A System Emerges

The city's ambiance, which was quiet and still for a moment, returned to usual. The crowd dispersed, but some people continued to watch the giant hologram in the sky, talking about what it meant, even though they couldn't understand the writing.

Suddenly, everything changed.

The hustle and bustle of the city was overwhelmed by the sound of sirens as fire engines and police cars raced through the streets.

Many thought it was just a follow-up to a small earthquake that occurred before. Perhaps, some minor incidents were going on in some places.

Unfortunately, no one realized that a tremendous tragedy was about to emerge except for those players.

Meanwhile, Zephyr entered the convenience store, where a commotion broke out not far from where he was standing. He walked moderately, not in haste, and not too slow. Due to his delinquent appearance, everyone stopped clashing as they got distracted.

There were five young people, two adults, and the cashier.

"Just give your smartphone to the cashier in exchange for the items you take if you don't have enough cash.

"Besides, you guys won't be needing those things again in the future."

Zephyr's words were really difficult to understand and left both the adults and the cashier confused as to what he meant.

But the players quickly came to their senses and knew Zephyr's intention.

Once the terraform period began, all electronic equipment gradually broke down or stopped working. Carrying a cell phone was, therefore, a foolish thing to do, as it would only be a burden on the way to the shelter. In addition, the existing money was also useless, as a new currency would emerge later on.

For now, the most crucial things were water, food, masks, and knives.

'Well, actually, a gun or other firearm is more useful. But making a fuss at the police station is more troublesome than a convenience store.' Zephyr though. He then also took the same items as the players took. But differ in quantity.

He purposely took a large duffel bag. So that he could carry a more extensive amount of water, food, mask, and knife.

Seeing that, the five youths immediately mimicked what Zephyr was doing. They were instantly busy fighting over large backpacks, discovering that what they were about to prepare was scarce.

"S-Sorry, but we don't accept exchanges for goods like this. We only accept cash or digital payments via cell phone. Sir, please don't make my life difficult!" Exclaimed the cashier pleadingly. He didn't understand what was going on.

The two adults, just now, were also at a loss as to how to help, as no violence or coercion had occurred since Zephyr took over the situation.

The five youths also no longer screamed or argued. They only insisted on giving their wallets and cell phones in exchange for the items they took.

Zephyr placed his large backpack that he had loaded the things he needed in front of the cashier's counter. He picked up two kitchen knives and swung them slowly.

Everyone immediately gulped their own saliva, a little scared of what he was doing, especially with that thug-like appearance.

'My moves seem to be off.' Zephyr though.

He knew that his current body was not suitable for wearing an Exoskeleton suit to fight monsters in the Apex World. But it didn't matter since there were three days of time for the world's landscape to change. And four months before the first wave of attack transpired.

'Well, things will slowly return as my senses get in sync because that's what comes in handy in the wilderness later.'

Afterward, he took out all the money in his wallet and put it on the counter. It wasn't much, but it was adequate for what he bought.

"I'll also give you my smartphone. It should be worth more than enough to cover the cost of the items that the kids took. You can sell it, pawn it, or do whatever you need to do with it. In the end, you will get the money you should get from us."

The five young men just nodded and immediately put their cell phones on the table along with their meager allowance. It may have seemed strange. But there was a reason why these youths became obedient.

It was due to a misconception that the only people who knew about Apex World were players of that game. Zephyr, in their eyes, was one of their own, a virtual companion stepped into the real world, and thus, any doubts or hesitations were cast aside, replaced by an unspoken bond of fellowship.

The cashier had no other choice. "S-Sure.., then!" He also didn't dare to argue at length for fear of Zephyr. Even though it would be a hassle, he would get his money back by selling the phones. Only, if the world wasn't struck by calamity later.

"Also, do you want to come with me? In a moment, the world will be engulfed in disaster. So you better get ready quickly.

"You don't need to bring a lot of things. Just like what I have in this bag. That's sufficient."

As soon as Zephyr finished speaking, the cashier and the two adults beside him directly looked at him with incredulity.

"What are you talking about?!"

"That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard."

"Are you serious?! Now?!!"

They couldn't believe their ears when Zephyr told them the world was ending soon. They tried to tell him he was crazy, but the person who had said that just shrugged and walked away.

The five youths were also originally going to insist that what Zephyr said was true. But seeing the person making the statement just walk away without saying much made them reluctant to explain further. They left, just following behind Zephyr's trail.

In the meantime, Zephyr knew he was being followed. He stopped in his tracks after exiting the convenience store. He then turned back and stared at the five youths with narrowed eyes.

"Shouldn't you all be looking for your families, friends, and loved ones? Why are you wasting time causing trouble at the store?" he asked.

Even so, he understood their predicament. The world was ending, and people were panicking. They were all just trying to survive. Thus, the ticking clock was driving them to think and act recklessly. As a result, they were making decisions they wouldn't have made in a calm state of mind.

The five young men were silent without being able to say anything else. They perceived how stupid and short-sighted they were in their current state.

Zephyr continued, "Now, go. Find your families and loved ones. Don't give up hope, no matter what. If fate allows, we will meet again before we reach the sanctuary. Also, take as many people with you as you can."

The group looked at each other and subsequently nodded in understanding. They turned and ran, determined to save whomever they needed to hold.

They acted quickly without needing to call and explain, as they no longer had phones. After all, there was already evidence that people would not believe them merely based on words. By the time they had reached their destination, the terraforming process should have begun, making it easier for them to convince the people they needed to bring along.

Surprisingly, there was one left behind, who stayed and didn't leave like the others.

Zephyr stared at the young boy sharply. 'This brat is determined to leave everything behind. There is no doubt in his eyes.'

He sighed and looked away. He had no intention of lecturing the boy's attitude. To be more precise, he didn't have time for that as the earth had started to shake slightly again.

Not only in South Korea but all over the world,

Next, the giant hologram in the sky changed with a new announcement.

Tring!!

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[Welcome to Apex World!]

Terraform has started.

Have fun y'all.

Time remaining: 71 hours and 59 minutes

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Zephyr looked up at the sky as he clicked his tongue in ridicule. He returned his gaze to the road and was about to stride when he noticed a strange sound in his head.

Ding!

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[System has integrated...]

[Making adjustments to New Apex World...]

[Accepted!]

[Starting...]

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Zephyr frowned while holding his forehead with his right hand, looking at a hologram interface in front of his eyes.

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[ Status Window ]

Name: Zephyr Quinn

Vitality: 47/100

Status: Normal

Legacy: Human/Unrefined

Credits: 00000

Level: ??? (Reworked)

Attributes: Strength?| Dexterity?| Endurance?| Intelligence? (Reworked)

[ System In-store: (N/A) ]

[ System Inventory: (0/6) ]

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