Chapter 13: Military

The three military helicopters landed on the mall’s rooftop after I opened up the energy shield dome.

Everyone moved to the side and hurriedly pointed their weapons towards the helicopters.

“Stand down!” (Will)

I had everyone lower their weapons but remained vigilant as I watched figured get off the helicopter.

I stood still as I waited for the people to come forward.

The reason I had everyone lower their weapons was because none of these people had black souls. So to say, at the moment, they do not have any ill intention to us.

After a while, a robust man in his 30s, dressed in military uniform with medals decorated on his chest and three stars on his shoulder, came forward along with a young woman.

The man with the three stars also had a nametag on his chest. [Warrick]

“You must be William King.” (Warrick)

“Yes. What can I do to you, General Warrick?” (Will)

Warrick nodded and stood firm.

“On the orders of the late President Santiago, I have come here to protect his daughter, Leslie Santiago, alongside Sir King.” (Warrick)

Surprised, I turned towards the young lady again who seems to only be around 16-17.

Leslie smiled apologetically after being seen.

Well, at least she knows that this is a rather forceful way of asking someone for protection.

In any case, we are short in hands indeed.

“You said late?” (Will)

“Yes. At the start of the apocalypse, the Malacañang Palace was immediately destroyed by a huge monster. Along the casualties, was none other that President Santiago himself. The military had been busy all this time to destroy the monster and take back the Malacañang Palace, however, it only resulted in more casualties and I was the only General left to escape with the young miss. Then, we were notified about the leading rank in the [Leaderboards] being a Filipino so we searched for you. When you posted something about recruiting a lot of people to withstand the oncoming wave, we made preparations to come.” (Warrick)

I see...no wonder there didn’t seem to be any movements from the military and the government...they had already fallen from the beginning.

“You should realize, that the world has changed. Your ranks and position no longer mean anything. If I want you dead, it will be easy. But if you want me dead, I’m afraid that’s not possible.” (Will)

After all, I have [Soul Eyes]. If I notice it change colors suddenly, then I can definitely react in time to dodge and counterattack.

Though I had decided to have them join us, I need them to understand that it will be them following my orders and not the other way around.

“I know. However, it is still necessary for order in this new world. I hope you understand this.” (Warrick)

“Don’t worry. Just know that if you and your guys were to make a move on me, it will only be in vain.” (Will)

I shrugged and explained the [Relationship] system to them and added them all.

Warrick sighed with the thought that he will be able to know as well if I were to make a move on them.

The [Relationship] system goes both ways.

If I think of killing them, to them, my name would turn red. If they think of killing me or betraying me, I’ll also see their name turn red.

With this way of surveilling each other, I would not have to worry too much about inner struggles.

“Well then, there’s only 4 days left. Talk with Brook and coordinate your men with his. And you, if you don’t want to help, just stay in your room.” (Will)

“Can’t I help somehow?” (Leslie)

“Do you want to fight?” (Will)

“No...” (Leslie)

“Then talk to May here and see if there’s something you can help with.” (Will)

“...Okay...” (Leslie)

Leslie pouted but still went to May to talk.

Warrick walked towards Leslie and tried to stop her.

“Young miss, there’s no need for you to work. Just let us handle these.” (Warrick)

“It’s fine Uncle Warrick, there’s no use being bored in my room doing nothing.” (Leslie)

“But...fine. Sergeant Groves, stay by the young miss’ side.” (Warrick)

“Sis Natalie!” (Leslie)

Then, a black-haired woman whose hair is tied into a bun behind her head came forward with uniform strides.

What’s strange is that this woman had a black cloak above her military uniform, a strange bracelet, and a golden staff behind her back.

The woman, Natalie, smiled and saluted General Warrick.

“Sir, yes sir!” (Natalie)

Natalie and Leslie started to go down into the mall along with May when I suddenly shouted.

“One more thing!” (Will)

Warrick, Natalie, Leslie, and even May turned around, looking at me in confusion.

I didn’t mind their stares and looked upwards.

I activated the [Phoenix Wings] and started to fly.

“The next time you come here using a helicopter, make sure you’re not being followed.” (Will)

Finished saying that, I sped to the air while brandishing the [Blackest Heart].

The reason why I did so was because when they reached here a while ago, I also saw another soul following behind, even though there was nothing there.

Looking at the [Logs], it was called [Chameleon Wyvern].

And the reason why I didn’t bother with it until now and feigned that I didn’t notice was because it was only a level 29 Outsider. Just exactly within the range of [Devour].

I just needed to time it properly and attack when it’s off guard to deal an instant blow.

“[Satanic Curse], [Devour]!” (Will)

The [Blackest Heart] changed into a jet black snake that shot straight towards the [Chameleon Wyvern].

*Kiyaaaaaaa-!!!*

After letting out a strange cry, the wyvern was completely devoured.

As an effect from devouring, I didn’t gain any item drops at all and only leveled up once.

And with the effect of [Satanic Curse], I gained the skill, [Camouflage].

Camouflage

Effects

Blends with the surrounding environment.

