NOVEL WEB Chapter 8: A world on the brink of destruction
Terra###999
March 03, 2040
In a futuristic megalopolis where skyscrapers rose as far as the eye could see, a colorful crowd wandered the streets. But what caught the most attention were those individuals sporting gleaming armor, sharp swords, massive shields, and pointed lances. Their attire could have been mistaken for cosplay, but it was indeed the reality of this world.
In this land plagued by the cruelty of monsters emerging from interdimensional portals, these warriors were known as Hunters. Their mission: to eradicate these nightmarish creatures and protect the population during breaches.
The Hunters were classified according to a well-established system, ranging from rank F to rank S. But there was an elite surpassing even rank S, known as rank SS+. Furthermore, the Hunters were grouped into different classes: Enhancers, Healers, Warriors, and Mages.
Conversations were lively, but the hottest topic was the imminent gathering of all world leaders, accompanied by the top three guilds from each country as well as the SS+ rank Hunters.
"This is completely insane!" exclaimed a young Hunter to his friend, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "All these high-ranking Hunters gathered in one place, it's unheard of!"
His companion, looking serious, tempered his enthusiasm: "Save your excitement for later. Think about it... Such a concentration of important figures does not bode well. The situation must be of unprecedented gravity to lead to this."
The young Hunter, suddenly pensive, agreed: "Now that you mention it... It's true that we can count on one hand the number of times such a meeting has occurred."
As they continued their discussion while walking, they stopped in front of a giant screen broadcasting the latest information about the meeting that would begin in an hour. A good half of the passersby seemed captivated by the presenter's words.
The friend of the young Hunter sighed: "Well, we just have to be patient until the end of this meeting to find out more. Until then, we might as well go about our usual business."
The young Hunter nodded, anxiety and curiosity mingling in his gaze.
********
One hour later
The room gleamed with soft light, filtered through sparkling crystal chandeliers. The walls were draped with precious silks in intricate and elegant patterns, and the floor was covered with a sumptuous Persian carpet in shimmering colors. The world elite was gathered, each country represented by its most eminent figures.
Russian President Mikhail Volkov, a man of imposing presence with steely gray eyes and a chiseled jaw, was talking with German Chancellor Angela Schmidt, a woman of refined elegance known for her determination and pragmatism.
Not far away, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Tanaka, a man of exquisite courtesy, exchanged a few words with the president of the Russian hunters' association, in a discussion marked by mutual respect.
Apart from the political leaders stood the guild masters, emblematic figures of the hunting world. Ivan Petrov, master of the Russian guild Siberian Wolves, a man with an imposing build and a bushy beard, joked with Lee Min-ho, a young Korean prodigy from the TigerFury guild, while Zhang Wei, the wise leader of the Chinese guild Yokai, listened attentively to the words of Thomas Johnson, the venerable master of the American guild Silver.
Suddenly, the doors burst open, revealing four figures commanding respect. The SS+ rank hunters, the ultimate elite, made their entrance. Yuri Volkov, a legendary tank commander and the President's twin brother, was a colossus with bulging muscles and a icy gaze. By his side, Akira Tanaka, a Japanese prodigy with feline agility, proudly wore a black kimono. Kim Tae-ho, a scarred Korean veteran, exuded an intimidating aura, while Li Wei, the undisputed master of martial arts, surveyed the assembly with his penetrating gaze.
Their entrance cast a heavy silence over the assembly. No one dared to move or speak. The four hunters made their way to the buffet, savoring the refined dishes before the start of the meeting.
"And him?" asked a hesitant voice. The hunters exchanged a knowing look.
The doors opened again, revealing Ethan Carter, the most powerful American hunter in the world. Tall, athletic, with icy blue eyes, he was surrounded by an aura that inspired fear and respect. His mere presence was enough to freeze the room.
Zhang Wei stood up and walked towards him with determination.
"Always seeking attention, I see, Carter!" he said provocatively.
Ethan replied with an arrogant smile: "Remember the time I almost killed you, Zhang? When was that?"
