"The Oracle stands as the omniscient arbiter of the wider known universe, a system both ancient and unfathomable in its depth. From the moment of one's enlightenment, The Oracle becomes an intrinsic guide, weaving its influence through every facet of existence. It possesses the uncanny ability to evolve with the enlightened, nurturing growth and offering pathways to higher understanding. Yet, this same entity can also present obstacles, testing the resolve and determination of those under its watch.

  The Oracle's guidance is both a boon and a challenge, a dual force that shapes the destiny of all it touches. As it shepherds the enlightened from their awakening to their ultimate end, it imparts wisdom, lays bare the truths of the cosmos, and sometimes stands as a gatekeeper to greater realms. Through its enigmatic counsel, The Oracle ensures that the journey of enlightenment is one of continual evolution, where progress and hindrance are but two sides of the same coin, driving the universe towards its perpetual quest for balance and harmony." – Excerpt from “Book of Elara”

  **Oracle’s Decree**

  Global Announcement

  **“Final Override Initiated. Prepare for World Recalibration**

  The air shimmered and crackled with energy, the gathered mana seeped deep into the earth and high into the stratosphere, all resonated at once. The Earth slowed for a moment, its magnetic fields in chaos. Only once prior had a worldwide event caused such massive change, when the ancient seas of molten lava cooled, forming the planet they now resided on.

  These changes in a mere second split the oceans, mountains grew from the flatlands, and the Earth much like a growing child hit a growth spirt exploding in size, now dwarfing its celestial neighbors. But with all change came consequences. AdditonaltTsunamis rose, earthquakes leveled cities, and volcanoes erupted. The Oracle had initiated change, but spared as many lives as possible.

  The growing of their planet lasted only mere seconds, but too many the change felt like hours had passed as its aftershocks continued to rock the world. The Earth was now forever and irrevocably changed.

  As Maverick and Emily reached the bottom of the stairs that had once led them to safety, an alien voice spoke to them. But not just the pair, to every human on the planet simultaneously.

  “Greetings inhabitants of Earth, I am The Oracle” the resolute voice spoke in a deep mechanical alien like tone.

  Many people screamed, as they saw the face of what could only be called a celestial being. It resided in space, but yet its face could be made out with absolute clarity and its hood seemed to be woven from the cosmos itself.

  The Oracles voice once again echoed, resonating through Mavericks very core.

  “Once again, I am The Oracle, the arbiter of the trials set forth by the caretakers. There is no need to panic, I wish you no harm. Your world has grown to maturity and thus selected to undergo a set of trials to determine the worthiness of your world. Your actions will be monitored closely. Grow in power, rise to defend your world and complete the trials to prove your worthiness to join the hallowed halls of the Azure flame, or fail in your task and be hurled into the void, shunned by the Azure Flames loving warmth.

  “The momentary frozen state of your world that many of you experienced has been completely lifted,” The Oracle continued. “This was a temporary measure to prepare many of you for what lies ahead. The trials will test your collective strength, resilience, and unity. Each of you has the ability to show your true potential, to rise above adversity and lead your world to salvation.”

  The Oracle began to shift, its body collapsing in on itself until nothing remained. “Fear not, I am still here, but in a more personalized experience.” It spoke as its voice came closer and closer.

  Materializing out of thin air, The Oracle appeared in front of Maverick and Emily. A smile grew on their face, and The Oracle spoke once more. “Do not fear, Maverick. I have come down to speak with everyone eligible for the trials. Even those who have the fighting spirit but were physically unable, have been granted a second chance to prove their worth.” The Oracle spoke with such finality, that Maverick understood the gravity of the situation.

  Maverick was about to speak up, and ask questions to try to clear up some of his confusion but, the arbiter raised a hand to silence him. “Everyone will experience the trials differently, as they will be presented as a quest like system. Completing these quests either alone or in a group will provide you with items, experience and more importantly trial points. Those who posses embers of the Azure Flame will experience extreme hardships but with it greater riches, experience, higher quality items as luck will play in your favor every time.”

  “I will but warn you once; these trials should not be taken lightly. You will face formidable challenges, encounter creatures of your myths and legend, but most importantly, you have started on the road to enlightenment, where powers, abilities, and magic lay waiting for those who brave the coming storm. The fate of your world rests in your hands, Rise, Chosen Ones, and prove that your world is worthy. Your first trial begins now.”

  With those last words, The Oracle once again vanished from sight. Seconds after The Oracle’s disappearance, the chaos began.

  Shouts of confusion and panic filled the air as everyone tried to comprehend the Oracles words.

  "What did it mean by 'trials'?" a man near Maverick exclaimed, his voice tinged with fear.

  A woman clutched her child tightly. "Is this the end of the world? First the tsunami, now this?"

  An older man adjusted his glasses, staring at the spot where The Oracle had stood. "I've read about phenomena like this on the internet but I never thought I'd witness it."

  Nearby, a young man nervously fiddled with a pendant around his neck. "Did anyone else feel... different when it spoke? Like something awakening inside?"

