The Council

As the sun rose over the ravaged city of Luming, the people awoke to a scene. The monstrous attack had left buildings crumbled, streets littered with debris, an air of despair hung heavy in the air. But in the face of adversity, the citizen of Luming were determined to rebuild and reclaim their shattered lives.

Gu Jiu Si, clad in his Mcdonald's uniform, surveyed the destruction with a heavy heart. Actually, he was happy when the battle ended quickly. He wanted to minimize the damages as much as possible. However, he didn't expect that almost all the infrastructure of the city was badly damaged.

The restaurant where he spent hours flipping burgers, washing dishes and smiling at customers was now a pile of rubble.

"My hamburger!" Gu Jiu Si muttered in frustration.

The iconic golden arches lay broken on the ground, a painful reminder of the loss. With a mixture of grief and determination, Gu Jiu Si joined and help the cleaning the area. They worked tirelessly, clearing debris and salvaging what they could from the wreckage.

As Gu Jiu Si carried a heavy load of debris towards a growing pile, he caught sight of an elderly woman struggling to move a fallen beam. Without hesitation, he rushed to her aid, placing the things he carried aside.

"Grandma, let me help you," Gu Jiu Si said with genuine concern.

The elderly woman looked up to him, her weary eyes filled with gratitude and exhaustion. She nodded, accepting his help, and together they lifted the heavy beam, struggling (pretending to be) against its weight.

"I never thought I'd see the day when our city would be in this state," the elderly woman said, her voice trembling with a mix of sadness and determination. "But we cannot lose hope. We must rebuild the place we once called home, for our selves and for future generations."

Upon gazing at the elderly woman, Gu Jiu Si found himself nodding instinctively, his face smudged with a mixture of sweat and dirt. "Indeed, grandma," he affirmed. "We mustn't allow this catastrophe to define us. Together, we must work together and restore the city that was once our cherished home."

As they carefully inched their way towards the debris pile, Gu Jiu Si silently observed the elderly woman. Then look at the others in the vicinity who were also lending their feeble bodies to move the tangled mess. Gu Jiu Si chose to stay silent and focus solely on helping them.

Gu Jiu Si couldn't help but be reminded of Grandma Sam Yang, who was currently in the hospital. He sighed, thinking about how both the people here and those from his previous world were pitiable.

"Was it just luck for me that I have the means?" Gu Jiu Si questioned himself.

After a long time of cleaning the debris, the woman finally asked, "What's your name, young man?"

"My name is Gu Jiu Si," he replied. "I used to work at the McDo, the McDonald's that is now in ruins."

The woman paused, her eyes widening in recognition. "Oh, you mean the fast food chain by the park? My grandchildren loved that place."

Thinking about his favorite food, a wave of sadness engulfed Gu Jiu Si as he reminisced about the joy he used to feel when he tasted the burger that night.

Seeing the sorrow on his face, the elderly woman patted him on the back and reassured him, "You must be heartbroken by what happened, right? Don't worry, everything will be fine."

"Yeah, everything will be fine," Gu Jiu Si said, blurting out in a low voice, "The burger."

"Ehhh? The morgue?" the elderly woman exclaimed.

***

Inside the battered government headquarters of Luming City, known as the council of Guardians, a sense of urgency permeated the air. The council members, compromising High-ranking government officials and military leaders, gathered around a large circular table in a grand chamber lined with ornate tapestries and towering cracked pillars.

At the head of the table sat Chairman Zhang, a stern and authoritative figure known for his unwavering dedication to the city's safety. He scanned the room, his haze lingering on each member before beginning the meeting.

"Esteem members of the council of Guardians, we have conveyed today to discuss a matter of utmost importance – the mysterious breaches in the city's security by the monstrous creatures we now refer as 'The tyrant's bane,'" Chairman Zhang declared.

The council members exchange concerned glances, their brows furrowed with worry. Chief Military Officer General Li, known for his relentless pursuit of strategic excellence, spoke up. "Chairman Zhang, we have analyzed the patterns and attacks of these creatures. It seems that they possess an uncanny ability to bypass our defensive systems and infiltrate Luming City. We must understand how they are able to breach our security so easily."

A sharp-minded council member named Secretary Chen, renowned for her knowledge of arcane arts and magical defenses, leaned forward. "Indeed, General Li. Our preliminary investigations reveal that these creatures possess a dark and chaotic energy infused within them. They seem to possess an innate understanding of our advanced security technologies and strategic arrangements."

Chairman Zhang nodded, absorbing the information. "So, you're suggesting that these creatures may possess some form of heightened intelligence?" he questioned.

Secretary Chen nodded, her expression grave. "Precisely, Chairman Zhang. These creatures display a level of strategic thinking and adaptability that we have not encountered before. It is as if they can anticipate and counter our defenses."

Vice Chairman Wang, an experienced diplomat renowned for his negotiation skills, chimed in. "I have also received reports of a possible source for these breaches. There have been rumors of powerful dark magic users lurking within the outskirts of the city. It is possible that they are collaborating with these creatures, aiding them in their assaults."

