Chapter 48
This is a fictional story by realTensai
"Yo, there are soldiers everywhere," Dane said, amazed. "Do you think I can take a picture with them?"
"Dane, just don't," Sekki said, shaking his head.
It was the last day of their class trip and Dane, Sekki, and Alvis were walking around the city just like they did in the last loop. But unlike last time, the city wasn't as lively and happy. There was still a festive mood, though the looming threat of the Devil Cult held them back.
"They are still holding the festival, huh?"
"Seems like it."
"Isn't that a bad idea?" Sekki said, unable to hide his confusion. "This Devil Cult already said they would attack."
"I get what you mean, but holding the festival is the right thing to do."
"But why? They are just inviting the Devil Cult now."
"They can't let a group of terrorist dictate their lives. If they give in now, they show they are afraid of the Devil Cult and become a target. Awaniko has to face them head-on and crush them so the Devil Cult will never even think about taking their city over again. Just like they said in the message."
Sekki frowned, still unsure.
"Don't worry, they already dispatched their military. The festival should be safe."
"Hey, don't tell me you plan to go there. Are you just like our other classmates, not taking this seriously?"
"Huh, I actually wanted to go there too," Dane said, dumbfounded.
"You two can't be serious."
"Listen, Sekki, I already wracked my brain about this. Going to the festival sounds dangerous at first, but it actually isn't. There are only three options. The first, the Devil Cult doesn't attack and you are safe no matter where you are. The second the Devil Cult does attack, but the military defeats them. If you aren't at the festival, you would probably be safer, but I think the military already created a plan for evacuating the citizens, so you are also pretty safe at the festival. The third, the Devil Cult, attacks and wins. Then, no matter where you are, you aren't safe because they will take over the entire city. So, going to the festival isn't as dangerous as one would think at first."
Sekki gulped, taking in the explanation. And judging by Dane's smile, Alvis figured he had already switched off after the second sentence.
"Oh, there is one more possibility I forgot to mention. The Devil Cult could also attack elsewhere, knowing that the military is focused on the festival. In that case, the safest place is obviously the festival."
"Yeah, yeah, I get it."
Confronted with Alvis' arguments, Sekki gave in.
"Don't get me wrong, though, not going to the festival and staying at the hotel is still safer."
"He, you just said the opposite! Why are you going then?"
Alvis couldn't tell him the real reason. For him, this entire situation was fundamentally different. He already went through every scenario and its consequences. If Alvis didn't go to the festival, Lia also wouldn't go. With the two of them waiting in the hotel, their chance of survival may be a bit higher, but this would only be the case if the military would be strong enough to defeat Voyzez and perhaps another priest.
He couldn't count on that. If Lia and he were to go to the festival, their power would make a tremendous difference in the battle. Lia was strong enough to almost take out an entire Assassin Organization on her own. And Alvis' strength was also nothing to mock at. After all, he defeated the boss of this organization. He also knew about the ability of the priest, further helping him in battle. Their combined might couldn't be underrated.
But the biggest reason he just had to go was that he could respawn. Even if his plan wouldn't work out and he would die, it wouldn't be over. He could try again using the information he got by fighting against Voyzez again. If he stayed at the hotel, he wouldn't even know why the military had failed to take down the priest.
"I will go because I have a date with Lia there," Alvis answered.
It was the truth, but still a lie.
"Ohhhh!"
Their eyes widened, excitement seeping out. Sekki's worried mood vanished in a flash and was now replaced by pure hype.
"And there is something you have to help me with."
Alvis told them how he wanted to buy a gift for Lia, and the rest went just like in the last loop.
——
"We made it in time."
Arriving on the festival grounds, bright colors and lively music awaited them. People from different races, ranging from every age, gathered and laughed together. However, at every corner was also a soldier armed to his very core. Alvis also saw mages stationed everywhere. Their presence was the only thing letting the people have a carefree festival. The soldiers' and mages' estimated power levels were all around 2000 to 3000. And Alvis even saw some mages with a power level of 3000+.
Alvis nodded, satisfied with their precautions.
"You said you two will meet up at six o'clock, so Dane and I will be going now."
"Sekki, are you sure you want to stay at the festival?"
