From Apocalypse To Entertainment Circle (BL) Chapter 157: Hope, Then Horror

"Are these two out of their minds? Discussing sweets when humanity’s very existence is at stake?" an elder bellowed, his voice laced with indignation. Dressed in a suit laden with medals, he was evidently a decorated former general.

"They’re treating this like a game? Our world teeters on the edge of ruin, and they stand there—bickering and chatting so casually, taking their sweet time?"

"As one would expect... this generation is not to be relied upon. If we pin our hopes on them to rescue us, then our demise is all but sealed."

...

Murmurs of mockery and disapproval echoed throughout the hall.

However, not everyone was consumed by such scorn. A select few, with their keen observations, had already begun to comprehend the astonishing might of Kira and Sian.

"That young woman, despite her apparent youth, wields overwhelming power. I wonder which unit she serves."

"And the man beside her... he appears almost fragile, more delicate than she is, yet he disposes of those monstrosities with such nonchalance—as if they were mere trifles."

"Damn it all—how can they laugh and jest amidst the chaos of a battlefield? There’s a complete lack of professionalism. Just a pair of preposterous children."

Within the confines of the conference room, high-ranking officials and seasoned generals engaged in a fervent debate concerning Sian and Kira’s demeanor, finding it profoundly galling.

General Lan’s gaze swept across them, glinting with fury.

"Were it not for these so-called ’children,’ the monsters would have annihilated the entire unit and marched directly to this city to feast upon your decaying heads."

"Instead of fixating on their idle chatter and conduct, why don’t you cast a proper glance at the sheer number of monsters they’ve annihilated? At how they are safeguarding the team—and containing the threat?"

His voice, now hardened, sliced through the room like tempered steel.

"A gaggle of fools armed only with loud mouths. If you lack the capacity for sensible discourse, then impose silence upon yourselves. Remain mute."

The sheer gravitas of General Lan’s presence—coupled with his undisputed authority—was sufficient to stifle even the most vociferous dissenters into silence.

This was particularly true given the irrefutable accuracy of his every word.

Despite the casual exchanges captured by the drones, Kira and Sian’s combat efficiency had not wavered in the slightest—in fact, it seemed to surge with every passing moment.

Meanwhile, the members of the Special Investigation Team for supernatural phenomena exchanged hushed words amongst themselves.

"Did you witness that? Kira—that little imp—is actually following instructions... and with that look of fright?"

"I share your astonishment. Since when has Kira exhibited such docility? Such commendable behavior? She’s practically acting pitiful in front of that man—and she’s genuinely scared of him."

"Who exactly is he? And why does she utter ‘Boss’ with such natural ease? It’s as if she’s utterly dependent on him—her obedience manifesting instinctively in his presence. She’s never once afforded our captain such deference—never addressed him as ‘Boss.’"

Speaking of the captain...

His countenance had contorted into a shade as dark as a scorched cooking pot.

A burning sense of humiliation festered within his chest.

Regardless of his past actions, Kira had never granted him even the slightest acknowledgment—never recognized his authority as her superior. On one occasion, she had even declared to his face that he was unfit to hold the position of her captain.

That insult had wounded him deeply.

Though... it would prove inconsequential compared to the profound humiliation he would later experience upon finally encountering Sian.

But that, as they say, is a tale for another time.

—

At this precise juncture, bolstered by Kira’s support, Sian finally advanced towards the colossal, enraged entity.

Earlier, the monstrosity had displayed cunning, generating minions to shield itself and eradicate the two “insects” with utmost haste.

Yet, as time wore on, it comprehended that the majority of its summoned protectors had already been annihilated.

There remained no sanctuary for evasion.

It was possible it possessed a modicum of intelligence—for it harbored a fear of succumbing to Kira and Sian’s might. Consequently, it maintained its distance, opting for ranged assaults rather than direct confrontation.

Then—

A thunderous, soul-chilling sound reverberated through the desert’s nocturnal stillness.

Every individual present—both on the battlefield and within the assembly hall—bore witness to the identical, stupefying spectacle.

At some unobserved moment, Sian had artfully exploited the creature’s momentary lapse in attention—its focus wholly occupied by Kira—and had silently materialized behind it.

He slowly elevated his hands towards the sky.

And without the slightest forewarning—

Every blade, every armament, every fragment of steel strewn about the encampment was simultaneously levitated into the air.

The visual display was nothing short of breathtaking.

Metal surged skyward from every conceivable direction—and before the colossal beast could even register the shift—Sian propelled his hands forward.

Hundreds of blades hurtled towards the monster, embedding themselves deep within its flesh with savage force.

A ghastly shriek erupted from its maw—primal, excruciating, potent enough to send tremors through one’s very soul.

But the ordeal was not yet concluded.

Not by a long shot.

Sian interlaced his hands, forming an ‘X’—then flung them apart in a single, decisive, fluid movement.

In response, the innumerable blades lodged within the creature's body erupted from its interior, rending its entire form to shreds.

A visceral explosion of flesh occurred.

Gouged fragments were flung across the earth in every direction.

A profound silence descended.

This quietude wasn't by choice—

But rather, the spectacle they had just endured rendered them utterly speechless.

—

Lan Qishing, present at the location, remained motionless for an extended period. Upon regaining his senses, his voice was imbued with a delicate blend of doubt, anticipation... and solace.

"...Is it... finished? Has it truly ended?"

In all honesty, his impulse was to race forward—to seize Sian, to inquire about his well-being.

Even from afar, Sian's delicate frame appeared to waver precariously under the dim moonlight. He seemed so frail... as though he might falter at any instant.

However, before Lan Qishing could even initiate a step—

He observed, powerless, as the dispersed pieces of flesh commenced their movement.

They quivered... then glided... then coalesced in a single spot.

Directly within the collective view of all observers, the fragments reintegrated—merging, reforming—

reconstructing the very monstrosity Sian had just dismembered.

"What in the blazes... is that?"

Even Lan’s veteran soldiers—men who had long accepted their fate in service to their nation—felt their legs tremble at the ghastly sight.

A chilling, fearful notion began to take root in everyone's consciousness:

...Can humanity possibly endure this?