  A teenage girl nodded her eyes wide. "Yes! My hands feel tingly, and I swear I saw sparks when I touched the railing."

  Her friend scoffed lightly. "You're just imagining things."

  Maverick turned to Emily, who was normally more emotional in these types of situations. Not that they’d ever quite experienced an apocolpyse before. Oddly, it was not what he expected; a big bright smile was plastered on his best friends face.

  “Um Em?” Maverick spoke already figuring the answer.

  “Yes Maverick?”

  “Are you excited? Be honest don’t hold back now.”

  “Im about as excited right now, as that time we found that all you can eat ramen shop. I just feel so pumped right now.” Emily continued with an even larger smile on here face.

  "Your knight in shining armor is here, so don’t worry your pretty face about a thing. You heard the man, err space invader? We have work to do—not just for us, but for the whole world."

  Emily's words were buoyant, her demeanor light and breezy, but inside, she was anything but. Deep down, she was electric like a metal kite flying through a lighting storm. The memory of the manticore's bone spike, the searing pain, and the burning poison replayed in her mind like a cruel, unending loop. However, with each passing second, her heart and mind resonated on the idea of never letting something like that happen again.

  “Alright weirdo, we’ve got a world to save, and I don't plan on letting anything stop us.” Maverick replied matching her energy.

  Maverick wasn’t sure what caused his next action, wether it was the adrenaline or the looming possible destruction of earth, Maverick pulled Emily into an embrace. An embrace much more personal than ever before, it conveyed more than just his appreciation for Emily, but the love the two shared.

  “Alright Em, let’s get to it. Like I said, we have a world to save.” Maverick spoke into her ear, in a tone so soft a cloud would have become jealous.

  The pair pulled apart, seconds before the alert from The Oracle presented itself.

  **Oracle’s Decree**

  Global Announcement

  Quest

  “Survive”

  **The world is overpopulated with the weak and wicked. Only the strongest, most cunning and caring of you will have a chance to prove your worlds worth. Selected classes will become accessible once ambient mana reaches sixty-percent.**

  **Current Population: 10,567,456,767**

  **Desired Population: 3,000,000,000**

  **Current ambient mana levels: 52%**

  The chilling proclamation hung in the air like a storm cloud ready to burst. The Oracle wanted approximately seventy-one percent of the global population gone, erased, vanished. It was incomprehensible, for that level of mass death…

  Maverick glanced at the holographic display hovering before them, the Oracle's message still glowing with an otherworldly light. His heart pounded in his chest as the weight of the words settled upon him. Seventy-one percent of the global population... gone? The enormity of such loss was unfathomable.

  Emily broke the silence, her voice barely above a whisper. "Hey, Maverick, quick question. What exactly are we supposed to survive from...?" Her emerald eyes were wide, reflecting both fear and a spark of intuition that suggested she already anticipated the answer.

  Before he could respond, a low, unnatural hum filled the air, vibrating through the pavement beneath their feet. The atmosphere thickened, making each breath feel heavy. Maverick's gaze snapped upward just in time to see the fabric of reality tearing open above Main Street.

  Rifts began to form—gaping, swirling portals that distorted the space around them. Dozens of these anomalies split the air, their edges crackling with arcs of energy that sent shards of light skittering across the darkened sky. The people who had ventured outside froze in place, eyes locked on the surreal spectacle unfolding above.

  Without warning, the portals erupted with movement. From the largest rift emerged a massive, winged creature—a wyvern unlike any myth or legend could have prepared them for. Its scales shimmered with an oily sheen, hues of midnight blue and obsidian merging in a pattern that seemed to absorb the light around it. The creature's eyes glowed with a fierce intelligence, pupils narrowing as it surveyed the world it had entered.

  With a powerful beat of its colossal wings, the wyvern descended upon the town square, landing atop the clock tower that had stood as a centerpiece of the community for over a decade. The structure groaned under the weight, bricks crumbling and falling to the ground in a cloud of dust and debris.

  Maverick grabbed Emily's hand instinctively, pulling her back into the cover of a nearby alleyway. "We need to move," he urged, his voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through him.

  Elsewhere, other portals disgorged their own horrors. From one emerged a towering figure clad in armor of bone and sinew—a Minotaur wielding an enormous double-headed axe that gleamed with a menacing light. Its breath came out in huffs of steam, nostrils flaring as it let out a guttural bellow that echoed through the deserted streets.

  Not far from them, shadowy forms slithered out of smaller rifts—skeletal hounds with eyes like burning coals and ribs exposed beneath matted fur. They moved with unnatural speed, their claws clicking against the asphalt as they fanned out in search of prey.

  Screams began to pierce the night as people realized the danger. A city maintence vehicle similar to an ATV screeched around a corner, only to be flipped effortlessly by the Minotaur; metal crunching like paper beneath its strength. The driver scrambled, but a skeletal hound was upon him before he could take more than a few steps.

  Maverick and Emily darted through backstreets and narrow passages, the sounds of chaos all around them. The scent of smoke and something acrid filled the air, stinging their eyes and throats. Overhead, the wyvern took flight once more, its massive wings generating gusts that shattered the few remaining windows and toppled street lamps. It released a torrent of searing flames that engulfed entire blocks. The heat intense enough to be felt even from a distance.