"Don't try to talk me out after giving me those arguments."
"He is with me, so even if it comes to a fight, he is safe."
Dane flexed his muscles, and Sekki rolled his eyes with a sigh.
"There she comes," Sekki said upon seeing Lia in the distance.
"You better don't mess this up now."
"You got this, Al."
"Wish me luck."
Alvis did his signature handshake with Dane and his signature handshake with Sekki. The two then left and went on to enjoy the festival.
His heart was bouncing, but Alvis couldn't tell if it was out of excitement or fear. One week had passed since he and his friends were killed by that insane man. The memories of this day were still vivid. How the lively festival had turned into a graveyard, darkness absorbing every color. How the corpses of his best friends made Alvis lose his mind. And how this man tore his body apart.
Alvis still remembered everything.
This same man would terrorize this festival in less than an hour. He would try to turn this world into hell again.
I won't let that happen!
Alvis took a deep breath in and clenched his fist, holding it against his chest.
I will protect everyone and defeat you, Voyzez Knaxius!
"Alvis!"
The beautiful voice of an even more beautiful girl entered Alvis' ears, forcing him out of his thoughts and making him turn around to face her. With a heartbeat so loud it drowned every other festival sound, he saw the girl he had been waiting for.
"Lia."
She wore the same yellow dress and golden necklace as last time. However, her beauty never ceased to amaze him, no matter how often he would see her.
"You look wonderful."
"Thank you," she said, not able to look him in his eyes. "You look amazing too."
Adrenaline rushed through his body, making him feel all excited, but the moment his lips curved up into a smile, ominous fear gripped his heart.
Can you really enjoy yourself now?
Voyzez's voice echoed within his head, warning him about the inevitable. However, Alvis clenched his fist, pushing him away.
I will concentrate on my wife now!
He had already done all of his preparations and all he had to do now was wait until the attack would happen. There was no need to worry because he had done it all week. Alvis exhaled deeply.
"You okay, Alvis?"
Lia immediately noticed the slightest hint of wavering within Alvis.
"Yes, I'm good," Alvis answered with a genuine smile. "Let's enjoy the festival!"
A cute nod was her answer, and thus they started their date.
"Oh, Alvis, look!" she said, her eyes wide open, pointing at a booth. "You can get candy apples from there."
Just like last time.
"Then let's get some."
They went to the booth and Alvis, as the gentleman he was, brought them a candy apple each.
"Thank you, Al," Lia said, grinning. "What a reliable man I got on my side."
Their date went by with them having a good time. In the end, they were even holding hands again. But this time, Alvis wouldn't go to the toilet and stay at her side. As they wandered through the festival, they saw the newly formed couple having a date.
"Did you hear the latest news? Stella and Karl are going out now."
"Yes, I've seen how he confessed. It surprised me big time when I found out he had a crush on her."
"It was sooo obvious. How couldn't you have noticed it?"
"Sorry, Miss Empath."
"Apology accepted, Mr introvert."
They both giggled.
"The fireworks are about to begin."
Her emerald eyes were glowing as she looked at the evening sky with a smile.
"Yeah, it will start now."
However, Alvis couldn't smile anymore, knowing well that everything would change in a moment. He strengthened his grip around Lia's hand, letting her warmth fill his bouncing heart. It was also a reminder for him.
I will protect her.
"Alvis?"
"BOOM!"
The fireworks started. However, instead of colorful fireworks, dark matter exploded in the sky, raining down on the festival grounds like shooting stars. But before they could destroy everything, an enormous yellow barrier stretched over the festival grounds, protecting everyone from the darkness. The mages stationed everywhere held their staffs high and the stable barrier defended against the first attack.
Everyone was safe.
A smile crept up Alvis' face.
I stopped the first catastrophe.
Alvis knew it was a good idea to reveal every detail of the Devil Cult's attack in his posters.
"ATTENTION EVERYONE: WE ARE UNDER ATTACK! PLEASE FOLLOW THE POLICE TO GET EVACUATED!"
The announcement resounded throughout the entire festival, making everyone aware of the situation. It took the people a few more seconds to really realize it and then chaos broke out and the festive atmosphere vanished at once. The vocal level reached an all-time high, worried cries erupting everywhere. Everyone started running away, fear controlling their every movement.
