Chapter 140

Chapter 140

"What on earth is happening?!"

"Mom, I'm so scared!"

"Is anyone there? Can someone help us, please?!"

"Jesus has descended... Oh, God..."

The citizens of Orlandu were shouting in panic. They might have been fleeing for their lives, hiding indoors, or engaged in other activities, but the moment the trumpet sounded, they all found themselves in this subconscious realm.

As expected, this was likely the effect of the angel's trumpet. The instant it was blown, everyone fell into a coma and was dragged into a shared dream.

As mentioned before, everyone had their own Dream Gap, which wasn't isolated but interconnected through the fog. This allowed everyone's dreams to merge into one, something Lane had attempted during his first Main Quest, albeit unconsciously at the time.

But now, it wasn't Lane who achieved this.

It was another Old God—the one currently masquerading as Jesus in the sky.

Assuming nothing unexpected occurs, he should be the 'Judas' that Destiny mentioned earlier, the same traitorous Old God that Keith encountered on the fourth layer of the Dream Gap. Considering the events on the fourth layer, his intentions become clear.

He intends to descend as 'God,' using apocalyptic prophecies to gain the faith of the people of Orland, just as they once did with Gabriel. With the precedent set by the angel, the citizens would likely be more receptive now.

Though unsure how he's manipulating their subconscious without having descended yet, once 'God' makes an appearance and receives the people's devotion, He will establish sufficient anchors to manifest in reality, absorbing the faith of Christians worldwide and becoming the genuine 'God.'

This was the original plan until Destiny suddenly appeared.

Lane looked off into the distance at Destiny, who seemed to be looking back. His sandy transformation accelerated, turning him into shimmering silver grains from head to toe. His silver eyes seemed to reflect both past and future.

"Count on you from here on out," Destiny's voice echoed in Lane's mind, catching him off guard.

"What are you planning to do?"

"I don't have much time left anyway, and this is the only way to stall His descent for now," Destiny spoke calmly. "He has limited time to intervene in the real world. Once everyone sees the future and wakes up, with the angels gone, He won't be able to descend at this moment. As for later, it'll depend on whether or not you can stop Him."

"I've shown you destinies and futures from different timelines, and these futures will no longer transpire."

"And you, you'll truly be the Subverter of Fate."

The instant the last grain of sand vanished into the inky blackness, the scene began to unfold.

...

["Are you ready?"]

A face materialized on screen first – a man with black hair and eyes, wearing glasses with silver frames. Recognizing him, players widened their eyes in astonishment.

The players had also been pulled into the subconscious, naturally, those who were still alive. Some had already started streaming, allowing those who had left the main storyline to witness what was happening.

Player Channel.

Black Cat: Isn't that Archy??

["Indeed," another voice replied. They seemed to be in a dimly lit environment. The person flicked a lighter open, revealing an orange-yellow flame that intermittently illuminated half of his scarred face, resembling a fiend from hell.

Calrens walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing at the night view of Orland City and the faintly glowing headquarters of the Inspection Bureau in the distance. "I've waited five years for this day since Arkham's destruction."

Both men bore the marks of time on their faces, transitioning from youth to middle age. Archy's youthful sharpness had mellowed into a composed elegance in his eyes, while Calrens had undergone a more significant transformation. His scarred half-face and experiences navigating through blood and strife had forged a dark and menacing aura within him, like a wolf lurking in the shadows, always ready to pounce.

"However, I believe someone is even more eager than I am."

As Carrens finished speaking, an explosion rocked the distant Bureau of Inquiry, and a column of fire shot into the sky like a war's declaration.

Countless players rushed out from the shadows, heading straight for the increasingly chaotic bureau. Those who were already lurking inside the bureau drew their weapons and attacked the nearest investigators.

Player Channel:

Druid: ! Why do I see myself? Damn!

Black Cat: I see me too, it seems to be on the command platform upstairs!

Not Crazy: M-Me too, I think. I'm still fighting with an investigator. Damn, I look awesome.

The player forums were abuzz with discussion; many players had spotted their own avatars and were now fervently debating what was happening.

Lahn gazed at the scene in the sky with a deeply serious expression.

He recognized it – this was the storyline from his previous life.

Lane was certain he wasn't mistaken, for he recognized the black cat in command. In his previous life, the main storyline of the game had been approaching its climax, with players discussing strategies day and night on forums. As the plot advanced, more conspiracies had unfolded.

From Carance and Archy's conversation, it seemed that they were somehow involved. Wait, upon closer reflection, although players hadn't received a direct quest from Archy in his previous life, he had given numerous hints during the progression of the main storyline, almost guiding them to uncover the truth.