Chairman Zhang pondered the information, his mind racing with possibilities. "It appears that we are dealing with a formidable and coordinated adversary. Their ability to exploit our vulnerabilities threatens the safety of Luming City and its citizens. We must act swiftly and decisively."

Suddenly, a high-pitched beeping noise filled the chamber, and a holographic projection appeared in the center of the table. It depicted an image of the city's defense cameras capturing the moment a monstrous creature effortlessly scaled the magical barrier wall.

Gasps echoed throughout the room as the council members watched the footage in disbelief. The creature's movements were swift and agile, dodging surveillance cameras and avoiding the areas guarded by advanced security measures.

"This footage paints a disconcerting picture," declared Chairman Zhang, his voice firm. "Our security systems have been tested and proven effective in the face of conventional threats. It is clear that we are dealing with an enemy that possesses knowledge of our city's defenses, and possibly even our technology."

General Li interjected, his voice commanding. "Chairman Zhang, I propose that we assemble a task force comprised of our best military personnel and strategic thinkers. We must gather intelligence, investigate the possible dark magic users, and develop a new approach to our security protocols."

Chairman Zhang weighed the proposal, the weight of the city's safety resting on his shoulders. "Agreed, General Li. We cannot afford to be complacent. We will establish a task force immediately, dedicated to uncovering the weaknesses of these creatures and strengthening our city's defenses."

As the council members nodded in agreement, their determination to protect Luming City turned into a tacit understanding. They knew that the path ahead would be arduous, but they were resolved to face this new threat head-on. Through collaboration, innovation, and unwavering determination, they believed they could unravel the mystery behind the monstrous breaches and safeguard their beloved city.

The emergency meeting continued late into the night, each council member sharing their insights and formulating a plan to confront this unprecedented threat. The fate of Luming City hung in the balance, and the Council of Guardians vowed to stand united in their mission to secure the city from the malevolent forces that sought to breach its defenses.

As the emergency meeting at the Council of Guardians drew to a close, Chairman Zhang took a moment to address the council members, acknowledging the recent reports of a figure clad in fire who had emerged victorious against the tyrant's bane.

"Have you heard of the other recent report? We cannot dismiss the reports and eyewitness accounts of this figure clad in fire. This person have displayed an extraordinary power, defeating the tyrant's bane," Chairman Zhang stated, his voice reverent and filled with awe.

General Li, his analytical mind constantly at work, raised a hand to speak. "Chairman Zhang, do we have any knowledge of who this figure could be? How did he acquire such remarkable abilities?"

Secretary Chen, having delved into mystical realms to uncover information, leaned forward, her face contemplative. "From the accounts we have gathered, it is clear that this figure possesses extraordinary control over fire. His movements were so fast, his power unmatched. But as for the person's identity, it remains shrouded in mystery."

Vice Chairman Wang, the diplomat with an eye for strategy, added, "He could be a new arrival, unbeknownst to us until now. Or perhaps he was among us all along, but remain hidden until the recent attack forced him to action in the face of this crisis."

Chairman Zhang acknowledged the information, taking it in. The individual dressed in flames provided a ray of hope, a symbol of resilience amidst the turmoil. "It is imperative that we locate this individual, comprehend its motives, and explore avenues for collaboration. Additionally, we should assess our financial resources. Let us determine if borrowing from the central bank remains a viable option. The recovery of the city is among our top priorities as well."

As silence fell upon the council chamber, every member pondered the importance of this mysterious individual. They reflected on the implications of someone possessing such formidable power and the bravery to confront the Tyrant's bane. Simultaneously, they acknowledged the paramount importance of the city's restoration, understanding that its recovery was a critical undertaking for the well-being of its inhabitants.

"Mobilize our military unit and Vladil's team," Chairman Zhang continued, "We must seek out this individual, learn from him, and forge an alliance, if possible. If he required something, provide with outmost importance."

A sense of resolute determination filled the council members as they comprehended the seriousness of the matter at hand. The enigmatic individual, adorned in flames, had provided them with a glimpse of what could be accomplished. With this awe-inspiring symbol of hope, their belief in their ability to prevail against seemingly insurmountable challenges was revitalized.

With a collective sense of purpose, the Council of Guardians agreed to allocate resources and intelligence towards uncovering the true identity of this figure. They recognized the need to engage with this figure, to understand the extent of his powers, and to forge a partnership that could safeguard Luming City from future threats.

The meeting concluded, leaving every council member with a renewed urgency and a resolute mindset. As they left the chamber, they carried the weight of their daunting yet crucial task. The image of the figure engulfed in flames remained etched in their minds, a constant reminder that even in the darkest moments, the flicker of hope and the power of unity could pave the path to triumph.

***

Around 6:00 pm, in Gu Jiu Si's dimly lit and worn-out house, sat in the cross-legged position on a worn mat, deeply engrossed in his cultivation. With closed eyes and a still body, he directed his focus inward, channeling his energy.

Unexpectedly, a sudden sneeze broke his tranquillity, taking him by surprise. Blinking his eyes open, he was puzzled by this unforeseen interruption.

"Who could have just spoken to me?" Gu Jiu Si contemplated aloud, his voice reflecting both confusion and curiosity.

The flames surrounding him seemed to flicker, mirroring his perplexity.