Chapter 4: The Calm Before the Storm: Countdown to Chaos
He sees a beast from afar that looks powerful, but after glancing at Evan, who stands natural and fearless, he thinks deeply in his mind, "Maybe I'm just nervous because of the upcoming monster attack. That's why I feel fear after seeing some random monster from afar. I should focus on preparations for the attack and how to make my city stronger. Ah, I should explore outside the city to find opportunities and resources... and get some experience fighting monsters."
A few minutes later,
"Let's prepare ourselves for an exploration outside the city altar for two hours," Ash says, a smile tugging at his face.
"Okay, my lord," Evan replies with a humble voice.
Ash's cheeks turn slightly red when Evan calls him "my lord." He thinks deeply, "I like it when someone praises or respects me. I must take good care of Evan when I'm sure he's trustworthy and swears loyalty to me. I should check the time window for the monster attack." Ash sighs after glancing at the window.
"Time left before monsters' attack: 4 hours, 30 minutes"
Ash quickly composes his face, masking any sign of fear. He doesn't want Evan to think he's a coward. Evan is his first subordinate, and they'll have to fight monsters regularly in this world. It's part of daily life now.
"Do you have any previous experience with outside city exploration?" Ash asks in a calm voice.
"Yes," Evan replies with a smile.
"Good. Tell me everything you know about outdoor exploration," Ash asks, his face lighting up with excitement.
"Okay," Evan answers with a polite smile.
"Outside the altar-city, without the protection of the altar's mark, any person can become a mindless monster without having a special treasure. If a person has the altar mark's protection, they can survive outside depending on their level and the altar city's level. Otherwise, corruption can turn a person into a mindless monster," Evan explains.
"How much time can we live outside altar protection?" Ash asks steadily.
"We can live about one month, because the level 0 altar's power and level 0 humans' ability to protect themselves isn't infinite," Evan says with a serious face.
"Let's prepare ourselves for exploration outside," Ash says firmly, his face serious.
"Okay," Evan says, smiling.
Ash hands a sword to Evan from the warehouse for his protection. Evan accepts it with a delighted expression, gratitude shining in his eyes.
Ash then asks, "By the way, how do you know so much about Eldros? Is it common knowledge here?"
"Depending on the altar's level, common people know more or less. I didn't want to say it, but... I am actually the son of my former altar city's owner. So, I know more compared to the others from my former city," Evan says quietly.
"Oh... sorry about your dad," Ash says, his face softening with a look of regret.
"It's okay. My father had many sons and wives, so I wasn't very attached to him," Evan says in a neutral tone.
"Let's prepare to leave in ten minutes," Ash says with a straight face. Deep in his mind, he thinks, "I have a gun and twenty bullets. I believe I can kill normal monsters easily if the information Evan gave me is correct. I'm 99% sure Evan isn't lying, because when a new altar is born, it's the highest-level mystery in this world according to the altar-city's information. I believe no one can scheme against me yet. Still, to ensure my safety, I won't tell Evan about the gun and bullets. That's my trump card against any schemer. I'll check the surroundings too—if anyone is hiding or preparing an ambush, I'll shoot without hesitation."
"Okay, my lord," Evan says, his eyes firm with loyalty.
Ash checks the time again. A new window pops up.
Time left before attack: 4 hours, 10 minutes
Ash thinks deeply, "I have enough time for a quick trip into the forest... seeing some monsters from afar might increase my understanding and boost my confidence for the upcoming battle."
"Let's go outside the city," Ash says, determination blazing in his eyes.
"Okay, my lord," Evan responds confidently.
After thirty minutes of traveling from Nexus City, they reach a forested area near the city. Before them stretches vast, fertile plain land perfect for agriculture, and a wide river separates Nexus City and the forest area. Ash is amazed by the lush greenery and the purity of the air compared to the polluted Blue Planet, where unchecked industrialization ruined the skies. He grips his gun in his right hand and thinks, "I should focus on gathering resources and, if possible, spotting some monsters from afar for experience. I've searched the area... no signs of human activity. Maybe this place is too remote. Not many intelligent species seem to live here. There's no ambush either. I should trust Evan more than before."
A smile creeps onto Ash's face, a rare flicker of ease.
Five minutes later,
They move deeper into a dense part of the forest just beyond the borders of Nexus City. Purple mist clings to the air, and unseen creatures rustle through the trees. Evan, sweating under the labour, chops wood with his sword.
"We need more wood for construction," Ash says, gun held ready, his eyes scanning the surroundings for danger.
"Okay, my lord. But stay alert—forest beasts are good at hiding and attacking from behind," Evan warns, wiping sweat from his forehead.
"I'm keeping an eye on everything. Don't worry about safety," Ash replies with a confident smile.
Ash keeps the gun tight in his hand, his gaze sharp. He prays no big beasts show up. A fierce battle would be a nightmare he doesn't want.
After twenty minutes, no big beasts appear. Small ones stay away, sensing danger.
A few minutes later, Ash exhales in relief and says, "Let's patch up the work and exploration."
"Okay, my lord. We have forty woods ready for use," Evan says, his face and hands dripping with sweat but relief evident in his voice.
Ash thinks, "If I could find stone nearby, it would speed up city construction. Wood is easy now thanks to the forest, but stone would make the houses and markets stronger. I'll need to explore more later. Maybe I'm actually lucky having a forest so close to Nexus City."
"It's very fortunate for us to have a forest as a resource, my lord," Evan says with a smile.
"Okay. Let's depart for the city with our luggage," Ash says quietly, his face cautious.
After thirty minutes,
They safely pass through the city gates and start thinking about resting before the inevitable battle.
"I hope we can live a prosperous life... and become the strongest powerhouse in this world," Ash says, hope gleaming in his eyes and a small smile on his lips.
"We'll survive, my lord. The first attack on a city altar isn't too hard if we prepare properly. As long as we're cautious and brave, we'll make it through without a scratch. As for becoming the most powerful... we'll see in the future," Evan says with determined confidence.
"Thanks, my friend. I'm deciding now—you'll be my second-in-command in Nexus City. I hope we'll create the most powerful city where people can live freely, without constant fear of monsters and beast attacks," Ash says, smiling warmly.
"Thank you, my lord. I believe in you—we'll surely create that powerful city," Evan says, his smile bright with flattery and loyalty.
Then,
Ash checks the time again. Another window pops up.
Time left before monsters' attack: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Now, Ash waits for the monsters' assault, gun firm in his hand, a confident smile playing on his lips.
But deep inside, as he clenches his left fist tightly, he vows in his heart, "I must kill all the monsters. I will survive this attack without a doubt!"