal houses are located. A person can only rent a room if they had 3 people with them since land space is also limited. The third inner circle is where the military personnel, like us, resides. Even those with a higher authority, they can only live at the third Circle. The outer circle is a place where people with superhuman strength lives. It was the first line of defense. It was a shitty arrangement for those with power but it was simply a precaution and is the best for those people without power and strength. This base aims to protect all the inhabitants within. So, What is your plan now?" Martin ask after explaining, his soft stare filled with hope for Bastian to stay with him and his team.
Bastian cough lightly, scratching the back of his head. "I will stay with you and join you team- if its possib-
"Of course it is!" Martin exclaimed with delight. Bastian almost jumped from the sudden enthusiasm. "Im sorry. I mean, it's fine. Staying with us. That is. Ehem."
"Oh. Thank you. Do I have to register or something?" Bastian ask, tone soft and gentle. He felt awkward, but seeing the radiant smile the other is sporting for him, he couldn't helped but feel warm. Bastian blinked, lips slightly lifting upwards.
"Ah! Yes. Don't worry, I'll be the one registering you since I'm the team captain. Also, that man from before. Don't approach that man. He's quite dangerous." Martin said. His brows slightly furrowed by the end of his speech.
"I won't. I don't even know him." Bastian agreed readily.
"Not just that. I want you to promise never to talk to him even if he comes to find you for something. He's not what he seems." Martin continued, watching Bastian nod his head obediently. Then he breath a sigh of relief before continuing to explain the Base's layout.
"The security is tight at the residential areas, thus, it was written in the rule that no vehicles are allowed to enter the premise. Since there were some people who tried to smuggle dangerous things inside during the earlier days. You may be wondering what the military intends to do if the infection broke out, no one can escape. But you see, with such a narrow road, it will be to crowded, so it can't be helped. The base has no time and resources for another expansion. Besides, every circle inside the base have their protective measures, such as automatic barriers and defensive turrets. It may not be the safest, but it was the current ability of the military and the government."
"I see. It seems that this base has a lot of potential for further development In the future." Bastian truly thought so. This is the kind of arrangement were the weak is not considered as bait and food for the undead as well as the night walker.
However, Martin quickly rebutted his statement. His tone depressed and gloomy, a look of exhaustion showed in his usually bright eyes. "It was supposed to be so..." Martin trailed off sadly.
Bastian pursed his lips. Expression darkening. 'It seems something happened. The base is destroyed somewhere in the future. He took a glanced at the residential area, then at Martin who looked like he was deeply contemplating something. Without the memory imprint, Bastian has no idea the course of the future. He wouldn't be able to change anything even if he wanted to. He's not some all powerful God. However, he'd definitely help and support Martin in any ways he can.
Suddenly, Bastian heard something ringing. He glanced at Martins left pocket where a black mobile phone is can be seen. He watched Martin took his phone, read it with a solemn expression, then cursed with a shout. Bastian couldn't helped wondering what the message is all about but he didnt ask, instead, he ask him how communication was maintained despite the apocalypse.
"About that, there were many supers who took a great length to set the communication towers after the base is formed. Back then, I was assigned at the station near south of City D. It was a little difficult but the towers were finally set. There were also people assigned to guard the tower since the nightwalker is getting smarter and smarter. They started destroying some of the towers already set at various region. Each were to take a duty every 3mos. My post is already over, but Bunny and Rod is set for next month." Martin explained. "Don't worry about it. You're already a part of our team, I'd be responsible for your assignment. Let's go back. I have to discuss something with everyone."
"Sure." Bastian muttered as followed behind.
'System, it seems that everything doesn't really match up from the original world trajectory. But, there's no side effect. It was like what is happening is meant to happen. The memory imprint of this world is messed up yet it doesn't really seemed to reject us. I was wondering, if the changes occur much earlier creating a ripple, can the world really maintain its form? I am currently thinking - What if the development of the nightwalkers and the undead evolve faster? Then, doesn't it mean that the zombie tide is to be expected to come much earlier than what It was supposed to? The nightwalkers king will initiate the wave, both the nightwalkers and the undead under its command will attack every human base and settlement, resulting to a much heavier damage compared to the original timeline. The supers, people with a stronger physical and mental capability, is not powerful enough to withstand and protect each base, when the wave arrives. The casualty will surely change and the predator in the apex will change. It will be no longer humans, but rather the nightwalker king itself.'
[This-
Host, according to my calculation. What you said is correct. Due to various circumstances, the attack will be earlier than when it was supposed to. 70% of the humans will die during the second wave, and the remaining shall perish at the third wave.
It was inevitable. The world is coping and healing itself. Thus, it doesn't matter which race is at the top. It just mean that the humans are weak. ]
Hearing the system, Bastian paused, his mind conjuring various possibilities and solution. The world does not only depend on humans anymore. It's development will proceed with or without the humans in it. There should be no problem at first since it was meant to give both the humans and the new race to evolve as well, but the changes happening due unknown circumstances made the world itself conscious. It was being affected, thus, as its defense mechanism, the world is making its evolution faster, making it's habitants to evolve with it just as fast. The problem is, the human race's abilities is not up to par yet compared with the nightwalkers.
There should be two goals to consider to ensure that humans will survive.
First: The antidote or antibody for the virus.
Second: Kill the King before it fully develop its psychic ability.
The first one can be done by finding the source. It should be where the meteor was.
But the second one is harder. The kings of the nightwalker is smarter. It has its own mind and will know if something is up if the humans suddenly made a move- resulting into a much earlier attack. Also, finding it will also result into a heavy casualty if they were to form many teams just for the purpose of searching, thus only a team can be deployed to avoid suspicion. The question is- where is it? Since It can control such a wide range attack, it means it was likely that the king is at the center of the various continent itself. It cannot be underground since it needs a higher elevated ground to transmit its ability, so, what is at the center of each continent?
'System, do you have a function of a map?'
[Yes.] The system suddenly made a buzzing noise before a very detailed 3D map appeared in Bastians' Mind. He stared at the map, slightly adjusting the view, looking from the top.
'System, which possible area is within the range where the king can affect all the continents?"
[It will be at the top of the Mt. Abenon, Host.] The system mechanically answered.
'As expected. The place should be high enough to send its signal and command. System, when will the attack happen?' Bastian ask, a frown marring his face as he slowly followed behind Martin.
However, the system's next answer made Bastian curse. His steps completely coming to a halt.
[Host...The Wave will start 8 months from now.]
Dammit! It's earlier than he expected!