  They reached the old library, a sturdy building with thick stone walls and heavy wooden doors. "In here!" Emily shouted, pulling Maverick toward the entrance. Together, they heaved the doors open and slipped inside, bolting them shut behind them.

  The interior was dimly lit by emergency lights, casting long shadows between the towering bookshelves. The familiar scent of aged paper was now mixed with the sharp tang of fear. A few others had sought refuge here—a young woman clutching a makeshift bandage around her arm, an elderly man muttering prayers under his breath, and a teenager holding a fire extinguisher like a weapon.

  Maverick approached them cautiously. "Is everyone okay?" he asked.

  The young woman nodded weakly. "I think so, for now. What are those things?"

  "Monsters," the teenager replied grimly. “Just like the ones from TVO."

  Emily peered through a crack in the hatsly-blocked doorway. "We can't stay here long. They'll tear this place apart if they find us."

  As if in response, a deafening crash resounded from outside. The Minotaur was making its way down the main street, each step shaking the ground. From the opposite direction, the pack of skeletal hounds drew nearer, their eerie howls sending chills down the spines of those hiding.

  “The police station is only a few block from here Mav, think we can make it if we take the alleys?” Emily said as she peaked through a widow watching the chaos outside.

  “Honestly, I don’t know. But I know if we sit here we're just waiting to die. Lets assume this is like TVO in how the monsters act and their patrol areas. That minotaur won’t stop until everything is crushed and I can’t even say about that wyvern but its nothing good.” Maverick replied getting up and walking towards the back door.

  “Well, its worth a shot then. Id hate to see you get chewed up by those dogs Mav. What about the rest of you?”

  The younger woman drew away from the pair, hiding further behind a pile of knocked over books.

  The teen just smiled as they responded, “All we have to do is wait until our classes are activated right? So hiding out sounds like the best idea.”

  Emily tried to get the attention of the older man, but to no avail, they just continued to pray unmoved by her words or Mavericks. It seemed they’d be on their own, and that was fine by her.

  They moved quickly, gathering what supplies they could— finding a flashlight, first-aid kit, and a fireman’s axe knocked out of its protective case. Exiting through a back door, they stuck to the shadows, avoiding the main roads where the creatures roamed.

  The town they navigated was both familiar and alien. Storefronts they had known all their lives were now shattered, their contents strewn across the sidewalks. Fires burned unchecked, casting flickering light on the devastation. The air was filled with a cacophony of distant screams, monstrous roars, and the relentless sirens that seemed unable to quell the darkness.

  They passed the park where Maverick and Emily had spent countless afternoons. Now, the swings hung motionless, and the laughter of children was replaced by an ominous silence. A sudden movement caught Maverick's eye—a small figure hiding under the slide.

  "Wait," he whispered, gesturing to Em. He approached cautiously. "Hey, it's okay. We're here to help."

  A little girl peeked out, her face streaked with tears. "I can't find my mom," she whimpered.

  Emily knelt beside her. "We'll help you find her, but we need to get somewhere safe first."

  The girl nodded, clutching a worn stuffed rabbit to her chest.

  They moved swiftly and silently, with Mabel clinging tightly to Maverick's back as he carried her piggyback, keeping the little girl safe and close. As the police station came into view, a nearby window exploded, sending glass and debris in all directions.

  From the wreckage, a pig like monster ran in their direction. Its nostrils flared as its massive red tusks began to glow in preparation to ram them.

  "Run!" Maverick shouted.

  “We are running idiot!” Emily shouted breath coming slower.

  “Run faster then!”

  They sprinted like Olympic rejects the last stretch, the creature in hot pursuit. But Emily knew they wouldn’t out run the monster, they still had over four hundred yards at least to go. So Emily did what she did best, giving Maverick a heart attack.

  She gripped the fireman axe in her hands, as if daring the pig beast to challenge her.

  “Ohhhh, Mr. Pig. Come here piggy piggy, I haven’t had breakfast yet, and some bacon would really hit the spot right about now.”

  As if the monster understood her words, it increased the speed of its charge. The road cracking beneath its hooves, as it sped along, ready to have a meal of its own.

  Maverick turning to look back as he heard Emilys words nearly lost his balance. “Emily! What are you doing?! Run you idiot!”

  “No can do Maverick, knight in shinning armor remember? Plus little Mabel there needs to find her mom, and I don’t think Mr. Pig would be so helpful.”

  Before any more words could be exchanged, Emily leaped out of the charging pigs way, rolling to safety. However, not quickly enough, the pig monsters tusk had grazed Emilys left leg causing a long but shallow cut, Landing on her side Emily felt the pain right away. It burned, like sanitizing alcohol poured onto a fresh cut.

  She could still move, as she hopped back up to her feet holding a glare against Mr. Pig. She noticed the monster breathing heavily, as steam rolled off its body.