In the game of his past life, players had eventually discovered that the destruction of Arkham City was linked to the Inspectorate, and that some agents had been replaced by abnormalities. Suspicions arose about human experiments being conducted. However, the current storyline deviated from that path.

The revelation of the Inspectorate's darkness in his past life occurred five years after Arkham's destruction. The agency had splintered into three factions, with Judith's orthodox faction being marginalized by the others. Despite players and Judith uncovering the truth, they couldn't shake the corruption within the Inspectorate. Evidence was destroyed, witnesses died, and agents like Judith, representing the investigation team, resigned voluntarily, severing ties with the Inspectorate.

When Lane had died in his previous life, the final assault had not yet taken place, implying that the scene before him indeed belonged to the future.

The scene continued to unfold, distinct from the present. In the previous life's future, players clashed directly with the bureau, without any angels intervening. Gamers confronted the bizarre entities masquerading as investigators head-on.

Not only players, but even members of the Black Gang eventually joined in. Their methods were ruthless on another level, resulting in the bureau's floors being stained with blood.

"Hey! What are you doing? They're just employees, not investigators, let alone anomalies!" Matcha Latte quickly intervened, pulling a trembling front desk attendant out of the line of fire from a Black Gang member's gun. As she soothingly whispered to the frightened girl, she began to heal her gunshot wound to the abdomen, murmuring a complex incantation. After a while, the formerly pale attendant's complexion regained some color.

"That's none of my concern, miss," the Black Gang member said coldly. "On the battlefield, there's no distinction between employees and investigators. I've been ordered by our boss to eliminate everyone in this headquarters." He turned and aimed his gun at another civilian rushing towards the exit.

Bang!

The scene of the massacre had silenced the citizens, who were too terrified to make a sound. They had no idea what was happening and could only cling to their loved ones, trembling with fear.

Player Channel:

Matcha Milk Green: That's me! That's me! I'll have healing spells in the future! Wait, I think I caught the incantation just now. If I remember it, can I use it directly?

Black Cat: You're quite the genius, but if you become a Wizard later on, I guess you should be able to.

Druid: Hurry up and jot it down then! This is too good to be true. How did they make this animation? I saw myself, and my equipment looked awesome! Will I really get that gear someday? (Salivating)

Aron: It must be based on our in-game avatars, right? Hmm, considering the power of Fate that was hinted at earlier, could this be the future? Fate is showing us a glimpse of the timeline ahead?

Black Cat: Quite possible. Even though it's AI-generated, it's still pretty intriguing.

Black Cat: Assuming correctly, there should be plenty of plot clues within. This animated sequence isn't just for entertainment; it might involve the main storyline of the game later on, crucial information, or character development.

Black Cat: Looking at that black-clad figure, clearly a subordinate of Carrens, and recalling his mention of 'Arkham's destruction, this seems to be a timeline where Arkham City perished. They must be survivors seeking revenge against the Bureau.

Justice Through Appearance: Oh, Carrens, so ruthless. He's leaving no one behind.

Fruit of the Earth: Hiss, hush, don't you think Kalens in this state is incredibly cool? The disfigured devil, the avenger from hell, the blood wolf – each one sets my heart ablaze with excitement. They're way more captivating than the current Kalens!

Insane: Mature Archie looks appealing too. Will we get to see Lane soon? Ahh, I can hardly contain my excitement!

The slaughter on screen continued, and the citizens, who initially believed it was a one-sided massacre, suddenly realized that the investigators had transformed into even more terrifying creatures. The Bureau of Investigation had turned into a den of monsters, locked in a fierce battle with the players.

["Where do you think you're going?" The blond man blocked Kurt's path, his voice raspy.]

Kurt looked at the fallen bodies behind Albert – every member of the secretariat, except himself.

"Have you quenched your thirst for killing, you madman?"

"No... Of course not." Albert muttered, his hand reaching up to touch a burn on the back of his head. Memories of the fire that had engulfed Arkham flashed through his mind, contorting his expression into that of a malevolent demon. Golden flames ignited on him once more, leaving scorch marks all over his body. "How could I rest easy without eliminating every last one of you?"

"Have you heard the cries of the wronged spirits from Michigan? They clamor, urging me to send these hypocrites down to hell with them."

Albert gazed at the scene with a start, though not entirely surprised by such behavior from him.

Should Arkham truly fall, he might seek vengeance at any cost.

"The hatred of mankind is truly terrifying."

Albert turned his head to see Kerry beside him, holding out a cigarette with one hand. "Don't you think so?"

"I don't smoke," Albert declined.

"I just need you to light it up. I heard your ability involves creating fire," Kerry suggested.

Albert's lips twitched, but he ignored the offer. Kerry wasn't bothered and lit the cigarette himself, exhaling a smoke ring pensively. "Thankfully, I'm not one to stir up trouble."

