By the time the National Fate Battlefield's Emergency Response Unit arrived in Ocean City, the chaos had already subsided. Police, firefighters, and medics were calmly carrying out their duties, restoring order to the scene.
If not for the shattered streets and the murmuring crowds, one could hardly believe that this city had just endured the wrath of the National Fate Battlefield.
Had the creature sent as punishment this time been so weak?
With that question in mind, Colonel Richard Liu, commander of the emergency unit, began questioning the locals.
The answer he received only deepened his confusion.
What do they mean, "A white mist blew through, everyone coughed for a while, and then it was over"?
Puzzled, he ordered his specialists to collect samples for analysis while he prepared his report for higher authorities.
Capital City, Beiyan. Inside a conference room.
"How do you all see this disaster in Ocean City?" asked an elderly man with silver hair.
"The research department believes the spores couldn't adapt to Blue Star's environment and died instantly."
"The truth is obvious enough. After all, everyone here knows who lives in that city."
"…Then let's leave it at that. The research department's conclusion stands."
Three months later.
Blue Star Calendar, December 1st, 2032.
Snow fell in thick, silken sheets.
Ruan Mei sat inside a wooden pavilion, wearing the same elegant, thin silk dress as always. Before her lay an open book, a plate of pastries, a steaming teapot, and a single cup. From an old-fashioned radio came the soft cadence of a southern opera melody.
Beyond the pavilion, the snow blanketed the earth in a seamless sheet of white, the cold radiating with quiet majesty.
"MIMI~ (Today's the day the National Fate Battlefield begins! I'm so excited~)" Mimi fluttered over from the main house, circling Ruan Mei before settling in front of her.
"Mm."
"MIMI! (Aren't you curious, partner? About who gets chosen this time?)"
"Mm-hmm."
"MIMI! (Ahh, if only I could be chosen! There'd be so many people cheering for me!)"
Setting her book aside, Ruan Mei allowed the faintest smile to touch her lips. "That seems unlikely, Mimi. You're not human."
"Mimi↘ (How could you say that…?)" The little creature drooped, wings sagging.
But in the next breath, its eyes lit up with renewed determination. "MIMI! MIMI! (Wait, wait! There's still hope! If you get chosen, then I can go with you, right? We're partners, after all!)"
"From a probabilistic perspective, that chance is infinitesimal." Twelve failed draws over three years had made that perfectly clear. The selection was truly random, and among billions of people, what were the odds of her being picked?
Ruan Mei had long given up on such a notion.
"MIMI! MIMI? MIMI! (But people need dreams! If you don't have dreams, aren't you just a salted fish? And I refuse to be a salted fish! I am… hmm… yes! I am the sacred beast my partner created! Ha!)" Mimi stood proudly, tiny hands on its hips, head held high in mock grandeur.
Ruan Mei smiled again and reached out, tapping the old radio. A holographic screen bloomed into existence.
"Hello everyone, I'm your host, Xiao Sha, and welcome to the thirteenth season of the National Fate Battlefield! Joining me today are survival expert Professor Ma and Colonel Richard Liu, champion of the third battlefield challenge."
"This time, according to the previews, the format will be Unlimited Survival Mode, with participants chosen at random as always. What are your thoughts on this round?"
There wasn't much to say not yet. Neither the participants nor the battleground had been revealed, making any analysis pure speculation. The guests exchanged glances and offered polite, optimistic remarks.
After all, the National Fate Battlefield was tied to everyone's destiny, a sword of Damocles hanging over all humankind. No one knew when it would fall or on whom.
And the punishments were always deadly.
On-screen, the live chat exploded with commentary. The audience buzzed with speculation and encouragement. For all their efforts, their country hadn't performed well in previous rounds.
Out of twelve battlefields, they had lost seven. Worse yet, the last three were consecutive defeats. Though, to be fair, the other nations had fared no better recently three straight rounds of collective failure.
Even so, this thirteenth challenge carried tremendous weight. A victory could reverse the downward spiral, lifting morale across the globe. But failure would crush spirits everywhere.
The chat scrolled endlessly with cheering messages, suggestions, and strategies anything to boost confidence. After all, as the saying goes, "Even if you sharpen your spear at the last moment, it's still better than nothing."
The guests continued sharing survival tips, while the spirit of unity and resilience shone through every word, every gesture.
Then, a particularly flashy message drew attention:
"I'm the owner of XXX Corporation. I personally pledge ten million credits tax-free to support whoever gets selected! No worries, no regrets!"
"Thanks, boss! But hey, won't the government take care of the contestants anyway?"
"Of course they will. Ever since the first battlefield, every participant win or lose has been well provided for. Stop worrying about that."
Seeing the chat veer off-topic, the host cleared his throat and addressed the audience with a firm tone.
"Everyone knows the policies in place since the very first battlefield. There are strict measures to ensure that every contestant is fully supported. No one needs to doubt that.
Wherever you are on Blue Star or beyond the nation will always be your strongest backing."
He was about to continue when a colossal voice resonated through every mind, drowning out all other sound.
"The Thirteenth National Fate Battlefield is about to begin. Random selection in progress."
"Selection complete. Participant for the Eastern Alliance Ruan Mei."
"In ten minutes, the battlefield will commence. All chosen contestants, prepare yourselves."