  “Looks like Mavericks idea on these things being like the ones from TVO was right. It has an ability cooldown, how unfortunate for you Mr. Pig.”

  The monster once again charged at Emily, its cooldown having expired. It tore down the road once again, on a direct path for her once again. But this time Emily had a plan, as Mr. Pig charged head first, Emily jumped behind the cement planter box she hoped would hold up to its attack.

  And thankfully for Emily, it held up, but just barely. Mr. Pig crashed into the hard cement stopping its movement entirely. The timing had been close, but she pulled it off, and only hoped Maverick saw how much of a bad ass she had just been. With Mr. Pig monetarily stunned, she raised the axe high above her head and brought it down numerous times onto its skull, neck and backside.

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  Mr. Pig had charged his final charge, as the axe had become dyed in crimson and gore. “Maverick did you see that?! Im amazing I know.” Emily called out, hoping he could still hear her. But before the celebration could continue, the sound of hooves on asphalt echoed through the ruined city.

  Emily realized the situation for what it was and ditched the axe as it had become rather stuck on her last swing. She sprinted towards the police station, her leg still burning with every step. The idea of being caught in a stampede of Mr. Pigs sounded a whole lot worse, so she ran like she never had before. Eventually Emily crashed into the police stations doors where Maverick waited for her.

  “I should be mad, beyond angry actually, but honestly that was amazing. You really are a wonder, you know that.” Maverick praised Emily as she tried to catch her breath.

  “You kn… You know maybe… Maybe I shouldn’t have skipped car… cardio with you at the gym.” Emily gasped for air, like shed never get it again.

  “Yeah I’m sure you had way better things to do. Those mango smoothies weren’t going to drink themselves.

  Catching her breath slightly Emily replied, “Well soon enough, I’ll have god like powers and it won’t matter. I’ll run circles around you. Then who will care about your dumb gym.”

  “But seriously Em, you were amazing. I was about to run out and help you as soon as I got Mabel inside but by the time I turned around you were hacking away at it like a drunken lumberjack. Im honestly hoping to never get on your bedside.”

  “Well that’s easy, don’t piss me off, or make fun of my mango smoothies again. Or so help me i’ll go get Mr. First Degree Murder and well you saw what they’re capable of.”

  “You’re scary, sometimes you know that? Anyways Mabel is with an officer, and a few others. I didn’t get much info as they were practically at the door waiting. Lets go find out what’s going on here, and get that leg of yours bandaged up.”

  Maverick and Emily navigated through the dimly lit corridors of the police station, the fluorescent lights flickering intermittently due to unstable power. The air was thick with tension, whispers of fear and uncertainty echoing from the gathered survivors huddled in the main office area. The usual hustle of law enforcement was replaced by an uneasy stillness.

  As they entered the bullpen, Maverick noticed Mabel sitting with an officer who was offering her a cup of water and a comforting smile. Relieved that she was in safe hands, he turned his attention back to Emily, whose leg was still bleeding from the shallow cut.

  "Let's get that wound cleaned up," he said, guiding her to a nearby desk. He rummaged through the first-aid kit they'd found earlier, pulling out antiseptic wipes and a bandage.

  Emily winced as he dabbed at the cut. "It's not too bad," she insisted, though her clenched jaw suggested otherwise. "I've had worse from skateboarding."

  He gave a half-smile. "Yeah, like the time you tried to ollie off the park bathrooms roof."

  "Hey, I almost stuck that landing," she retorted, a glint of mischief in her eyes.

  Once her leg was bandaged, they approached the two officers standing near a cluster of desks. One was a stern-looking man in his fifties, his silver hair and lined face giving him an air of authority. The other was younger, perhaps in his early thirties, with a nervous energy about him.

  "Excuse me," Maverick began, trying to sound as respectful as possible. "We're wondering what the plan is if those... creatures show up here."

  The older officer, whose nametag read Sgt. Thompson, glanced at them with a tight expression. "Our plan is to maintain order and wait for backup," he replied curtly. "We're trying to coordinate with the other departments all over the island."

  Emily frowned. "With all due respect, sir, communication networks are down. We barely made it here alive. Those monsters are tearing the town apart."

  The younger officer, Officer Patel, shifted uncomfortably. "Look, we understand everyone's scared, but we need to stay calm and follow protocol."

  Maverick exchanged a look with Emily before pressing on. "We need to prepare to defend ourselves. Do you have a strategy in place for that?"

  Sgt. Thompson's eyes narrowed. "Our duty is to protect civilians. You should all stay inside and let us handle any threats."

  A murmur rippled through the nearby group of refugees who had been listening in. A middle-aged man with a rugged appearance stepped forward. "Handle any threats? There’s just two of you and dozens of us. We need weapons to protect ourselves!"

  A woman clutching a toddler to her chest added, "Please, let us at least have something to defend our families!"

  Thompson held up a hand. "I understand your concerns, but I can't authorize arming civilians. The station's armory is off-limits."

  Emily's patience wore thin. "People are dying out there! If those things break in here, we'll be sitting ducks!"