Their auras intensified, filling the room with palpable tension. The faces of the other guests reflected growing panic, unsure how to react to this confrontation.
Then the doors opened once more, revealing a calm but firm voice:
"Gentlemen, I will kindly ask you to calm down."
All eyes turned to Steven Spielberg, the mysterious sixth SS+ hunter. Although the world was unaware of his existence, everyone present in that room knew the extent of his abilities. Vice President of the World Association of Hunters, he inspired fear and respect.
Ethan and Zhang Wei, not wanting to incur his wrath, ended their quarrel.
"Thank you for your understanding," said Steven with an enigmatic smile, his eyes half-closed.
"Tss..." Ethan hissed between his teeth.
Steven continued, "Well, now that we are all here, the meeting can begin. Please follow me to the conference room, the President is waiting for you."
Zhang Wei turned to Ethan, his gaze challenging: "We will have the opportunity to settle our scores very soon, Carter."
"I look forward to it," Ethan replied with a provocative smile.
********
Conference room
As everyone settled into their seats, lively conversations filled the room. Suddenly, the door opened and Steven entered, accompanied by a man of imposing stature. Despite his face marked by years, dressed in a pristine white shirt and a tailored black suit, he walked confidently, one hand casually slipped into his pants pocket. Although he was not an SS+ rank hunter, his presence and charisma were undeniable. The man accompanying Steven was none other than Jonathan Smith, the president of Hunter World.
With a confident stride, he climbed the steps to the podium, leaving Steven in the background. Once facing the microphone, he spoke with a warm but authoritative voice:
"My dear friends, I thank you for responding to the request of an old sage like me," he said with a mischievous smile.
His words elicited mixed reactions in the assembly, but all agreed on one point: President Smith had nothing to envy the high-ranking hunters.
With a simple elevation of his aura, he plunged the room into a respectful silence, a sign that everyone was hanging on his every word.
"Well! I suppose you are wondering about the reasons for this rather... enigmatic summons? If no details have been communicated to you, it is simply because this matter was strictly confidential until this very moment," he explained in a tone so grave that it brooked no dispute.
The aura he exuded left no doubt about his legitimacy as the undisputed leader of the Hunter World association.
At the mention of the term "confidential," intrigued murmurs rose in the room. Some hunters exchanged anxious looks, all plagued by the same questions:
"What does the future hold for us? Why so much mystery?"
Interrupting their thoughts, the president signaled to Steven, who promptly brought someone in. After what seemed like an interminable wait, the door opened to reveal a woman in her late sixties. Her face, marked by discreet wrinkles, was shrouded in mystery. Except for the SS+ rank hunters, no one in the assembly seemed to recognize her. Escorted by Steven, she walked measuredly to the podium. Once there, she nodded respectfully to the president, who resumed speaking.
"You are certainly wondering who this person is? But what you do not know is that you have already met her without really knowing her," he announced with an enigmatic smile. "Allow me to introduce you to Emily Williams, better known as the 'Prophet.'
"What? Is it really her, the Prophet?" exclaimed a man at the back of the room, astonished.
"Darn it! I thought she was a man!" added another, visibly taken aback.
"Darn it!!! I have a bad feeling... Something tells me that the news is not going to be good," muttered a third, looking worried.
Emily stepped forward decisively, taking the president's place. She surveyed the assembly with a penetrating gaze, casting a heavy silence over the room for a few moments. Then, after taking a deep breath, she began:
"For twenty years now, the first portal appeared in this world, and for sixteen long years, we have faced our first breach, claiming thousands of innocent lives... Today, we stand facing an insurmountable wall..."
Her voice quivered slightly, betraying her turmoil. She paused, searching for the right words to announce the inconceivable. Her hesitation only served to heighten the perplexity and apprehension of the audience. Then, gathering her courage, she blurted out:
"In two weeks, our world... will come to an end."
At these words, a deathly silence fell over the room, freezing the assembly in incredulous stupor. Even the SS+ rank hunters, renowned for their composure in the face of the worst calamities, were shaken.