Read Novel Full Chapter 535 The Mist [2]
Chapter 535 The Mist [2]
All attention was fixed on the large screens as the images flashed, displaying a large map. The map was very detailed, with it being divided into six different areas. "Point Z spans several hundred kilometers. It was once a rather famous area, but with the appearance of the Mist, the area has been abandoned. This is where you will be sent. The goal of the mission is rather simple. I need you all to rescue several teams that have been stranded there." The Vice-Director stepped forward, the smile fading from his face as several red dots began to appear on the screen. "These points presented on the screens are the locations where the teams have last been found. This happened not too long ago, and unfortunately, we weren't able to receive any more information from them. All signal has been lost." The mood in the venue turned heavy. "Based on logic, the chances of the group surviving this are relatively low. However, until we've confirmed that they're dead, we will not stop our rescue mission. This isn't just about rescuing them, but also collecting all the research samples that they've managed to find."
The Vice-Director's expression was incomparably serious. "A lot of the data collected will be useful in the advancement of humanity and figuring out the truth behind this mist. It's for this reason that we've decided to integrate this into the World Congress. Your goal will be to find any clues and bring them back to us. Points will be rewarded based on what you find and if you can rescue anyone." Murmurs immediately filled the space, everyone whispering to one another about the sudden task. Even I found myself frowning, finding this task a lot more troublesome than I originally anticipated. "All relevant information has already been sent over to your phones. Although the signal in the land below is almost non-existent, you all should be equipped with items that should be able to communicate with us. In case that doesn't work, you may use your flares to signal us or any other nearby team." Clearing his throat, the Vice-Director continued. "Keep in mind that rescuing a team that has used a flare will also count for points, as that will also be a 'rescue' in some regard. However, also keep in mind that the team that does use their flare will be automatically eliminated from the competition." The noise stalled as all eyes were fixed on the Vice-Director as he continued to brief us on the situation. I paid close attention to every single word he said, knowing just how dangerous the next step of the Congress was going to be. "All information on Point Z has also been sent over to your phones. I suggest all of you give it a good read. From the history of the place to the anomalies that have been found. It'll give you a good idea of the surroundings and where you are. That will always be a good idea regardless of the situation." Taking out his phone, the Vice-Director waved it as he scrolled with his other hand. "Okay, that's enough from me. I think I've said everything that I needed to say. For now, everyone, get ready to enter the world beneath. Please come in your designated teams. Say your goodbyes, now, as all of you, besides your teams, will be separated from one another." Having said everything that he wanted to say, the Vice-Director nodded in satisfaction and proceeded to move towards the main door of the room. Everyone's eyes followed his every movement, and it was only a couple of minutes after he left that noise filled the surroundings. "A rescue mission? This is going to be tough." Kyle was the first one to approach me, his brows furrowed as he looked at his phone. Behind him, Rowan and several others followed. "Honestly, I've been to the mist a couple of times in the past, and each time, I almost felt like dying. Can't say that I am looking forward to this." Though he said everything in a joking manner, from how serious his eyes were, I knew that he wasn't joking. Zoey joined a moment later. "Ugh." She looked just as troubled. "I said it yesterday, but they're really fucked up in the head for choosing this place for the Congress Trial." Pausing, she looked around as her expression tensed, "I wonder just how many will actually survive? I seriously can't understand why they're doing this." "It's probably because of the Malovia incident." Clara joined in, appearing a little calmer than the others as she nodded at me and just me. Ehm... Feeling the weird stares directed at me, I looked away. Only for my mouth to twitch as Zoey whispered, 'Fucking cult...' Again with this nonsense? With the same expression, Clara continued. "Given everything that happened in Malovia, the BUA is scrambling to find a way to clear the Mist. It's clear that anomalies are growing stronger over time; Kermite-class ones rarely appeared in the past, yet they've become increasingly common. And now that another has surfaced, one that could arguably be the strongest yet, they've all started to worry. At the rate that we're progressing, we're all going to go extinct." In other words...
This was all my fault? "Cough! Cough—!" "Seth?" "You good?" "Ah, no... I am fine." I held my hand, stopping Kyle and Zoey from approaching me as I rubbed my stomach. "Just feeling a little stomachache." "Now of all times?"
Kyle asked, his face clearly showing surprise. "Maybe I'm nervous." "Why does your face say otherwise?" "You're imagining things." Clearing my throat, I took a couple of breaths while turning my attention towards the entrance of the hall. The other teams were already moving past, with us being one of the last groups. Without further ado, I bid them farewell and headed towards my group. "Let's not waste any time." The mood was still rather tense, but I didn't say anything and just led them towards the main door, walking past it and arriving in another room.
It was wider than the previous room, but something about the place felt a lot more congested than the previous room. Perhaps it was the bare walls and a low ceiling that made the space feel tighter than it should have.
Elevator doors lined the walls on all sides, their brushed metal surfaces catching the dull overhead light, reflecting it back in faint, distorted shapes.
"This is...?" I stopped, looking around. Why are there so many elevators? The sight of so many elevators left me at a complete loss. What left me at an even greater loss was how every group stood behind one of the doors, 'Ding!', entering after each chime as the lines shortened every minute. In spite of my confusion, I still followed the other groups as we lined up behind one of the elevators. Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding! Chimes were all that I could hear as the atmosphere appeared incredibly tense. None of the teams were talking, besides those from the big Guilds, but even they were relatively tense as they entered the elevators. The Vice-Director stood in the middle of the room, overlooking the entire thing with a simple smile on his face as he watched us enter one by one. And eventually—
Ding! Our turn arrived. With the door opening, we all stepped in. "There are no buttons?" "The elevator will go down by itself." Niel answered as she stepped into the elevator with the others. With me, Joanna, Mia, Nora, Niel, Min, Ariel, and Sarah, we were able to fit in without any problems. It was spacious to accommodate all of us. Soon, the doors began to close as silence descended over the elevator. I leaned my head back against the metal frame of the elevator, not knowing what was going to happen next. But soon, a low whistle rang in the air as the elevator began to move down. I opened my mouth, but soon closed it. And just as the silence persisted, a voice whispered in the elevator. "We... will be okay, right?" To that, I simply answered. "Yeah. We will."