  Officer Patel looked between his superior and the growing crowd. "Maybe we could distribute some non-lethal equipment, Sergeant? Batons, tasers?"

  Thompson shot him a sharp glance. "Negative. We can't risk untrained individuals mishandling equipment."

  The rugged man clenched his fists. "Untrained? Half of us here are veterans or have some form of combat experience. If you won't help us, we'll help ourselves."

  A tense silence fell. The atmosphere grew heavy with frustration and fear.

  Maverick stepped forward, trying to mediate. "Look, we're all on the same side here. Let's find a solution that works for everyone."

  Thompson's expression hardened. "My decision is final. Now, I suggest you all find a place to settle in until this situation is under control."

  Angry whispers spread among the civilians. A young man in a leather jacket muttered, "This is ridiculous. We're being left defenseless."

  An older woman with a steely gaze declared, "If they won't protect us, we have the right to protect ourselves."

  Emily glanced at Maverick, her eyes reflecting her determination. "We can't just stand by and do nothing.”

  With a voice full of authority Thomson glared at Emily, “You’re welcome to leave if you don’t find our rules to your liking young lady. Communications are working just fine here, sit back and calm down. Let us handle it.

  Feeling like the situation wouldn’t change no matter how hard they all pushed, everyone eventually went back to their own areas. But if push came to shove, they would find a way to protect themselves. Maverick eventually found a working television in the chief’s office that had a live news segment airing.

  **News Anchor (Carla Martinez):** "Good evening, this is Carla Martinez, and our world is under siege. Reports are pouring in from every corner of the globe, each more terrifying than the last. Right now, the US Military is locked in a desperate battle against a massive bird, nicknamed Thunderbird, over the skies of Arizona. Our reporter, James Turner, is on the ground. James, what can you tell us?"

  **Reporter (James Turner):** "Carla, it's absolute chaos here. The Thunderbird is enormous, its wingspan eclipsing the sun, casting an eerie shadow over everything. People are scared, unsure if they'll see their loved ones again. The military is doing everything they can—fighter jets, missiles, even experimental weapons. But this creature... it's like something out of a nightmare."

  **News Anchor:** "James, how are the people coping with this?"

  **Reporter:** "Honestly, Carla, there's a sense of dread everywhere. Families are huddled together in makeshift shelters, praying for their safety. The sound of the Thunderbird's screeching and the military's relentless assault is a constant reminder of the danger we're in. It's hard to find words to comfort anyone right now."

  **News Anchor:** "Thank you, James. Please stay safe out there. Now, we turn to Paris, where a colossal hydra has emerged from the Seine River, causing untold devastation. Marie Dubois is live with more. Marie, how are Parisians holding up?"

  **Reporter (Marie Dubois):** "Carla, it's like a scene from a disaster movie. The hydra's heads are wreaking havoc, and the sight of the Eiffel Tower in ruins is heartbreaking. People are in shock—many are in tears, unable to process the destruction of their beloved city. The French military and international forces stationed nearby are doing their best, but the hydra's ability to regenerate makes it a seemingly insurmountable foe."

  **News Anchor:** "Marie, can you share any personal stories from those affected?"

  **Reporter:** "Of course. I spoke to a woman named Sophie who watched her childhood home crumble. She said, 'This city is my heart. Seeing it like this... it's like a piece of me is dying.' And she is not alone. Everywhere you look, there are faces etched with fear and despair, people clutching photos of loved ones, unsure if they'll see them again."

  **News Anchor:** "Thank you, Marie. Our thoughts are with you all. Moving to Asia, Tokyo has faced unimaginable horror with a gargantuan serpent laying waste to the city. Kenji Tanaka reports. Kenji, how are the residents of Tokyo managing?"

  **Reporter (Kenji Tanaka):** "Carla, the destruction here is beyond words. Tokyo is a city used to disasters, but nothing could prepare us for this. The serpent has left the city in ruins. I spoke with a firefighter named Hiroshi, who said, 'I’ve never seen anything like this. We’re trying to save who we can, but it feels like fighting a losing battle.' The fear in everyone's eyes, the uncertainty of what tomorrow holds... it's overwhelming."

  **News Anchor:** "Kenji, is there anything the global community can do to help?"

  **Reporter:** "At this point, Carla, we need all the help we can get. International aid is crucial—medical supplies, rescue teams, and support for the displaced. But more than anything, we need hope. Right now, that feels like the hardest thing to find."

  **News Anchor:** "Thank you, Kenji. Stay strong. As these catastrophic events unfold, it's clear the entire world is facing an existential threat. We are connected in our fear, our hope, and our determination to overcome this. We'll continue to bring you updates as they come in. Hold your loved ones close, and stay saf—"

  Suddenly, a deafening roar interrupted Carla's broadcast. The camera shook violently as the walls of the news station trembled. A massive claw burst through the wall behind Carla, sending debris flying.

  **News Anchor:** "Oh my God! What is that?!"

  As Maverick watches, the camera captures a glimpse of a towering beast, a Chimera, its lion's head roaring furiously, its goat's head spewing flames, and its serpent's tail lashing wildly. The newsroom erupts into chaos as screams fill the air. People can be seen running, trying to escape the monster's rampage.

