Apocalypse Cheater

Chapter 26: What is the Future?

"To live for our loved ones, huh..."

The words escaped Marco's lips, his voice tinged with a mix of contemplation and surprise.

"I suppose it doesn't sound as bad when put that way," he continued, his gaze fixed on the enigmatic figure before him.

"Your ability to retain your sanity through all this amazes me, Marco. Is it because of Leila?"

The being shifted, his form turning to face Marco, and the impact of his words reverberated through the air.

The mention of Leila, a name intertwined with Marco's past, struck him like a bolt of lightning.

How could this be known about Leila? It was a secret known only to him, a secret he had never shared.

"How did you know...?"

Marco was astonished and sceptical as he gazed at the being, his brows furrowed in confusion.

A wry smile tugged at the being's lips, his eyes holding a glint of knowledge that sent shivers down Marco's spine.

"My 'eyes' grant me glimpses into the memories of those beneath my realm," he explained, the revelation sinking in like a weight.

"In other words, humans like you stand exposed before me, their thoughts and memories laid bare." He explained.

Marco's mind whirred, absorbing the implications of what he had just learned.

"So why did you extend an invitation to me?" He inquired.

The being's demeanour shifted, a trace of agitation entering his expression.

"I wonder?'' He questioned himself.

"Perhaps I no longer wish to observe from the sidelines''

''I offered you a way in, a chance to change the future."

Marco's mind raced, piecing together the puzzle laid before him.

He could choose to dwell on the hows and whys, but in the face of this enigmatic being, acceptance seemed the wiser course.

"What did you mean by a chance to change the future?" He questioned.

"Though I would prefer to spend some time over the explanation, I don't have the luxury to do so''

''However, remember these words, Marco Kail, for your past not to happen again, you need to be stronger"

"Which is why this will be the first step to it"

"Hey-

Before Marco could point out what was happening, his surroundings began distorting as his body was stretched across a dimension of the unknown.

It was only a millisecond and he somehow appeared on land where cities of evolution were built.

[: Error has been solved :]

[: You have teleported to the City of Oru :]

[: Congratulations, you have triggered a unique hidden quest of Vengeance of Hatred: Trials of Blood :]

"What in the world was all that?" Marco muttered.

It all seemed surreal and real.

In another part of the vibrant city of Jua, Lye was filled with wonder and confusion as he watched an otherworldly figure appear before him, holding a majestic golden sword.

This radiated a timeless grandeur, capturing Lye's attention.

Unlike Leila and Marco's encounters, Lye had a conversation filled with optimism and enthusiasm.

They talked about their dreams and aspirations, leaving Lye feeling inspired and determined.

The encounter ended as mysteriously as it began, leaving Lye deep in thought about the meaningful conversation he had with the grand being.

It was then that something remarkable occurred—a notification, a hidden quest unveiled to him.

[: Congratulations, you have received a unique hidden quest Path of Transcendence: Sword Master :]

The rest of the Branch Leaders received quests that were beyond their dreams and it's something they are aware of how extraordinary the encounters they gained.

Though questions may arise, it's better to accept them than make a fuss about something to which they have no idea of its existence and mechanics.

Whether or not this may be a good or bad omen will be up to them.

However, receiving a quest directly from unknown beings right at the start definitely raised some suspicion.

In a land filled with a nest of monsters, Daniel could be seen hunting down monsters by using the abilities of Light.

The Human Continent is ruled by Jason Hugh, the First Hero King.

However, since the land was beyond his management, there were rankings beneath him.

While the existence of Ministers existed to aid the King, the 5 Perpetual Rulers organized the Human Continent which was Split into 5 different districts mainly, North, East, South, West and finally the Main District where the King lived.

However, while the fact that all of these Districts are dictated by the same King, their social traditions and customs are hugely diverse compared to one another which perhaps would be explored.

Nevertheless, despite the banding of the power of humans and their technologies, they still couldn't at least remove every existence of monsters lurking around the whole continent.

And it's not uncommon to hear once a month of a City or remote village being raided by Hordes of Monsters.

But, what's surprisingly sad is despite the cries from the Slums, the Media of this world chose and favoured those with money and fame.

Meaning to say, only those developed cities that were raided by monsters received help and support from the community rather than those who truly need it.

With these tense situations, it feels like there's a storm brewing.

A kind of storm where nothing could stand in its way of destruction.

While monsters exist within the chambers of Dungeon and Towers, some monsters live outside where their potential to evolve is much higher compared to that inside.

This is why earlier on Daniel mentioned that the monsters living beyond its compartments like those dungeons and towers, had their prowess entirely different.

It's like a wild cat battling against a domestic cat where the result is obvious. But why would Daniel hunt monsters in the lands where humans never dared to enter?

Across the continent exists lands ruled by monsters and they were called the 'Danger Zone'.

It's a zone where unpredictable monsters live but at the same time, their rewards are enough to make changes in a person's life.

But why would Daniel spend his time hunting down monsters rather than trying to acquire those unique quests, special classes or hidden easter eggs of abilities?

The answer is simply how some of the unique quests he aimed for could only be obtained when the gears started to shift.

On the other hand, the easter eggs of abilities similar to those of Forbidden Fruits could either only be gained through the 'Shift of Gears' in the future or how all of them are located beyond the continents.

And to venture on the other continents without any preparations is literally asking for the quickest way to die.

Never forget that the Human Continents are the weakest and it's not a lie for those Players also.

At the same time, the powers and classes Daniel obtained are still not enough to guarantee his survival beyond the continents.