Esper Harem in the Apocalypse

Chapter 971  The New World

Three Years had passed since the initial wave of the apocalypse, and the world had undergone a radical transformation. The onslaught of weekly waves had brought despair and chaos initially, but it also fueled humanity's determination to adapt, survive, and overcome.

In the human world, the once-ordinary citizens had evolved into formidable warriors. Those brave enough to venture into the mysterious towers had returned with newfound powers, skills, and enchanted items. These abilities ranged from manipulating elements to harnessing the arcane, each gift tailored to the individual's journey within the tower.

"With the new powers, we can take on the monsters more effectively," proclaimed a seasoned Hero, his blade wreathed in flames.

They no longer trembled at the sight of the creatures emerging from the portals. Fear had been replaced by a steely resolve, as they had learned not only to fight back, but to do so with skill and strategy.

The screen, once an enigma, had become their guide, offering invaluable insights and instructions. Guilds flourished, and a rank-based system emerged, with the most skilled fighters earning the coveted title of "Hero." These Heroes, veterans of countless battles, led the charge against the waves of monsters.

"Heroes, form up! We've got incoming!" shouted a commanding figure, rallying their comrades as the next wave loomed on the horizon.

Scientific minds had shifted their focus from the mysteries of the universe to the practicalities of survival. Laboratories buzzed with activity as researchers worked tirelessly to unlock the secrets behind the powers bestowed by the towers.

"We must understand this phenomenon, not for curiosity, but for our continued existence," a renowned scientist emphasized, determined to find a way to replicate these powers for the masses.

The world was no longer defined by fear and despair, but by unity and purpose. Humanity had embraced its newfound abilities, not as a means of domination, but as a means of survival. It was a transformation driven by necessity, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

In the other realms, a similar evolution had occurred. Beings with inherent powers honed their abilities further, becoming formidable defenders against the encroaching darkness. Elemental forces, once untamed, now obeyed their masters' will, and ancient races embraced their heritage to stand against the tides of destruction.

"We are the guardians of this realm, and we will not yield!" declared a warrior, his voice resonating with the conviction of his people.

In these realms, too, guilds flourished, and the screen provided guidance. The countdown timer remained a constant reminder, and survivors forged bonds as strong as the powers they wielded.

Now, their sole purpose was to survive. Now, the only thing that mattered to them was how to become strong and survive. Just as Rudy had envisioned. His plan had worked flawlessly, just like all of his other plans.

Three Years had wrought profound changes, but the looming question remained: Why had this calamity befallen them, and could they unlock the secrets to their own salvation? As humanity and the other realms faced wave after wave, their pursuit of knowledge was no longer driven by curiosity, but by the desperate need to ensure their continued existence.

Meanwhile,

The sun had begun its descent, casting long shadows across the quiet streets of the town. Rebecca walked briskly along the sidewalk, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts, oblivious to her surroundings. She clutched a bag of groceries tightly, a meager attempt to maintain some semblance of normalcy in these tumultuous times.

Joe had been stuck in another city since the onset of the apocalypse. Rebecca couldn't help but wonder if this was a parting gift from Rudy to ensure that they never shared the same house again. Only Rebecca and her daughter, Lucy, remained in their home.

As Rebecca's footsteps echoed through the silent streets, she heard an eerie sound, the unmistakable patter of footsteps drawing closer. She paused, her brow furrowing. It could have been anyone, a passerby, or perhaps something far more sinister. She weighed the possibilities, but decided it hardly mattered. What worse could happen? Life had lost its luster, its value, in the wake of Rudy's disappearance.

Lost in her thoughts, she continued walking, the footsteps growing louder. Then, suddenly, the world snapped into sharp focus. It wasn't just one set of footsteps; it was many. Panic surged through her veins as she turned around, only to be met with a chilling sight. She was surrounded by the monsters.

However, she wasn't worried in the slightest.

Her unfounded confidence rested in the belief that Hel's Spirit—created by Rudy, the guardian entity of their town, would protect her from harm's way. It had always been there, a comforting presence, just like it always had.

In her mind, the moment the monsters dared to encroach upon her, they would be promptly reduced to dust. That was the way it had been— Rudy's love saved her.

But as she stood there, encircled by grotesque creatures, the very essence of her sense of safety crumbled. The monsters, no longer mindless beasts, had evolved both in intellect and adaptability. They had learned to hide in shadows, to strike from the periphery, and their once-inescapable fate now eluded them, emerging to ambush their prey, to feed on them. Those that survived the initial onslaught now hunted humans with a newfound cunning. They remained whole, tangible and menacing, defying the rules that had governed their existence before.

Rebecca's grocery bag slipped from her trembling fingers as her heart pounded in her chest. She had become apathetic, resigned to her fate, but now, as she stood surrounded by these creatures, a flicker of fear ignited within her. She didn't want to die like this, to be torn apart by monsters.

The first monster leaped at her, teeth bared and claws extended. Rebecca's scream was stifled in her throat as she braced for the inevitable. But something was wrong. Under normal circumstances, the monsters would have evaporated into dust the moment they attempted to harm her. Yet, they remained, tangible and menacing.

In that moment, Rebecca's fear escalated. Panic gripped her as she struggled to comprehend the situation. She didn't want her life to end this way, to become mere fodder for these abominations.

Rebecca's sense of security, once unshakable, was shattered. Her newfound fear gripped her as she confronted the cold, harsh reality that Hel's Spirit, for reasons unknown, had forsaken her.