Description

User becomes invisible for a minute (60 MP)

Well now, this is a handy skill alright. Guess I do need to thank them for bringing that monster here.

After landing down, I walked towards May and patted her shoulder.

“I’ll leave them to you. Let me know if there’s anything.” (Will)

“Don’t exert yourself too much, Will.” (May)

May smiled and straightened my clothes.

“I know. See you later.” (Will)

Nodding to May, I looked back at the rest and nodded as well before leaving.

Alright. Let’s scout the perimeter again and make sure no new monsters had popped up without me noticing. It wouldn't hurt to double check or even triple check.

As they say, better safe than sorry.

* * *

Meanwhile, on the rooftop, Natalie, Leslie, Warrick, and the soldiers were still shocked about what had just happened.

They truly didn’t expect that they were being followed earlier.

If they had not met Will...who knows what would’ve happened to them?

They also looked at their [Logs] and saw the monster’s level.

Level 29! That’s almost Level 30!

It must be known that aside from the two freaks at the top 2 of the [Leaderboard], the third strongest person in the world is only at Level 15!

Even the top 1 and 2 are just 24 and 21! No, correction. The top 1 is now level 25!

Instantly, they thought that joining with Will was the best decision that they had made.

“All of you! Listen up!” (Warrick)

Warrick immediately called for the soldiers to listen in attention.

“The world has changed. As Sir King had said, the military ranks and political positions are no more! However, order must still be kept in order for humanity to survive in this world! From now on, you must listen to anything Sir King says and obey his commands! Failure to comply means death! Understood!?” (Warrick)

“Sir yes sir!”

“I can’t hear you!” (Warrick)

“Sir yes sir!!!”

Warrick nodded and turned towards the slightly overwhelmed Brook.

“Good! Now, all of you follow me with Sir Brook and get ready for war!” (Warrick)

“Sir yes sir!!!”

Watching the soldiers shout in unison and follow Brook, May let out a light laugh and turned her attention back to Natalie and Leslie.

“Alright, you two. Let’s find some things for the two of you to do.” (May)

“U-un...” (Leslie)

“Yes ma’am...” (Natalie)

May laughed lightly again seeing the two so stiff as they followed her.

“No need to be so formal. Just call me May.” (May)

“Then, Sis May, that monster earlier...and Sir King...are those all normal occurrences here?” (Leslie)

Leslie asked, still completely shaken with the events a while ago.

“Hehe, not really. However, we’ve seen Will take out monsters more powerful than that. He had to risk his life a lot to protect us. If the monster’s skin is too thick or strong, he’d jump at its mouth and let himself be eaten just so he can kill it from inside. He’s that kind of man.” (May)

“That’s...ridiculous...” (Natalie)

“Yeah...really reckless…” (May)

May smiled wryly and sighed.

“He’s kinda cool.” (Leslie)

“Haha, that’s right. Will is very cool.” (May)

Noticing Leslie’s blushing look, May laughed, thinking that someone’s probably about to become another victim.

On the other hand, Natalie was completely oblivious about the young miss’ budding feelings and also nodded.

“Yep. A strong man is indeed good. Hehe, it’s these types of guys that are a good challenge in bed.” (Natalie)

“...” (Leslie)

“...” (May)

* * *

*Shiver*

Huh? What was that? Why did I suddenly feel a cold sweat on my back?

I looked around and made sure that there are no enemies in the area.

Well, there doesn’t seem to be anything…

I shook my head and focused on the task at hand.

I visited the places where people are still staying and repeatedly convinced them for the past weeks to move out.

Usually, some of them would give in after convincing for three days. But there are cases where they would stubbornly refuse to move.

It’s not that these people are bad persons, it’s just that their trust in me is not enough for them to follow me.

To these kinds of overly protective people, I can only sigh and hope to convince them on the day of the wave.

I’ve also talked with the people that followed me if they have any relatives or friends that are nearby.

Now that we have helicopters from the military, we can extend our range of search so I asked everyone again.

I noted each of the people that needed to be rescued and talked to Warrick about it.

He agreed to send soldiers to the locations to rescue the people.

After all, they’re still soldiers and people would surely trust them if they came to the rescue.

If there are any large monsters, they are to immediately head back so I can know and go myself.

Like this, 3 days flew by.

In these 3 days, there was only one case where I was needed to come personally to deal with the monster.

Though the monster was more than 5 levels above me, I was unable to instantly kill it so it was dragged to a long battle.

At the end, I was unable to kill it as it had used its fast speed to escape instead.

I can only sigh in regret at this.

If I had killed it, maybe I would have gained that fast speed as a skill. Too bad.

In any case, the people were saved and we were able to return safely.

Days left till the first wave: 1 day.

Status

Name

William King

Level

25

Mana Points

650/650(+100)

Ranking

1

Strength

15(+10)

Wisdom

40(+10)

Agility

26(+10)

Stamina

16

G Points

5762

Status Points

1

Skills

Flame Aura

Play Dead

Photosynthesis

Heavy Strike

Alpha Pack

Dragon Eyes

Enhanced Hearing

Camouflage