However, Alvis just breathed in and out, his mind calm.
Everything goes as planned. Now I just have to move.
"Alvis, what will you do?"
His resolve was clear for Lia to feel, and this was why she asked. One look at her wavering eyes was enough to realize her brain still hadn't processed what was going on. Her staggard breathing was a testament to how much the chaos weighed down on her mind.
Empaths sure have it rough.
"I'm going to fight."
Alvis didn't mince his words and got straight to the point. He couldn't waste time.
"Then I'm coming with you."
He gasped, seeing her sudden change. The Lia who had been worried a second ago vanished, replaced by the Lia who was known as a fierce assassin. Her eyes were cold, just like emerald crystals, and her aura became suffocating.
Can she just switch to killer mode like that?
"I still have an unsettled score with the Devil Cult."
"I won't stop you. Your strength will be a great help. Still," Alvis said with a warm smile, "don't do anything stupid and take care of yourself."
Lia nodded, a faint smile on her face too.
"Same applies to you."
"Yeah."
Alvis had settled everything important. They could start.
Now, where are you, Voyzez?
He was the man they had to take out if they wanted to survive this day. Searching for him wouldn't be difficult. His might would attract the attention of every soldier, anyway.
"Hey, we need backup. The enemy has been spotted!"
With his improved hearing sense, Alvis listened to the soldier's communicating device.
Just like I thought.
"Lia, we just have to follow this guy!"
They ran off, following the soldier that just received the call. Alvis' mana was already boiling, ready to fight until death. The scene looked way better than last time, and Alvis didn't have to push through corpses, only to walk. Of course, he could hear gun and beam shots from everywhere and magic being fired, but he also didn't hear about massive losses on their side. That was a good sign.
This looks good. We really got a chance!
However, a single person shattered Alvis' perception in an instant.
"Dane?"
Covered in blood, he wandered around. His eyes were hollow, horror filling his mind. The carefree, confident Dane was nowhere to be seen and was only replaced by a shell controlled by fear.
"Dane!"
Alvis and Lia ran to him, yet his state didn't change. Alvis saw that he didn't have serious injuries on him, which calmed him down even if just a little.
But what is up with all this blood?
His face and clothing were covered in blood that wasn't his.
"A-Al?" Dane said, tears building up in his eyes. "I-I am sorry!"
"What happened?"
"S-Sekki, I..I couldn't protect him."
An icy chill ran down Alvis' spine as he noticed the lack of one person. His mind had been so occupied with Dane's appearance that he didn't even realize Sekki wasn't there. Alvis' heart started knocking against his ribcage, his mouth afraid to move and ask the question as cold sweat dripped down his trembling chin.
"W-What happened to him?"
"H-H..He got controlled. All these shadows attacked us and he got hit. After that, he lost his mind and started attacking me."
Alvis' eyes widened, his face tensing.
Shadows?!
"It's all my fault. I couldn't protect him. Even though I was so full of myself, I couldn't protect him! I'm pathetic! Pathetic!"
Unimaginable sorrow pulled Dane into the darkness as he kept smashing his head against the floor with no remorse. Every impact made the ground underneath them shake, and Dane's head would surely explode if he kept on.
"Stop!"
Alvis grabbed him with all his might and Lia created roots, holding him off.
"You can't lose your mind now! It's still not over."
Alvis' speech was more directed to himself than to Dane. Seeing his best friend like this just broke his heart. However, the insanity only started now.
The gunshots got louder and louder and cries and shouts were now only meters away. And as Alvis looked up again to face reality, his mind didn't accept it.
No way.
The soldiers armed to the core with the duty of defeating the Devil Cult were killing each other. Just like an army of zombies, they rampaged around, killing everything that was on their way. There were no friends and only foes, as they let insanity consume them. Some of them even killed themselves and that with a smile on their face! Everywhere Alvis' eyes fell on was someone who had lost their minds.
And it was the man standing in their middle that caused everything. His shadows spread like serpents targeting every living being and making it to his puppet. His insane smile stood out, even despite the darkness. Every fiber of Alvis' body remembered his devilish aura.
It was the Priest of Insanity, Voyzez Knaxius!