Swallowed Star Chapter 3 — Jiang—Nan City

Translator: Translation Nation

Editor: Translation Nation

"The instant the RR disease emerged, it swept through the entire world at breakneck speed. Every creature requiring air to breathe—be it humans or airborne beasts—succumbed to the infection."

"Humans only became aware of the RR disease when it was already uncontrollable."

"Following infection by the RR disease, nearly 30% perished. Over those terrifying three months, aside from the massive die-off of animals, the global population plummeted by almost 2 billion!"

"Around 5 billion survivors remained, each possessing innate resistance to the plague."

"Those hellish three months brought agony to every corner of Earth."

"Amid this ordeal, the 5 billion survivors discovered their physiques had vastly improved. Practically everyone's strength, agility, cell regeneration, and dermal resilience had doubled at minimum! A typical person could now outrun and outlift former world record holders with ease."

"Then… catastrophe struck!"

"Humans, once pampered by comfort, gained immense power. But beasts enduring the RR disease faced even crueler trials. Their evolutions propelled their might far beyond humanity's. Worse, certain dread beasts grew shockingly intelligent!"

"In September 2015, assaults from teeming ocean creatures began, as hordes of mutated 'beasts' ravaged human habitats!"

"Bloodshed, insanity!"

"In humanity's clash with beasts, people learned their vaunted explosive arms merely felled weaker foes. Potent flying and terrestrial beasts shrugged off artillery. Bullets barely marred their hides! Agile, swift beasts evaded guided missiles effortlessly."

"Even nuclear strikes revealed a grim truth…"

"Monsters' defenses proved overwhelming; solely those at ground zero perished. Nearby beasts survived unscathed. The blasts fell short of expectations. Though they eradicated swarms, the fallout spawned even fiercer abominations. That year's most infamous terror, the flying 'Crimson Sky Wolf', slaughtered hundreds of thousands. Then humanity grasped… radiation mutated monsters further!"

"Despite these monstrosities, humanity birthed mighty warriors too. The Crimson Sky Wolf fell to a flying powerhouse (world's #2: 'Thunder Lord')."

"Such heroes rescued countless innocents at pivotal moments. They bolstered armies against monster legions. Countless legendary tales emerged then."

"Scientist 'KeLuo※DeSenNa' forged a diamond-surpassing alloy from monster remains and lunar 'Blue Gold': the Ke Luo Alloy! Armed with blades piercing beast armor, warriors transcended mere fists."

Luo Feng recalled this history vividly.

"Vast swaths of cities lay in ruins from the conflict."

"Asia's nations rushed to erect six vast bases for relocating masses. My nation and India boasted the most warriors! In tech, America, EU, and Russia dominated."

"Ocean monster numbers defy counting, dooming all island nations!"

"The seas remain monster domain to this day."

"Only India, USA, EU, Russia, and my homeland withstand the monster onslaught. Other nations crumbled long ago. Desperate, the United Earth Federation arose, centered on those five. Its United Forces spawned global human bastions."

Luo Feng sighed in awe.

That grueling five-and-a-half-year war, history's darkest! Nearly 10 billion perished. Solely the five nations' frameworks endured; other survivors scattered into bases.

Even now--

Humanity holds land supremacy. Oceans bow to endless sea monsters.

"From 2013 to 2021, those eight years marked the Grand Nirvana era in human chronicles!" Luo Feng lounged on the sofa.

[DONG]~~[DONG]~~[DONG]~~[DONG]~~[DONG]

The wall clock chimed through the home.

Five tolls proclaimed 5 PM.

"The Grand Nirvana period." Luo Hua exclaimed in wonder.

"Brother, honestly, I struggle to imagine pre-Grand Nirvana Earth. Over 200 countries for just 7 billion souls? A single mighty beast could obliterate a nation."

Luo Feng nodded, "Hence today's world: five great powers and 23 bases."

Earth hosted five nations: China, India, USA, EU, Russia. Places like South America and Africa formed the 23 bases.

China's six bases were now the Six Major Cities.

Luo Feng dwelled in Yang Zhou City, Yi-An District of Jiang-Nan City.

