Chapter 0: New Era (1)
People have always thought that our Earth was a rather ordinary and uneventful place. Sure, deep down, most folks fantasized about one day wielding extraordinary powers, becoming noble heroes while traversing the globe. But more often than not, they found their thrills at the cinema, chasing after dreams that would remain forever unfulfilled.
Just when everyone thought such things were solely the stuff of fantasy, BAM! Out of nowhere, the surreal exploded into reality right before their eyes. People were left utterly dumbstruck.
In almost an instant, a flood of photos and videos featuring Lin Nan floating in the air, accompanied by a shower of flowers, appeared online. The first reaction from the internet was almost unanimous: “Special effects!”
Young folks, accustomed to Hollywood blockbusters, were no strangers to similar videos. So how could they be taken aback like a deer in headlights? But soon enough, they realized something was off.
If a video had been enhanced with CGI, that would make sense—but dozens of different users uploaded videos showing the same beautiful girl floating, all from various angles and seemingly within the same timeframe. Suddenly, it hit them: this was most likely happening in the real world.
Ocean City! Ocean City?
The internet went wild as people frantically searched for any news related to the surreal occurrences in Ocean City. Before long, an official announcement popped up on several media platforms, and the people were completely blown away.
After a brief moment of shock, an idea began to dawn on them: did this mean humanity was about to enter a new era? Just like in various sci-fi films, could it be that people with superpowers or abilities were destined to become the rulers of the Earth? Or maybe they were just lurking among the masses, poised to leap into action to protect ordinary folks and fight to safeguard their shared home when the time came?
Where would this lead them?
The “Citizen’s Notice: Announcement of the Establishment of the Special Operations Bureau!” managed to make people feel a mix of shock and relief.
This formal red document from the Ocean City government was the first to confirm the existence of superhumans and assured the public that anyone with such abilities would be under government control. The Special Operations Bureau, designed to combat unique criminals, welcomed citizens to keep an eye on their activities.
Together with the police department, the Special Operations Bureau would ensure the safety of the citizens and guarantee that their daily lives wouldn’t be disrupted.
…
Was the reality from their favorite sci-fi movies finally at their doorstep? Would superheroes like Iron Man, Spider-Man, or The Flash also grace the streets of Ocean City?
…
“What’s all the ruckus online about?”
Lady Rong Ji, now donned in a stylish modern skirt and flaunting fiery red lips, glanced sideways at Fu Yetian while busy checking her reflection in a small mirror.
Fu Yetian, on the other hand, was still dressed in all black, sporting a powerful heavy sword slung across his back, making him look a tad out of place next to the dazzling Lady Rong Ji.
“The opponents are expanding their influence; it’s a precautionary measure,” Fu Yetian stood up and declared. “So we need to pick up the pace.”
Rong Ji twirled a lock of her hair, smiling slightly. “What about Eric?”
“Eric is on board with us. Even if he wants to back out now, it’s too late. I confirmed this half an hour ago.”
Not long ago, Fu Yetian and Lady Rong Ji received prompts from the system almost simultaneously.
While they didn’t fully understand where these mysterious texts came from, they seemed to have a magical quality; as long as they met the specified goals, they would reap corresponding benefits and rewards.
For instance, after defeating the d*ath Knight and clearing 60 levels, the system not only awarded them a ton of experience points but also gifted them some long-coveted skill books.
This, of course, made the few who contributed to taking down the d*ath Knight ecstatic.
The new system prompt read:
[Due to the completion of the world line restructuring, your challenge identities have been automatically lifted.]
[From now on, you will be the defenders, in other words, you’ve become the final bosses of this small world.]
[Task completion condition: Hold off the enemies’ onslaught for 12 hours while capturing Ocean City. The system will block any attacks from non-defenders for 12 hours, regardless of how you capture Ocean City.]
[Warning: You have 15 hours left to capture Ocean City. If you fail to meet the deadline, you will be judged as defeated and will permanently exit the underground maze area.]
…
“Ugh, it stinks!”
Prince Eric pinched his nose, but eventually let go to take a breath of the fetid air in the sewers.
Following Fu Yetian’s orders, he and the entire demon clan had split into small groups to infiltrate Ocean City’s underground pipeline system.
Eric had initially wanted to refuse—after all, crawling through sewers was a severe blow to demon dignity. However, Fu Yetian posed a question: if you could conquer the entire city, wouldn’t everyone of the Ji Shen follow the demon clan’s orders? On the flip side, if the demon clan couldn’t devise a strategy pronto, it was wiser to comply with Ji Shen’s unified arrangements.
With less than 15 hours left, if they didn’t spring into action, all their previous efforts would go to waste.
With no other choice, Eric had begrudgingly accepted this unfortunate reality.
Trissa and the other three harpists had never before stepped into such a repulsive place, but thankfully, their shields kept them from the foul air.
Adeline clung tightly to Trissa’s arm, muttering under her breath, “What the heck! It’s one thing to be useless on your own, but dragging us into this smelly sewer? We were supposed to be the noble demon clan! After this little expedition, we might as well turn into a bunch of stink bugs.”
Trissa took a discreet glance at the other two harpists walking in tandem behind them, ensuring they hadn’t overheard her conversation with Adeline before quietly replying, “Do you think Ji Shen tossed us down here into the sewers for a reason?”
Adeline scanned the surroundings, uncertain, “Could it be because it’s hidden? At least no one can find us down here?”
Trissa shook her head while gently plucking her harp strings to maintain the shield, “I suspect it’s a bit more complicated than that.”
As an infiltrator planted in the enemy camp, Trissa knew she couldn’t slack off, even though Master Lin hadn’t given her explicit instructions. She needed to stay alert about the movements of the higher-ups in both the demon clan and Ji Shen.
Only by doing so could she seize the opportunity at a critical moment.
…
In the Special Operations Bureau, Lin Nan’s office.
“What? There’s a foreigner here surrendering?”
Lin Nan jumped in surprise, suddenly recalling that after arriving in this small world, it seemed like Tom and Jerry, who had sacrificed themselves during those 60 levels, could automatically revive.
Thanks to the world line fluctuations, she had temporarily forgotten about this detail.
Could it be that the five of them were actively seeking her out?
