Chapter 11: Humanity's Mystics?

Chapter 11: Humanity's Mystics?

Narita International Airport, Japan

The airport was in chaos. Travelers, tourists, and diplomats from all over the world had gathered, seeking to escape Tokyo as the city was overrun by the Deep Ones. But the weather—torrential rains, violent winds—had grounded many flights, leaving thousands stranded. Ambassadors were trying to calm their citizens, reassuring them that everything possible was being done to get them out of Japan. Amid the panic, embassy personnel moved frantically, coordinating evacuation efforts and offering words of comfort.

Near the Chinese diplomatic group, an elderly man sat quietly, his presence oddly serene in the midst of the pandemonium. If anyone looked closely, they'd notice that despite his wrinkled face, his skin had an unusual vitality. A young aide from the Chinese Embassy approached him, offering a bottle of water and a snack, her voice filled with kindness.

"Here, sir, have some water. Please rest; we're doing everything we can to get you out as soon as possible."

The old man smiled softly, accepting the water and snack. "Thank you, youngling," he said, his voice heavy with age yet surprisingly steady. The aide found his manner of speech odd, as if it belonged to a different era. 

The old man's words piqued her curiosity. She hesitated for a moment before asking, "Why were you here, sir, if you don't mind me asking?"

The old man's eyes twinkled with an ancient knowing. "I was here at an old friend's request, but it seems the darkness was swifter than anticipated."

The way he spoke felt archaic, and the aide couldn't help but feel that the man was much older than he appeared—far older. She glanced back at him once more as she walked away, her curiosity turning into a quiet suspicion. Deciding it was worth mentioning, she reported the strange old man to her ambassador, Huang Jian. Ambassador Huang had also noticed the man earlier and nodded gravely at the report. 

"I'll speak to him once we're airborne," Huang muttered, his mind already burdened by the dire situation unfolding across the country.

Suddenly, a piercing scream cut through the airport's cacophony. All heads turned towards the source of the commotion: a Deep One had breached the airport. Panic erupted as the monstrous creature reveled in the fear of its onlookers, its massive, misshapen form lumbering toward the Chinese group. 

The Chinese soldiers escorting the diplomats and Japan's SDF security forces immediately engaged, but small arms fire did little more than slow the creature down. SMGs emptied clip after clip to no avail. The airport was too far from any supply of flamethrowers—without those, it seemed like only a matter of time before the Deep One would claim more victims.

As the soldiers and security forces struggled, Ambassador Huang frantically scanned the area for any escape options. Then, from the corner of his eye, he saw the old man stand up.

The ambassador's heart skipped a beat. "Stop!" Huang shouted, his voice laced with panic. "Get behind the soldiers!"

But the old man didn't stop. Instead, he walked calmly toward the Deep One, his posture straight and steady, unbothered by the carnage around him.

"Old fool!" one of the soldiers muttered, but it was too late. The Deep One noticed the old man and turned its attention toward him. The massive creature swung its tentacle-like limb, thick as a tree trunk, aiming to crush the old man in one swift strike. 

Everyone braced for the inevitable, but the old man didn't flinch. With a movement too fast for the eye to follow, he caught the tentacle in his hand. A collective gasp echoed through the terminal.

Then, with a sharp movement, the old man released his other hand from behind his back and struck the Deep One with a single glowing punch. The creature exploded into a shower of blood and entrails. Time seemed to freeze as everyone stood in stunned silence.

The old man looked around apologetically. "My apologies. I didn't quite control my strength."

Before anyone could react, more screams echoed through the airport. Several more Deep Ones, angered by the death of their kin, surged forward. The old man, unperturbed, moved with graceful precision. Each punch, each movement, seemed effortless as he dispatched the creatures with a lethal elegance. Heads exploded, limbs were torn off, and within a minute, the immortal beasts were nothing more than twitching corpses on the blood-soaked floor.

As the last Deep One fell, the airport was still. A young boy, who had been live-streaming the event, captured every moment. The chat on his stream was going wild.

---

Live Chat:

- "WTH just happened!?"

- "Did that old man just punch a Deep One to death??"

- "His fist was glowing! Rewind the stream, his fist literally glowed!"

- "Is that kung fu??"

- "No, man, that's Tai Chi for sure!"

- "Did anyone else catch that he called himself a mystic? Are mystics real??"

- "China's got secret warriors!!"

- "If humans can fight back, we stand a chance!"

- "Someone get that old man a medal, he's single-handedly saving us!"

- "His fist is literally GOLDEN, like what even is that?"

- "This is insane!"

---

The fight was over, and the airport, which had been a scene of chaos and terror just moments before, was now filled with a strange hope. Humans could fight back against the Deep Ones. And more importantly, they could win.

Ambassador Huang, still in shock, saw his opportunity and hurried over to the old man, lowering his head respectfully. "Elder, if I may ask... who are you?"

The old man, dusting off his hands, turned to the ambassador. "I am an alchemist, from a time long past. I have returned with the mystics, though it seems I've come a step too late. Darkness walks before us."

The ambassador's eyes widened. "How old are you?"

The old man thought for a moment, his expression thoughtful. "Hmm... perhaps around 2,250 years, more or less."

Before the ambassador could ask another question, a blinding flash of green light erupted from outside, followed by an earth-shaking groan that reverberated through the airport. The old man's expression hardened as he turned toward the sound.