Jiang-Nan City sheltered nearly 200 million. Yi-An's Yang Zhou boasted over a million. The base once included Yuan Jian Su*. Naturally, Yuan An Wei* too.

*These are different kinds of ethnic groups.

"Ancient history," Luo Hua eyed the wall clock, "It's 2056 now; Grand Nirvana faded over 30 years back. Everyone trains at dojos nowadays. Society dwarfs its past self."

Luo Feng nodded.

Three decades yielded surging warriors and tech advances. Yet, fiercer monsters proliferated too.

※※※※

[KA]

The door swung open, admitting a weary middle-aged pair. The man's shirt clung sweat-soaked with paint flecks, exhaustion etched deep. His short wife clutched a basket of veggies and meat.

"Dad, Mom" Luo Feng sprang up; his parents.

Father Luo Hong Guo, Mother Gong Xin Lan.

"Haha, Feng, keep studying, ignore us." Luo Hong Guo chuckled. With exams looming, books topped his priorities.

Glancing down, Luo Hong Guo spotted the full plastic bottle of tap water. Its constant presence touched him. Post-labor, he'd drain it in one satisfying swig.

"Shower now, you stink of sweat." Gong Xin Lan teased.

"Haha" Luo Hong Guo grinned, grabbing fresh clothes for the family's longtime nook-bathroom.

Gong Xin Lan smiled at her sons, "Feng, Hua, Mom's cooking roasted meat tonight!"

"Roasted meat's my fave!" Luo Hua cheered instantly.

Luo Feng grinned too. Watching Mom don her apron for dinner prep, he knew… she shopped evenings post-work for bargains, sacrificing freshness. Eyeing the bathroom, he vowed, "I'll claim 'Fighter' status fast, sparing Mom evening hunts and Dad's toil."

Deep down…

Luo Feng yearned for his parents' leisurely sunlit feasts.

"Feng" Freshly showered, Luo Hong Guo approached, "Dad needs to discuss something."

"What is it?" Luo Feng met his gaze.

Luo Feng smiled faintly, "Here's the thing, Feng. I never quizzed your post-graduation plans. Share them?" Luo Hong Guo seldom broached this, avoiding pressure. He admired his diligent son's excellence.

At Luo Hong Guo's words, Gong Xin Lan's chopping eased. Parents fretted over their boy's path.

"Dad, here's my plan."

Luo Feng continued, "My scores guarantee entry to 'Jiang-Nan's top military academy'. With the dojo's 'Elite' status, they'll groom me as an officer. Mom and Dad can join the military family quarters."

Military ranks varied sharply.

China enlisted troops, but privates got scant perks. Yet 'Elite'-titled youths entering 'Jiang-Nan's premier academy' shone in mind and brawn. The state prized them, housing kin.

Officer families enjoyed luxuries dwarfing this dingy rental.

"But if the top academy slips away?" Luo Hong Guo cautioned, "Feng, ease up on yourself."

"Jiang-Nan boasts two prime academies. Exam hiccups? The second's fine." Luo Feng knew his edge: 50 points above Bachelor average. Second needed mere parity.

Exams split Bachelors above the line, Specialists below.

"At the second, 'Elite' ensures officer track. Perks nearly match." Luo Feng smiled.

Bachelor status…

One in ten managed.

High school 'Elite'? One in a thousand.

"Good, if you're sure. But Feng, no overpressure. Your mom and I seek mere stability." Luo Hong Guo nodded faintly, "This boy burdens himself excessively."

"Nah." Luo Feng grinned, "Youth fuels my drive—no real strain."

Outwardly casual, inwardly: "Mom, Dad, brother—post-exams, bliss awaits. 'Fighter' rank ends our hardships."

"Fetch bowls, chopsticks; table the dishes. Dinner's served!" Gong Xin Lan called merrily.

"Coming." Luo Hong Guo rose chuckling for utensils.

"Veggies aroma's divine!" Luo Feng inhaled, aiding dish transport.

"Roasted meat scent—yes!~~~" Luo Hua whooped, wheeling to the table.

Four kin savored their meal.