Apocalypse Forecast

Chapter 704: Chapter 579 Illusion_1

It seemed as if silence descended all of a sudden. The noisy surroundings vanished. Everything proceeded in an orderly manner, without pause: infusions continued, disinfections progressed, bandages were wrapped. The infirmary operated as normal. Now, even the usual sounds of breathing had disappeared.

Everyone appeared to be bowing their heads, concentrating on their work. But secretly, they couldn’t help but perk up their ears, the fiercely burning flame of gossip hidden in their eyes. Especially one Sublimator, who pretended to be asleep—his ears were practically twisting to the back of his head...

There was no helping it. Some things, from the age of eight to eighty, everyone loves to eavesdrop on, no matter how serious a person they might be. The person involved personally recounting their inner journey—what a novel scoop! How could one not covertly listen, to console oneself for all the hard work in Hell?

”So, about the kid—”

Andrea concealed the curiosity and prying urge in her heart. She lowered her voice, her large eyes brimming with anticipation. ”Is it true?”

Huai Shi stared at her blankly.

His vision darkened. He finally felt the chill of imminent social death—it was right upon him.

What the hell?!

No, how come each and every one of you knows about it so quickly?

Also, didn’t you come to Hell for Current Circumstances’ expansion and exploration? Where’s your determination to sacrifice and contribute to Current Circumstances? So, it turns out you people don’t forget to keep tabs on your colleagues’ scandals even when you’re in Hell?

And...

Huai Shi’s eyes darted. He finally caught on, and his expression grew serious. ”Who said this?!”

”Great Grandmaster,” Andrea said, then immediately covered her mouth in startled disbelief. ”It’s really true?”

”No!” Huai Shi rolled his eyes, furious. ”Don’t believe his bullshit! I’m a virgin!!!”

And so, ten minutes later, the entire Iron Crystal Throne knew that Huai Shi was a virgin...

By that time, Huai Shi had no strength left to explain. Anyway, even if he tried to explain, it would be no use. He was ready to welcome the arrival of his social death.

After an assembly line-like process of cleaning, stitching, bandaging, and transfusions, Huai Shi was shoved into a wheelchair. IV bag and all, he was wheeled into the hangar that had been hastily converted into a meeting room to face his final task.

Listening to the voices from the front, he yawned, unable to hide his sleepiness, and began to drift off.

In a corner of the hangar, in a makeshift conference room built from stacked crates, the Director of Affairs announced, ”Next, we are about to enter the final phase of the struggle for the Town of Dusk. This is the most crucial phase. No negligence or oversight will be tolerated.”

Everyone responded solemnly.

Huai Shi opened his mouth, wanting to join in, but by the time he reacted, everyone had already finished shouting. Only his voice trailed behind.

It was extremely awkward.

The Director of Affairs glanced at him, then looked away with a helpless sigh. ”According to the control room’s divination and chaos calculations, in twenty minutes, we will be able to completely break through the outer defenses and activate the Central Tower. It’s predictable that there will be a large number of unknown changes in the Town of Dusk.”

”At that time, Great Grandmaster will need to focus entirely on fighting Ivy Vine for control of Hell, with no room for distractions. Miss Andrea will oversee the defense, but she will not take action unless necessary. I will be responsible for the mission and command. Therefore, the outcome on the frontline is up to all of you.”

Everyone responded loudly.

This time, Huai Shi finally kept up with the rhythm and wasn’t left behind.

The Director of Affairs surveyed the room and announced, ”So, according to the previous arrangements, everyone will start their missions in ten minutes. The Exploration Team, still led by August, will prioritize the safety and mobility of the Scholar and Alchemist Teams. You should be used to it by now. No need for more instructions. Your goal is to ensure that ’Eternal Frozen Heart’ starts smoothly. Beyond that, everything else is secondary...”

In a haze, the Director of Affairs’ voice seemed to grow distant.

Huai Shi lowered his head and, overcome by weariness, fell asleep.

In his brief slumber, his vision suddenly blurred. He found himself amidst the chirping birds and fragrant flowers of a forest, a scene brimming with life.

What the hell? Huai Shi looked around, confused.

Above the lush, flourishing trees were the artificial stars of the night sky and the eternal sun hanging between heaven and earth. Delightful laughter and hushed conversations drifted from a distance.

But when he looked up, he saw a vast shadow looming at the edge of his vision, a massive tower that seemed to prop up the whole world.

It was like a carefully sculpted tombstone.

Just looking at it made him feel an inexplicable fear and unease, and... indescribable pain!

An invisible hand was tearing at his insides, squeezing his heart.

He fell to the ground, trying to rise. But his limbs rapidly shattered like fragile pottery, disintegrating as cracks spread, darkness gushing from the fissures like a spring.

When he forced himself to look up, he saw the eerie shadow in front of him.

A withered skeleton, wearing a crown and draped in a solemn vestment robe, looked down at him. Its lips moved as if it were saying something, but Huai Shi couldn’t hear clearly.

In the haze and pain, only a thunderous voice exploded.

”Huai Shi!”

An abrupt, unpleasant voice suddenly rang out in his ear, ”Huai Shi, can you hear me?”

”I’m here!”

Huai Shi opened his eyes, soaked in sweat.

He had finally awakened from the nightmare.