"They are summoning an Old One," the alchemist muttered. "At the port."

"The port?" Huang asked, trying to comprehend what he was hearing.

"Yes. A ritual is happening. They plan to bring forth an ancient being of madness and darkness," the old man said, his tone grim. "I will stop it—or the world will fall into eternal night."

Without another word, the old man turned and sprinted toward the direction of Tokyo's port. In the blink of an eye, he was gone.

-----------------

Underground Base of Operations, Chisoku Headquarters, Tokyo

Director Kaito Nakamura sat in his dimly lit office, his expression tense as he reviewed the latest intelligence reports. The room was alive with activity; agents typed away at their terminals, gathering data, analyzing threats. The air was thick with anticipation. Suddenly, an aide burst into the room, breathless.

"Director Nakamura! You need to see this!" The aide switched on the large wall-mounted screen. 

News Report: Breaking News 

The footage began with an overview of the chaos gripping Japan—deepening unrest, the threat of the Deep Ones lurking on the coast, and images of fearful citizens seeking safety. Then the anchor's tone shifted dramatically. 

"Live from Narita International Airport, we have breaking news. An unidentified elderly man has emerged as an unexpected hero. In a shocking display of strength, he single-handedly dispatched multiple Deep Ones that had entered the terminal. Eyewitness accounts suggest he exhibited supernatural abilities, prompting many to question his origins."

The screen flashed footage of the old man effortlessly battling the monstrous creatures. His swift movements and unearthly power captivated viewers, making it clear that he was more than just an ordinary man.

Kaito's eyes narrowed. "Get me surveillance on that old man. I want every camera and satellite focused on him. If he is who I think he is, we need to know where he's going and what he's planning."

---

Front Lines Near the Crossing

Meanwhile, the old man continued his mission, helping soldiers caught in the turmoil near the Crossing. His presence inspired confidence and calm among the troops. As he moved through the battlefield, he effortlessly dispatched remaining Deep Ones, his movements a blend of ancient martial arts and unearthly speed. 

He paused to assist a soldier, hoisting him onto his shoulder and carrying him to safety. "Stay strong," he urged, his voice both commanding and soothing. The soldiers couldn't help but marvel at the old man's strength; he was their beacon of hope amidst chaos.

---

As news spread, social media erupted with commentary:

Twitter:

@MartialMinds: "Did anyone catch that? The old man's technique is unlike anything we've seen! #Mystics #OldManStrength"

@FuturistThoughts: "This could change everything. Is he a relic from the past or a new evolution of man? #Evolution #GodsAmongUs"

@DeepOneWatch: "We need to prepare! If there are more like him, the Deep Ones won't stand a chance! #Defense"

---------------------------

Chatrooms:

- User1: "Who the hell is this old man? Is he a martial arts master or some kind of ancient god?"

- User2: "He just dismantled those Deep Ones like they were nothing! Could martial arts really stand against mystical forces?"

- User3: "If this is real, we might need to rethink our understanding of history and martial arts!"

-----------------------

YouTube:

Video Title: "Mystics or Warriors? The Rise of the Old Man"*

The video garnered millions of views almost instantly.

"Today, we delve into the identity of this extraordinary individual. Is he truly a reincarnation of ancient powers? Could he herald a new age where humanity transcends its limitations?"

---

China's Ministry of State Security (MSS)

In a dimly lit conference room, officials gathered around a polished table, tense and focused. General Wang stood at the head, his demeanor serious as he addressed the committee.

"The old man is an asset we cannot overlook. His power is undeniable, but we must tread carefully. He hails from the Qin Dynasty. The question remains—how can we bring him into our fold without offending his legacy?"

One official chimed in, "He dispatched the Deep Ones with ease. If he recognizes our government as a continuation of the Qin's ideals, we might secure his loyalty."

"But what if he sees us as a disgrace to the Qin Empire?" another cautioned. "We need to find a way to please him. He could be our greatest weapon against any mystical threat, but we must be respectful of his heritage."

As they debated, they recognized the urgency of the situation. The old man's potential was a game changer, and they needed to act quickly to ensure he aligned with their interests.

---

United States - The White House Situation Room

Meanwhile, panic reigned in the White House. Senior advisors crowded around a table, the atmosphere charged with urgency. The threat of the Deep Ones loomed large, and now the emergence of the old man added another layer of complexity.

"We can't ignore this," the Secretary of Defense said. "We have citizens attempting to perform rituals to summon the Deep Ones. Now we have an ancient mystic who might sway the balance of power to China."

The National Security Advisor slammed his fist on the table. "We have to secure him for the United States! If China gets to him first, we're at risk of losing global influence."

"Agreed," the President said, his brow furrowed. "We need to gather intel on this old man. Who he is, what he wants, and how we can potentially recruit him to our cause."

---

As the old man's deeds continued to unfold, the online communities buzzed with speculation:

- Chatrooms: 

 - User4: "If he really is a part of the Qin Dynasty, what does that mean for our understanding of history?"

 - User5: "I don't know about you all, but I think we might be witnessing the return of the gods. This is wild!"

The world was awakening to a new reality, one where ancient powers collided with modern threats. The old man was not just a solitary figure; he had become a catalyst, a symbol of hope, and a source of immense power. As nations scrambled to secure his allegiance, it was clear that the old man's journey was only beginning, and with it, the fate of humanity hung in the balance.