Though he didn't understand why the video was being shown to the entire city, it was clear that it would only bring him problems. Kerry was grateful that he had no enmity with the Audit Bureau.

Most of the bureau's members were still alive. To kill them in front of their faces in the future would require a deep grudge. Besides, anyone appearing in such an apocalyptic scenario would surely attract attention – a troublesome prospect.

In the video, the Audit Bureau's numbers dwindled during their battle against the players, the Black Gang, and Albert's group. Strangely, the authorities remained inactive, seemingly allowing events to unfold. Amidst the chaos, the Doctor obtained the Ark.

Next came a familiar scene for the citizens of Orland: the descent of angels. However, due to the players and the Audit Bureau's exhausting battles, they lacked the strength and cards to confront the final angelic appearance.

Amid the Doctor's maniacal laughter, the angel sounded its horn on the ground, echoing what 'God' had attempted earlier. It announced the impending apocalypse, and in response, countless citizens began offering their faith to survive the coming end.

Thus, the 'Divine' descended, personally proclaiming in the mortal realm that the Day of Alignment of Stars was nigh, and the Day of Judgement was about to commence.

It has arrived.

Lane's spirit stirred, instantly focusing his attention to discern the nature of this so-called 'Day of Judgement.'

He had seen this prophecy in Creed's Fourth Layer of the Dream Rift before, but at that time, the apocalypse had already begun. However, who had initiated it, and how? Was it natural, or the result of human actions? Could it be prevented, or was it an inevitable fate?

These questions held immense significance for this world and would also influence the main storyline for the players and Lane's decisions.

The scene in the sky shifted, revealing two new figures.

And they were incredibly familiar to Lane.

Creed and Amos.

Albert turned to look at Creed, who suddenly coughed violently.

["Are you ready?"]

Amos appeared on screen, dressed in a black suit, his face beaming with delight, his steps imbued with an almost ecstatic energy, like a groom eagerly rushing to meet his bride at the wedding.

"Mm, Soren had already succeeded. I merely improved the ritual to make it permanent," Crey sounded much more disheveled than he looked now, clad in his usual loose white lab coat, his voice hoarse. "The question is where such immense power comes from to make this 'gate' permanent. It must involve the power of 'rules,' right?"

"Rest assured, our dear 'God' has prepared everything for us~" Amos saluted the divine throne hanging high above the sky. "He really has worked hard, announcing the apocalypse, and personally paving the way for the evil gods to enter reality. Once they fully descend and turn the world into a wasteland, the remaining humans will have no choice but to dedicate themselves to the God who can save them."

"He'll take a group of His believers back to the Dream World, as the mightiest Old God, consuming the others and becoming the sole ruler of the Dream World. Hmm~ What a thrilling spectacle."

"Oh? He's taking a group of humans back with Him?" Crey asked curiously. "After He descended as 'God,' wouldn't humans have lost their usefulness to Him?"

"No, no, my dear Crey, you know too little." Amos curled his lips. "Humans have more uses than that. Although they've mostly forgotten 'Origin,' there's still hope for recovery if we obtain the Ark. After all, we humans once ruled the Dream World."

"Oh, wait, no. It shouldn't be humans. In the Dream World, we should be called 'Perfected Ones' or 'Celestials.'"

Amos continued, "The so-called Old Gods were merely 'Lords' elected by humans with greater mental power. Unfortunately, due to the arrival of the evil gods, the Perfected Ones' minds were corrupted, leading to the contamination of the Dream World. Thus, we had no choice but to cut off 'Origin,' sealing it within the Ark, fleeing the Dream World for reality. That's how Perfected Ones became humans, for we were no longer complete."

"..."

"Why? Aren't you interested in this topic?"

Cyrus's expression was indifferent. "What I'm most eager to see right now is the Evil God. My mentor said that they are the embodiment of cosmic laws, the beings closest to the truth."

"Fine, then you can adjust the ritual here and wait for the Evil God to appear through the 'door.'" Amos stretched and walked forward. "I need to deal with these troubles that have come knocking."

In front of Amos was a cliff, but he seemed oblivious as he walked straight to its edge and stepped into thin air.

The scene then shifted to show the view beneath the cliff, where countless tribes and bizarre creatures swarmed. They were summoned relentlessly by the cultists, some engaging in fierce battles upon meeting, turning the bottom of the cliff into a hellish landscape.

But what did it matter? This world would soon become hell anyway.

After Amos stepped off the cliff, he didn't fall. Instead, a gigantic monstrous bird caught him, carrying him across the chasm. On the mountain opposite, players were gathering.

"It's all just a futile effort,"

Player Channel:

Black Cat: Wow, there's too much information here.

Druid: My head's about to explode. Also, Cyrus and Amos are actually the bosses in this storyline!?

