111 Tired (1/2)

”What is going on?” Kurtis couldn't believe the state of Akshobhya. Just a minutes ago, he was a healthy middle-aged man filled with vigor and vitality.

Now, in the span of a minute, he has transformed into an ancient man. His body was rotten and filled with wrinkles while his eyes were cloudy.

CRACK~!

Kurtis looked above and his eyes turned wide in disbelief. The dome was cracking apart and from what Kurtis could tell, the dom has undergone vicissitudes of time.

Sssss

Kurtis looked down and saw the floor similarly cracking in fragments.

He then remembered how the dome and floor were connected to the blood cubes and crystal platform, which in turn, were linked with Akshobhya.

”Such powerful decaying force,” Kurtis was further horrified as he saw the storage beads on Akshobhya were similarly rotting away.

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The dark expanse of outer space was cold and desolate but it has its own beauty and charm. The twinkling of the stars and the outline of the planets were mesmerizing to the soul.

Alas, Kiba couldn't enjoy this celestial sight. He hovered above Earth's orbit surrounded by a golden column of light.

His eyes were closed as blood trickled out of them. His face was pale with exhaustion and droplets of sweat oozing down mixed with blood.

”Phew~” Kiba has never felt so worn out in his life. He opened his eyes and turned around ignoring the burning sensation.

He gathered the final bit of his strength to rush back home...All he wanted was to rest after confirming the safety of those who mattered to him.

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The wasteland only had one intact piece of landmass but now even that was destroyed. Far above, the sky was filled with dark clouds and golden lightning creating indomitable pressure on the ground.

Currently, 25 people were standing in what used to be a landmass before. Now there was just groundwater.

”There is no sign from Kazir and others,” Liam said with a frown.

”Are they dead?” Morgan has an unsightly expression on his face. He didn't dare believe the deaths of so many investigators in such a short time.

Just some 14 hours ago, the main team has arrived but five of them died. Even 15 of Morgan's team died.

The only consolation was that he survived by being absent from the wasteland.

”I should be grateful to that kid called Zed for sending the sons of my colleagues to the hospital,” Morgan bitterly thought, ”If not then I would be here on duty and definitely die. Who would take care of my children and wife?”

SHUA~!

Morgan, Liam, and the rest looked above. The dark clouds and golden lightning started fading away.

”Just what is responsible for this?” Morgan muttered.

BOOOOM

A deafening explosion reverberated in the air above as the dark clouds disappeared and a golden column of light dashed towards the ground.

”What is that?” Liam was startled.

He felt a life-threatening force from the golden column of light. Just as he decided to back away, the column of light faded away in mid-air.

”I'm regretting this mission,” Morgan said.

”...same here,” Many of the teammates agreed.

Liam wanted to rebuke his team members but didn't. He knew they were here mostly due to the benefits involved instead of duty.

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Section I, Dream Rise House.

Kiba teleported inside the lab. He was in a complete mess with his clothes being ripped apart in the return journey.

[[Are you fine, sir?]] Claudia asked.

Kiba opened his eyes and saw some of the equipment damaged. Most of the lab was intact thanks to the force field protection but signs of explosions were present on the wall and few damaged equipment.

”I'm sorry,” Kiba apologized.

He could imagine Claudia must have a hard time neutralizing the Section IV after his disappearance.

[[Sir, the damaged equipment could be replaced. There is no need for you to worry so much.]]