From Apocalypse To Entertainment Circle (BL) Chapter 160: The Apocalypse Has Begun

A refreshing breeze swept through the chamber, caressing the boy’s fair, radiant skin like the tender touch of morning after a dreadful night. The white drapes beside the opened casement fluttered gently, allowing shafts of golden sunlight to pour into the tranquil space. Tiny specks of dust whirled lazily in the light, and for a brief instant, an almost surreal peace permeated the air. It was, however, far too peaceful. Lying upon the bed, Sian perceived the crisp air on his countenance. His lashes quivered slightly before his amber irises slowly unfurled. The instant consciousness returned, agony followed swiftly. Sharp. Oppressive. It felt as though every single bone in his frame had been fractured and forcibly reassembled. "Ah... my body aches dreadfully." His voice emerged cracked and feeble. Propelled by one hand, Sian gradually assumed a seated posture, his muscles protesting with a slight tremor from the exertion. A pervasive ache radiated through his entire being as he surveyed the unfamiliar room with bewilderment. When had they managed to depart that desolate desert? Glimpses of recollection flickered through his consciousness—the scorching desert sands, the suffocating pressure, the monstrous entity bellowing under the scarlet heavens. ...Well, it appeared he had once more overextended his capabilities. For reasons unknown, a significant portion of his inherent abilities remained concealed, akin to a fearsome beast ensnared by innumerable restraints, each binding weakening and fracturing whenever he pushed himself past his limitations. And now... Sian could distinctly sense it. The bindings were unraveling with increasing rapidity. His latent power would soon be restored. Yet, instead of solace, a profound sense of apprehension enveloped his core. Because that could only signify one thing. A significant event was unfolding within this realm. Something perilous. Something potent enough to compel the reawakening of his suppressed powers. And whatever it might be— It would undoubtedly dwarf any previous threat humanity had encountered. Abruptly, the portal was flung open with a resounding crash, shattering the room's quietude. Two figures stormed in almost immediately. "Captain! You are awake—Oh heavens, you nearly gave me a heart attack!" Kira, with little hesitation, practically hurled herself towards Sian. "Ah—" A pained groan escaped his lips as the impact threatened to crush his already compromised body. "Kira... you'll finish me off like this." "O-Oh! My apologies, my apologies!" She immediately recoiled, her hands waving erratically. "I simply became overjoyed! You have been unconscious for a full five days!" "...Five days?" Sian faltered for a moment, genuine astonishment evident on his features. That protracted a duration? This instance, he had not expended nearly as much power as previously. Having He Jinyeon present had significantly alleviated the strain, aiding him in suppressing the majority of the destructive energy behind that particular assault. Still... It was fortunate indeed that they had succeeded in vanquishing that monstrosity. Had they faltered, this world would have been utterly incapable of confronting such a threat on its own with such swiftness. Entire metropolises could have vanished. Innumerable souls would have perished. "So... where are we presently?" The query was directed towards He Jinyeon, who had remained conspicuously silent since entering the chamber. Standing near the entryway, the man deliberately avoided Sian’s direct gaze, his expression remarkably strained. Guilt. It was indelibly etched upon his countenance. If Sian still failed to perceive that something was amiss, he would be utterly oblivious. He subtly elevated an eyebrow. "What transpired?" Kira awkwardly grazed her cheek, suddenly finding it difficult to maintain eye contact. "Well... um..." Her voice diminished in volume. "We may have taken a course of action without your explicit consent." An hour later, both Kira and He Jinyeon were seated somberly before Sian's bed, their heads bowed low like chastised children awaiting judgment. The atmosphere within the room felt oppressively heavy. Sian observed them for several prolonged seconds before ultimately emitting a soft exhalation, a mixture of exasperation and faint amusement swirling within him. "You two truly are..." He left the declaration unfinished. Yet, inexplicably, this only amplified their sense of culpability. Their heads drooped even lower. Neither dared to meet his gaze. Witnessing their contrite postures, Sian found himself incapable of reprimanding them. After all... they had acted with his well-being in mind. Because, much like himself, they remained captives of their shared past. Still unable to place their trust in others once more. In their prior existence, upon reconvening, their collective unit—and the sanctuary they meticulously constructed—had evolved into the preeminent power on Earth. A beacon of resilience. A bastion against which no adversary dared to advance. But concurrently, it had also evolved into the most exclusive organization to join. Because their faith in humanity had eroded completely. Not following the devastating betrayals. Not after witnessing individuals they had vigilantly protected repeatedly turn on them, until their conviction in humankind was utterly annihilated. From that juncture forward, they transcended mere comrades. Beyond intimate friends. Surpassing familial bonds. They would willingly sacrifice their lives for one another without a second thought—