  **News Anchor:** "Everyone, get out! Get out now!"

  The camera is knocked over, crashing to the floor. The last image is of the Chimera's fiery breath engulfing the studio. The screen goes black, and then the error message appears:

  **SIGNAL LOST.**

  "Those poor people..." Emily spoke aloud, her voice heavy with sorrow. "We will be okay Maverick, so don’t worry your pretty little head okay?”

  She thought about everything that had happened so far—the horrors they witnessed, the desperate flee for survival. Emily wasn’t sure how she managed to so coldly end Mr. Pigs existence but it was a feeling deep in her subconscious that calmed her mind when she had been in danger, and let her focus on surviving… But most of all, Emily’s thoughts turned to her family and Maverick's mother. She hoped with all her heart that they were safe, that somehow they had found a way to avoid the chaos engulfing the world.

  Emily turned back to Maverick, her expressive green eyes filled with a mix of fear and hope. "I can't stop thinking about them," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "Your mom, my family... I just hope they're alright. We have to find them, Maverick. We have to make sure they're safe."

  She reached out, gripping his hand tightly, drawing strength from their shared resolve. "No matter what happens, we have to believe we'll get through this together." Her words were a promise, both to him and to herself, a vow to keep fighting despite the overwhelming odds.

  “I wouldn’t worry about my mom” Maverick spoke standing up from the chair he had been seated on. “She can take care of herself. If anything the monsters should be scared of her. I don’t know the exact details of what she did in the military but the way dad spoke of her, just her name would be enough to get armed soldiers to drop their weapons.”

  Hours passed as Maverick and Emily waited in the police station, waiting for the system message they knew would come. And just as the clock struck three in the afternoon it came.

  **System Notice**

  **Ambient Mana Threshold**

  “The world’s ambient mana has reached the minimum required 60%. Classes and abilities have now become available for those who selected them. For those who have not earned a class, one can now be earned through your efforts or achievements. It is now your time to fight back. Do not let the invaders take what is rightfully yours. Prove your valor to the Azure Flame.”

  With the message officially opening the floodgates of humanity's rise to power, Maverick felt a surge of energy rush through his body once again. The warmth of the Azure Flame filled him, ready to be unleashed.

  He extended his hand, and pale blue flames materialized in his palm, the fire dancing gracefully between his fingers and wrapping around his wrist like a living bracelet.

  Emily's eyes widened. "Wait a minute—you didn't pick Warlock?" she asked, her tone a mix of surprise and mild accusation.

  Maverick rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "Yeah, about that... I guess with everything going on, we didn't get a chance to compare notes."

  She folded her arms, pretending to be offended. "So, what did you choose then? Since the Warlock class wasn't good enough for the almighty Maverick."

  He grinned. "I went with something called Flame Novice. Basically, I can use weapons and imbue them with fire. Think of it as being a pyromaniac swordsman."

  Emily smirked. "So, a guy running around with a flaming stick. Sounds safe."

  "Hey, at least I won't punch things until my knuckles bleed," he retorted playfully.

  She chuckled. "Fair point. I chose the Brawler class. Punching stuff in TVO just always felt so good."

  Maverick raised an eyebrow. "Interesting. I wasn't even offered the Brawler class. Looks like everyone got different options."

  "Speaking of options," Emily said, snapping her fingers. "Did you see the system message about our rewards from the in-game final event?"

  He looked puzzled. "No, I must have missed that one. After we tied for first place and got eliminated from the trials, I forgot all about those rewards."

  "Well," she began, "the message said we have to find a storage locker here in the station with our names on it. Our starter gear is inside."

  "A storage locker in the police station?" Maverick echoed skeptically. "Are you sure that's what it said?"

  She placed her hands on her hips. "Yes, I'm sure! Just because I occasionally forget minor details like what day it is, where I left my keys, or... what I had for breakfast... doesn't mean I'm wrong this time!"

  He laughed. "Alright, alright, I believe you."

  Maverick pondered for a moment, hoping they wouldn't have to break into the armory. But given their luck, it seemed inevitable.

  Just then, Sergeant Thompson and Officer Patel approached them. "Is everything alright?" Thompson asked, his gaze shifting between the two.

  "Actually, we were hoping to access the storage lockers," Maverick said carefully. "We think some important equipment might be there for us."

  Thompson shook his head firmly. "I'm sorry, but all storage areas, including the armory, are off-limits to civilians."

  Emily leaned in with an innocent smile. "But, Sergeant, what if we promised to be extra careful? We might find something that could help everyone."

  Officer Patel offered a sympathetic look but remained silent.

  "Regulations are regulations," Thompson replied sternly. "I can't authorize that."

  Maverick sighed as the officers walked away to address other concerns. "Well, that didn't work."

  Emily tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Looks like we'll have to get creative."

  He eyed her warily. "What are you thinking?"

  She grinned mischievously. "Remember that time we snuck into the school gym after hours?"

  He groaned. "Emily, we got detention for a week."

