"Alright, brat. I am here. And just like you said, everything else happened as well. Ha Ha Ha. The world really turned into a terrifying place, just like you said it would. Ha Ha Ha." The granny chuckled wryly.
Her old and tired eyes looked a little lively today evening, a strange glint sparkling within them. She felt ten years younger and more energetic than she had ever felt in her entire life.
It was as if she had obtained something today that she had been searching for every single day since she started training officially in her teen years. She felt whole and complete. "Brat, tell me. How do you know of all these things?"
The group of other players standing near them were all surprised because this old woman was repeatedly calling their big boss a brat, as if he were just a boy next door.
But Liam did not seem to mind it. He simply answered her with a smile. "Just a hunch."
The granny narrowed her eyes to stare at him with a mysterious gaze, but before she could say anything else, Liam added with a chuckle. "What has happened has happened. There is no point in discussing that now. Why don't we talk about what is next?"
Everyone immediately quieted down. This was something every single person assembled here wanted to know. What was next? What was going on here? What was going to happen to them?
Liam gazed at everyone with a cold and stern glance and broke the news. "It's not over yet. It's just beginning." He finally said it.
What? What was he talking about? What was beginning? Everyone's face instantly changed. The beast wave ended, and the gates vanished. So many people had assumed that this was over.
They were all of the opinion that perhaps in this new world, superpowers and special abilities would be the norm. This would mean that they would have to get adjusted to a new world order and perhaps new leaders, a new regime, and even new laws.
At least, this was what everyone was mentally prepared for. Though this in itself was something unthinkable and unimaginable, it was still not that scary, especially because they had the upper hand at the moment. They would somehow be able to manage things.
But now, with Liam's cryptic words, it sounded as if things were not that simple. What was going on here? Everyone looked at Liam for answers, and he took a deep breath before continuing.
"The beasts that just came out were just a warm-up. Appetizers. I have a feeling there is more to come. I am not sure when or how, but even stronger beings might invade our space. All I can say is that we need to be prepared to fight and defend ourselves at any given time."
"We need to be constantly improving to survive. Just like back in the game. If you consider the game a tutorial, now the real deal starts. We cannot relax just yet. Don't forget that out here we have only one life."
"If you die, then you die. There is no second chance."
Everyone's face fell. Hearing these words, everyone couldn't help but imagine the worst-case scenario. This kind of life… wouldn't it be no different than hell? Constantly watching over their shoulders, constantly living in fear, who wanted to live like this?
Liam shook his head. "There is no need to be scared. The first thing everyone needs to understand is that these things are beyond our control. All we can do now is survive."
"But that doesn't mean we are helpless. We can slowly train ourselves once again, become stronger, and fight back. All I ask is that you take this seriously and do everything you can."
"We need to do our best, so even if we fail, we have no regrets. Let's work together and survive this hell! Yes?"
YES!
"We will not fail."
WE WILL NOT FAIL!
"We will survive!"
WE WILL SURVIVE!
With Liam pushing them, everyone started shouting at the top of their lungs. Even their respective family members joined in as if they had also been a part of the guild all along. The gloomy, foreboding atmosphere also rapidly changed.
Liam let out a sigh and then raised his hand. Everyone immediately became quiet. "There is another announcement for today."
"Tonight, sometime— I don't know when, I don't know where— there will be a pillar of light in the city. It could be anywhere and at any time. It could be appearing in front of us as I am speaking now."
"It doesn't matter. But the moment it shows up, we have to get there as fast as we can. Understood?"
Hearing Liam's words, everyone nodded and nervously watched the city around them, craning their necks left and right.
Liam jumped on Luna as well, and both of them appeared prepared to take off at a moment's notice. As for what that pillar of light was or why they had to reach it first, Liam did not explain these things.
"It is a special place, a shop of sorts." He only said this much. As for the rest of the things, it was better to let everyone witness it for themselves.
Time ticked by, and soon, around 8 pm, a pillar of light indeed showed up in the city, just like he mentioned. It rose from the ground and shot up to the sky, extending infinitely.
What is that?! Everyone gaped. Another wave of beasts? They all turned to look at Liam for instructions, but he and the fox were already gone.
"Luna! There! NOW!" Liam shouted as the duo shot forward like a bullet. It was not too far from their residence, and with Luna's speed, they arrived at the spot in an instant.
Liam jumped down and looked at the space in front of him. There it was! There it really was! The thing that Liam was looking for! A simple brick building that had ten floors.
"Here we go." Liam grinned. He was once again back in front of this familiar place, though now he was no longer the same person. "Let's go in."
