Mysteries: Arcana Wars

Backlund time, 19:00 on Winter Rite

There are 1 hours left until the Outpost launch.

Seeing the red pillar of light finally dissipate in the distance, Audrey finally felt relieved.

It turns out that what Mr. Leonard said was true.

There are really scary laser weapons hidden in the suburbs!

Fortunately, I completed the evacuation task in time...

Audrey was still shaken.

When that blood-red pillar of light suddenly rose up, Audrey was deeply shocked; no one could remain unmoved by such power.

However, she didn't think of it as an extraordinary disaster. She just felt that terrorists were hiding terrifying high-energy laser weapons and were preparing to launch a violent riot.

Like her, when the beam of light pierced the sky and earth, the evacuated crowd around her also felt fear and fright, and they all screamed and ran towards the city, fearing that this disaster would befall them.

Now that the disaster is over, the people who had fled have emerged from the nooks and crannies, commenting on the strange celestial phenomena that had just occurred.

"My goddess, what was that terrifying red thing just now?"

"Could it be that the legendary demon really exists, and unleashed a massive curse in that direction just now?"

"So, is the current calm a result of the Church and God intervening to save us?"

The survivors discussed the disaster with great enthusiasm, ranging from the horror of the calamity itself to the joy of their survival. After the ups and downs, they became interested in rumors and conspiracy theories outside of the event itself.

Compared to official news, unofficial histories and supernatural tales always possess a stronger vitality, no matter the era.

"Hey, I've heard that there are some people in this world who have amazing special abilities, and they can even fly and teleport... Do you think it could be those people who did it?"

"Wow, where did you hear this rumor? It sounds like an urban legend. If you ask me, that area in the suburbs is probably just a bunch of terrorists."

"It could also be one of those cult members. You know, those lunatics are capable of anything, they're capable of anything."

"Please rest assured, everyone is safe now."

Audrey spoke up, using a gentle voice to soothe the restless crowd around her.

"There are no demons or monsters, no cults descending, just some annoying terrorists doing bad things."

They are just ordinary people who disrupt order and wantonly trample on life.

Although it sounds incredibly heartless, Audrey has to admit that this is nothing new in Backlund.

The residents of Backlund had long been accustomed to this Schrödinger-like order.

Generally speaking, Backlund appears peaceful, stable, and well-organized. Beneath this calm surface, countless dark and sordid activities operate day and night.

The two seem to have reached a strange balance, but sometimes, riots caused by madmen, attacks by terrorists, bloody competition among companies, and desperate laments, for all sorts of reasons, explode like a bomb in a peaceful city, and then disappear after the smoke clears, as if it never happened.

This is the city's twisted vitality.

It changes every day, yet it continues to operate, maintaining a superficial stability.

Endless life.

Therefore, the indifference and apathy of the people is understandable. Once the crisis passes, everyone quickly recovers from the panic and enthusiastically discusses gossip and rumors. The deadly sudden disaster seems like nothing more than distant news that doesn't concern them, providing ample amusement for citizens during their limited leisure time.

"Don't worry too much. It's better to focus on your own life and not keep thinking about supernatural things."

Audrey said seriously.

"The so-called sacrifices by cultists are just wishful thinking by a group of deluded madmen. The only result is that a group of people die as a result. The so-called sacrifices are just lies to deceive believers."

"As for superpowers, they are nothing more than people's wishful thinking. Sometimes, this explanation is just people's way of comforting themselves when facing the unknown."

"Yes, that's right."

Amidst the cacophony of voices, a different voice suddenly emerged, responding to Audrey's words.

"The so-called extraordinary does not exist; it is merely a figment of people's imagination."

"You think so too, miss?"

The man's eyes looked calm and deep, but his fixed gaze made Audrey feel very uncomfortable.

These words sounded fine, and Audrey was about to agree, but she felt something was off when she thought about them, a kind of twisted feeling.

Like heretics who distort classics, like madmen who falsely claim to be sages.

Seeing that Audrey did not respond, the man continued speaking on his own.

"Right, you think so too."

"You, like us, are clear-headed people who see through this ugly world."

"The so-called extraordinary power is nothing but a lie fabricated by the evil ruling class. The truth is just an effect they created using various high technologies to deceive the ignorant masses."

"Especially those churches, they fabricated a lie called 'God,' loudly praising something that doesn't exist, making people believe that their good life is really in the hands of someone else."

"Happiness and bliss are God's gifts, while sorrow and misfortune are God's punishments."

"Do you accept this fate?"

"..."

Audrey keenly sensed a dangerous undercurrent. The man's words were filled with persuasive sophistry, every word carefully chosen to conceal his true intentions. What appeared to be perfectly encouraging advice were actually traps luring her in the direction he desired.

"I do not accept!"

Before Audrey could speak, a sharp voice leaped out from behind the man, loudly proclaiming the righteousness in his heart.

"Extraordinary is a lie by the government! Gods are all a conspiracy by the church!"

"I will not accept a life where I am controlled by others!"

"Yes, I don't accept it!"

"I do not accept!"

More voices rose from behind the man, more and more numerous, louder and louder, and more and more frantic.

Fists were raised, banners were carried, and glaring flags were erected. The march, interrupted by the evacuation, started moving again!

"Overthrow the deception of the gods! Your destiny belongs to you!"

Upon hearing these words, a thunderclap exploded in Susie's mind, and fragmented memories converged before her eyes.

She crouched down, letting out a series of low, warning growls.

Damn it, these people are...

Postmodernism!