  "But we got in, didn't we?" she retorted. "Come on, it'll be like old times!"

  Maverick glanced around to make sure no one was listening. "Fine, but let's try not to end up in jail during the apocalypse."

  They made their way down the corridor, searching for signs pointing to the armory. As they turned a corner, they spotted a heavy metal door labeled "Armory—Authorized Personnel Only."

  Emily inspected the electronic keypad beside the door. "Any chance you know the code?"

  "Not unless it's '1234,'" Maverick joked.

  She snapped her fingers. "Actually, I have an idea!"

  Pulling out her phone, she opened an app filled with high-pitched frequencies. "I downloaded this dog whistle app for fun. Maybe it'll short-circuit the keypad."

  He stared at her incredulously. "That's... not how electronics work."

  She shrugged. "Do you have a better idea?"

  He thought for a moment. "Wait, I can try something with my new abilities."

  Focusing intently, Maverick summoned a tiny flame on the tip of his finger. Carefully, he directed the heat toward the keypad, attempting to trigger an override. Maybe the heat would cause it short circit. “Its just a police lock-up how advanced could it be?” Maverick thought.

  Suddenly, sparks flew, and the keypad emitted a small coninous puff of smoke.

  "Oops," he said sheepishly. "I think I fried it."

  Emily stifled a laugh. "Well, now the door definitely won't open."

  From down the hall, they heard footsteps approaching. Thinking quickly, Emily grabbed a nearby "Wet Floor" sign and propped it up near the corner.

  Officer Patel appeared, looking puzzled. "What are you two up to?"

  Emily gestured behind him. "Oh, Officer! There's a spill back there. We didn't want anyone to slip."

  He glanced at the sign. "A spill?"

  "Yes! It's, uh, quite slippery," Maverick added, nodding vigorously.

  Patel smiled appreciatively. "Thanks for the heads-up. I'll get someone to clean it up."

  As he walked away, Emily whispered, "That buys us a few minutes."

  Maverick examined the door again. "Maybe there's another way in."

  Just then, a faint sound caught their attention—a soft meowing.

  "Is that a cat?" Emily asked, puzzled.

  They followed the sound to a nearby air vent. Inside, a small tabby kitten was staring back at them.

  "Aww, poor thing must be scared," she cooed.

  Maverick grinned. "Wait, I have an idea. The vents might lead into the armory."

  She looked at him skeptically. "You want to crawl through the vents? Do I look like a contortionist?"

  He pointed at the kitten. "If that little guy got in, maybe we can too."

  She raised an eyebrow. "Are you suggesting we send the kitten in to fetch our gear?"

  He laughed. "Not exactly, but maybe we can find an access panel."

  They searched and found a larger maintenance vent around the corner, secured with screws.

  Emily pulled a bobby pin from her hair. "Never leave home without them." She began unscrewing the panel.

  "You carry bobby pins but forget your keys?" Maverick teased.

  "Priorities," she retorted.

  Once the panel was removed, they peered inside.

  "It's a tight fit," he noted.

  She patted his shoulder. "Good thing you're not claustrophobic."

  "Wait, me? Why not you?"

  She gestured to her bandaged leg. "Injured, remember? Besides, you're the one with the flaming fingertips in case it gets dark."

  He sighed. "Fine, but if I get stuck, you're pulling me out."

  "Deal."

  Maverick squeezed into the vent, inching his way forward. The metal creaked slightly under his weight.

  "Just keep moving," Emily whispered encouragingly.

  After what felt like an eternity, he reached a grating that looked down into the armory. Peering through, he saw rows of lockers and weapon racks.

  "Found it," he whispered.

  Using his flame to heat the screws gently, he managed to loosen the grating and slipped down into the room.

  Meanwhile, Emily kept watch outside, casually leaning against the wall as Officer Patel made his rounds again.

  "Everything alright?" he asked her.

  She nodded nonchalantly. "Oh, just resting my leg. That run-in earlier took more out of me than I thought."

  He smiled sympathetically. "Let me know if you need anything."

  Back in the armory, Maverick located two lockers labeled with their names. "Jackpot," he murmured.

  He opened his locker to find a heavy black duffel bag. Upon further inspection, the bag contained a sleek sword with intricate runes etched along the scabbard, a set of light armor that shimmered with a faint blue hue; two leather bound books, and a locked wooden box.

  "Nice," he said, quickly donning the gear.

  He pulled Emily's locker open, realizing it was the same style bag. Inside—a pair of fingerless gloves reinforced with metal studs, thick leather boots that looked both sturdy and flexible. Along with two books of her own, various potions, bandages, and what looked like a gold anklet.

  "Time to get out, but first..." Maverick's eyes roamed the shelves lined with weapons of all kinds—rifles, handguns, tactical gear. A pit of unease formed in his stomach, a moment of moral hesitation. Robbing a police station? Did he feel bad robbing a police station? Yes. Did he care? Absolutely not. He slipped two handguns into his bag, adding four boxes of ammo, a taser, tear gas canisters, radios, and a shotgun with enough shells to make him feel somewhat secure. This wasn't about right or wrong anymore; it was about survival.