Still, the entire human race could be left to perish if it meant safeguarding those they held dear.

"Okay, okay," Sian finally relented, massaging his throbbing temples. "I haven't even spoken yet. Why do you both look as if I'm about to sentence you to death? Anyone witnessing this would mistake me for a complete tyrant."

Kira's eyes instantly sparkled with relief.

"See?! I told you the Captain isn't unreasonable!"

She leaped up excitedly, gesturing proudly toward He Jinyeon.

"He would never place the blame on us!"

He Jinyeon simply gazed at her, unblinking.

For a fleeting moment, he genuinely contemplated revealing the same woman who, moments earlier, had been nervously biting her nails while adamantly insisting the Captain would undoubtedly flay them alive.

In the end, he opted for tranquility.

Turning his attention back to Sian, his expression sobered once more.

"That fellow, Lan Qishing, attempted to prevent our departure," he explained with measured calm. "However, I employed a bit of intimidation, and managed to whisk you and Kira away before they could properly react."

He paused momentarily.

"Furthermore, my informants have relayed intelligence. The military has significantly escalated their pursuit of us. They are absolutely determined to apprehend us, no matter the cost."

Sian appeared unfazed by this latest development.

The instant he had publicly utilized his abilities to rescue that child, he had anticipated repercussions of this nature.

Nevertheless—

A sudden thought materialized in his mind.

The child.

Sian's countenance shifted subtly.

"And what of the child?"

This time, Kira responded without hesitation.

"Rest assured, Boss! Brother He Jinyeon's people brought him along. We managed to secure him without any difficulty."

"...Secure?"

Sian's eye twitched infinitesimally.

Was that intended to sound reassuring?

Never mind.

"He's unharmed," she hastily added. "He's recuperating in the room adjacent to yours. For quite some time, he refused to leave your side, but eventually, exhaustion claimed him, and he drifted off to sleep."

For a brief instance, Sian remained silent.

An inexplicable emotion flashed within his amber irises, vanishing as swiftly as it appeared.

Suddenly—

Bang!

The door burst open once more.

Carmel rushed in, clutching a laptop tightly, his breath ragged and hurried.

"Boss, this is dire. Something has happened—"

The moment his gaze fell upon Sian, he halted abruptly.

"The Young Boss has awakened?!"

...Young Boss?

Sian slowly turned his head towards He Jinyeon, his expression radiating a dangerous level of composure.

He Jinyeon promptly cleared his throat into his fist before fixing Carmel with a sharp glare.

"What could possibly be so urgent that you felt the need to barge in unannounced?"

For a fleeting second, Sian experienced an overwhelming wave of déjà vu.

A dreadful premonition settled in his heart.

And then—

His most profound fear materialized into reality.

Carmel's trembling voice reverberated through the chamber.

"Multiple monstrous entities... of diverse types and species... have inexplicably manifested across the globe."

His face had drained of all color, becoming deathly pale.

"They are assaulting numerous cities concurrently..."

The laptop screen quivered uncontrollably in his grasp, displaying a cascade of emergency broadcasts, scenes of collapsing structures, terrified civilians screaming, and skies choked with smoke and flames.

Fear.

Panic.

Despair.

It was an epidemic engulfing the entire world.

Carmel slowly raised his gaze, now filled with horror, toward Sian.

"S-Sir..."

"The apocalypse has commenced."