Aron: "What the heck, did the players win in the end?"

Madman: "I'm getting nervous even though I know it's fake."

Lahn was also observing the scene on screen. Unlike the players, however, he furrowed his brow slightly. He recalled that Destiny had mentioned that Crey, Amos, Archy, Edmund, Albert, and Carrens were all pivotal points leading to the arrival of the Evil God. Now, according to the footage, Amos and Crey were directly involved in the plan to bring about Armageddon, while Archy, Albert, and Carrens sought revenge against the Audit Bureau, potentially enabling God to obtain the Ark?

Wait, what about Edmund? He never showed up at all.

Moreover, based on Destiny's account, this timeline was destined for destruction. So, what would be the outcome of this world...

Indeed, as the scene unfolded, more and more players fell, either dead or wounded, stirring a sense of distress among the citizens of Orland. Some couldn't help but start cheering for the players.

As if their prayers were answered, or perhaps the players in the footage had reached their peak performance, these players, who had clearly been testing the game for some time, were significantly stronger than the current ones. On average, each player could handle a single creature. A dazzling array of spells, items, weaponry, and fearless forbidden techniques were unleashed by the players.

There were also shining moments, like when someone risked their life to save a teammate, or when others used life-costing forbidden spells to eliminate hordes of creatures. Unaware that players were immune to death, the citizens watched with tears in their eyes, cheering them on in spirit.

Player Channel:

Black Cat: "Well, even though I know it's an animation, seeing myself in there is still quite cringeworthy."

Druid: I get it, brother. The thought of being live-streamed to all NPCs makes my toes curl in anxiety. It's a life-saver.

Plum Blossom in Mankind: Normal people would find it awkward, but for an anime fan, it's just perfect!

"As the scene progresses, with players sacrificing themselves one after another, they finally eliminate the cultists summoning their minions. A fortunate player rolls a critical success on his stealth check and manages to sneak up to Kree. He catches Kree fiddling with a vial, containing the most crucial liquid for the ritual.

Rumor has it that it's the blood of an unborn deity, a substance even 'God' can only obtain in small quantities. Yet, this tiny vial is the key to unlocking the gateway.

At this moment, the player senses a sudden calling. His intuition tells him that this object is vital. Boldly, he approaches Kree and attempts a skillful theft.

The skill check succeeds, and the player steals the vial but also breaks his stealth, seeing Kree's bewildered expression.

Without hesitation, he bolts from the area, a system notification echoing in his mind. As long as he takes the vial out of the ritual zone and destroys it, he'll complete the main quest!

But then, a bizarre laughter echoes from nearby.

The last thing the player sees is a clownish figure, with ghostly pale skin and a mouth like a bloody grin, materializing from the mist. In his hand is a dagger that moves faster than light.

Snap—"

Fetal blood hit the ground, with a single drop landing precisely at the center of the mystical array.

The player stared blankly as the "Main Quest Failed" notification echoed in his ears, accompanied by the Joker's maniacal laughter ringing close.

Across the globe, the gates to the Dream World opened.

Stars aligned, and malevolent deities descended.

This single phrase signified the destruction of an entire world.

In the depths of the ocean, a gate emerged, revealing a colossal figure that sent towering waves crashing onto coastal cities, effortlessly obliterating human civilization.

In the skies, another sun emerged, its scorching heat burning the earth as an eerie melody, unbearable to human ears, filled the air.

Stars themselves were not spared, as a magnificent entity wrapped in yellow cloth claimed dominion over the cosmos. Henceforth, every star became the eye of some dark deity, and the corruption of the stars gave rise to various mutated creatures across the land, dividing the world into distinct zones of radiation.

Humanity cried out in despair. Some were taken away by 'God' to the Ark of Noah, only to vanish without a trace. The majority, however, were left to die in misery.

The last human being witnessed his limbs withering. He fell to the ground, his eyes fixated on the stars, unable to close, seemingly asking 'why'.

Silence reigned below, all eyes wide with awe as they witnessed the apocalyptic scene. Many were on the brink of mental collapse.

The players fell quiet too, not out of despair but rather struck speechless by the cataclysmic vision before them.

However, doubts emerged among the crowd.

Black Cat: Hold on, Lane isn't in this scene. Where is he?

Indeed, it was inconceivable that Lane wouldn't appear in a vision of the future. So, where was he?

Meanwhile, Lane was meticulously noting the crucial details emerging from the future timeline, secretly relieved that he wasn't part of it. Had he appeared, the situation would have been excruciatingly awkward – in some sense, it could have been a public execution.

Just as he let out a sigh of relief, the previously still image suddenly stirred with new activity. The scene began to rewind, and certain figures started vanishing. Amidst the confusion, the image sharpened once more, revealing fresh silhouettes.

Lane?