  Satisfied with his haul, Maverick glanced up at the vent he had originally planned to use as his exit. "Nope, not happening." There was no way he was squeezing back up there with the extra weight. He scanned the room and spotted a heavy metal door on the far side. Heart pounding, he turned the handle slowly. It unlocked. He slipped out into the hallway.

  Maverick stepped into the hallway, only to find Sergeant Thompson standing there, as if waiting for him. The man stood like a human wall, his broad shoulders blocking the narrow hall, his expression calm and expectant.

  He eyed the bags in Maverick's grip, taking in the weapons and ammo without a hint of surprise. "I knew you'd try something like this, Maverick. When I saw you, two missing it wasn’t hard to put the pieces together. How did you even get in there?”

  Maverick's pulse quickened, a trickle of sweat rolling down his neck. He forced a grin. "Uh, magic?"

  Thompson's jaw tightened, his face a mixture of disbelief and growing anger. He pinched the bridge of his nose, a vein bulging at his temple. "You can't be in there. That's restricted for a reason. You have any idea what you're doing? You could be facing felony charges for this." His voice dropped, carrying a weight that left no room for jokes. "This isn't a game, son. We're trying to keep people alive."

  Maverick opened his mouth, bitting back a remark, when Emily appeared behind Thompson, her eyes wide with feigned surprise. "Oh! There you are! I've been looking all over for you." Her voice was high, bright—too bright.

  Thompson shifted his glare to Emily, suspicion written all over his face. "Did you know about this?"

  Emily put on her best innocent expression, her eyes widening. "Me? No, Sergeant, of course not. Maverick just has this way of... disappearing."

  Maverick tried to look sheepish, shrugging as if he were just another clueless idiot. "Sorry, Sergeant. I must’ve gotten turned around. Then I found these bags and figured the others could use it. You know, because of the monsters.”

  Thompson's eyes darted between them, his gaze hard as steel, weighing the sincerity in their voices. He stepped closer, his voice a harsh whisper. "Listen, I don't have time for your games. We're in a crisis. You think you can do whatever you want because the world’s falling apart? Put back everything you took, or so help me, you'll spend the night in a cell—and that’s if you're lucky."

  Maverick met Thompson's glare without flinching. The air felt tense, but Maverick felt nothing but conviction—he'd done what needed to be done. Emily nodded earnestly, her voice softening. "Absolutely, Sergeant. We understand, and we appreciate everything you're doing."

  Thompson stared at them for a moment longer, his eyes narrowed, his lips pressed into a thin line. Just then, a loud crash sounded from outside—followed by the bone-chilling, guttural roars that had become all too familiar. Thompson's radio crackled to life, static breaking the silence. "Sergeant, movement on the east perimeter!"

  Thompson grabbed the radio, his eyes still on Maverick. "I'm on my way." He jabbed a finger toward them. "We’ll deal with this later." The threat in his voice lingered even as he turned and rushed down the hallway, his heavy boots echoing off the walls.

  Maverick let out a shaky breath as Thompson disappeared from view, his entire body tense from the encounter. Emily stepped closer, her voice barely above a whisper. "That was way too close."

  Maverick handed her a duffel bag, her name written on the side with black marker. "Got your gear... and maybe a few extra goodies." He tried for a grin, but it was strained—the weight of the unknown situation outside pressing down on him.

  Emily took the bag, her eyes meeting his. "We need to get out of here before he changes his mind. We can't afford any more mistakes, Mav."

  Maverick nodded, his jaw clenched. "Let's move. We’re not getting a second chance."

  They quickly moved to a secluded spot to let her change. The gloves fit perfectly, and as she flexed her hands, a soft glow emanated from the metal studs.

  "These are awesome," she said, throwing a few experimental punches in the air.

  Maverick adjusted his sword belt and the handguns chest holster. "Looks like we're officially geared up."

  Officer Patel approached them cautiously. "I couldn't help but notice the new... outfits."

  Emily grinned. "Like them? Custom-made."

  He sighed. "Look, I don't want any trouble, but you need to stay out of restricted areas."

  Maverick raised his hands defensively. "Understood. But you have to admit, we're better equipped now to help."

  Patel considered this. "Just... be careful. And maybe keep a low profile around the Sergeant."

  "Deal," Emily agreed.

  An alarm began to sound throughout the station. Patel's eyes widened. "That's the perimeter breach alarm."

  Maverick drew his sword, the blades runes shining brightly. "Looks like we're up."

  Emily tightened her gloves. "Time to put these to use."

  Patel nodded resolutely. "Then let's defend this place together."

  They headed toward the main entrance, where Thompson and the other civilians were preparing for the impending attack. The atmosphere was tense but unified.

  As they took their positions, Emily glanced at Maverick. "You ready?"

  He smirked. "After crawling through a vent and getting caught by Thompson? This'll be a piece of cake."

  She laughed. "Always the optimist."

  He looked ahead as shadows moved outside. "Let's show them what a pyro with a sword and a happy go lucky brawler can do."