《Solo Apocalypse》Chapter 13
Advertisement
The apocalypse was… real. It didn’t help me or anyone else to pretend that it wasn’t. That was just a fact in my head, obvious. The survivors from the library, however, clung to hope. Not for survival, but for a return to normalcy.
I didn’t know why I recoiled at that.
“It’s because I’ve been waiting for this.” Third said to me.
Fourth responded, three of us sitting around a small fire. “For something, for anything.”
I looked at them, mirrors of myself, covered in different dirt. Yet undoubtedly me. “If I could make it so none of this happened, I… would.”
“Would you?” I said to myself.
“I—”
Down in the camp, surrounded by survivors. “Hey, you alright?” A voice sounded next to me.
I turned and found Jonathan, the person who had left the note. I’d thought that the group of survivors would have some kind of leader. It turned out that wasn’t the case. It was just a herd of people trying to decide what to do. Jonathan, like Nicholas, was just another one among them.
“Yeah.” I said lamely, torn away from the conversation with myself. I looked at the figures huddled around small fires. Wet and miserable. Hot during the day, cold during the night. “It’s just… I don’t think things are gonna go back to normal.”
Jonathan was a younger man. Put together enough that I couldn’t tell if it was all a farce. It probably was, considering everything that had happened. His presence was still comforting, despite my pessimism.
“Neither do I.” He said simply. “But some people need to cling to something. Even if it's hopeless. That’s how you get hope.”
I turned to look at him.
“A couple of us have been experimenting.” He began. “We’re sharing what we learned so far with anyone who bothers to listen. These… weird messages? This summary of ourselves? You’ve seen it, right?”
Advertisement
I nodded, interested. Had they learned something I hadn’t?
“Most of the survivors were given Skills. A few were given Classes. I’m not sure if you’ve realized it yet, and don’t be alarmed, but you’re under one my Skills.”
I froze, slightly. “What is it?”
“Relax, it’s nothing harmful. [Veil of Safety]. It’s enough to cover the group and, for the past couple of days, its managed to keep us out of trouble.” He said. “I’m a [Protector].”
I took a breath of relief. That explained what I’d been curious about. The swamp was full of danger. I’d been ranging it for the past week and I was surprised they’d never attracted more than a single wolf. The goblins and wolves were the most aggressive and they’d barely been bothered by them.
Nicholas found us talking, striding over to take a seat next to us. “I’ve been putting points into PER. Helps me spot anything dangerous before it can be a problem. A couple of others reported the same thing I felt when I placed those points. Incremental changes, just enough to be noticeable. All of my senses were minutely enhanced.”
Jonathan picked up. “Strength, Dexterity, all the rest are the same. It’s like a video game.” He said, sighing. “I hate to put it that way, but it’s the truth.”
Something was bugging me. “Why are you telling me this? I’m a stranger.” Not to mention I was younger than both of them. They shouldn’t be trusting me so easily.
They looked at each other. Nicholas sighed. “You’re one of the few who see it as we do.” He said bleakly. “One of the few actually preparing. You wouldn’t have made it here otherwise.”
And I understood, right then, what they meant. Everyone else was waiting to be saved. Nicholas, Jonathan? They were like me. Trying to save themselves.
Advertisement
At the same moment, I realized they didn’t have anything for me here. They gave me context for this whole disaster, sure, but my Class, my abilities, and Skill? It was just as the description said.
Class: [Solo]
The [Solo] excels at what their name suggests. They are self-sufficient individuals who rely entirely on themselves. Their specialty lies in their capacity to act on their own. Their Skills have a wide range of applications and are not necessarily confined to any one field, only that whatever path chosen is walked alone.
I was better off alone, without others to drag me down. I couldn’t even argue the other side. It was clear as day. I was self-sufficient, able to traverse the terrain easily, I had an early warning system, I could take risks where others couldn’t. The list went on. Alone, I had every benefit.
I was a [Solo]. And I was better off just so.
Yet somehow I couldn’t stop staring at these people. The world had been a cruel place even before the apocalypse. I knew because I was one such victim of that cruelty. Weren’t these people the same? Thrust into this uncertain reality, they would sink or swim. Their lives were on the line and while naive to expect to be saved, could I really blame them?
The original me stood up as First did the same, a mirror to our movements across the distance between us. One nestled between roots, the other surrounded by strangers. A perfect reflection. Two choices before me, a path alone and one with others.
The answer… wasn’t hard. I had the freedom to choose both. To choose my own path.
To lend help and move independently.
The more I thought of it the more it felt right. They didn’t have anything here worth permanently tying myself to, true, but I never had to in the first place did I? A clone amongst a group of survivors wouldn’t be wasted. It was another stream of information, another pick against the mountain of mystery brought upon by this apocalypse. It would help. And, in turn, I would help.
On the other side of the coin, I could explore this new reality with open eyes. It was only a hunch, one that grew the past week in the swamp. Where colorful flowers and moss grew alongside dangerous predators and unfamiliar creatures.
That this… world brought just as much wonder as danger. That amidst all the shadows I had seen, there were rays of light between the storm.
Advertisement
Reincarnated as a dragon’s egg ~Lets aim to be the strongest~
I woke up in an unknown forest. It seems like this place is a fantasy world where strange-looking beast run rampant. And just like in a game, I seem to be able to check mine and my enemies ability. Let’s hunt monsters and gather titles in order on level up and evolve into a higher dragon! And I heard a mysterious voice in my head, “Let’s aim to be the strongest!”
8 1060The Knight's New Day
Succumbing to his final battle, a knight thinks that his death is the end of his story.... until he is given a chance to live again, to earn a place in paradise.
8 199A Song of Gods and Mortals
Mortals exist for a blink of time. Gods persist until the heavens collapse. At the center of the grand continent rises a single valley ruling above all of humanity. A thousand clans fight a never-ending bloody war in the wildlands clashing against a milliard of other races. Mortals leave their flesh and blood on the barren grounds while Gods arise from the scattered ashes to continue the glory of their kin. A continent full of the echoes war, death and the strive for greatness combine into a cruel yet beautiful melody resounding over the battle-weathered lands. A Song of Gods and Mortals.
8 136Axe from North
It's a rebirth story. Markus Ryley is an average 16 year old boy. Who is leading a pretty simple life. That is until the fateful school trip. Where he and most of his classmates died. But the circle of life doesn't stand still. So now the new world awaits them with magic running wild and dragons soaring in the sky. Follow MC through his journey, where he will meet his new enemies and old rivals. P.S. : This is my first novel also English isn't my first language so please don't be harsh. P.P.S: About mature context… There might be a bit of gore (if there is a battle so there got to be at least some blood) and I won't deny some adult material. On HIATUS
8 81Heir To The Iron Crown: Butterfly ✓
[COMPLETED] (Book 2/3)I can't stand him. I don't understand him. Does he hate me? Does he not? He is undeniably confusing, obnoxious and can't take criticism. He is basically the stereotypical Alpha and I hate that about him. What would it take for him to be a little considerate?Maybe he's jealous I got my wolf before he did? That's probably it. The big bad wolf can't stand a little competition. So that's exactly what I'll give him. Some good, healthy competition....After being abandoned in a forest near Fathilagt, Rayne was found as an infant by Rosabelle soon after the first attack on the peaceful pack. Rosabelle raised Rayne as her own and shielded her from whatever hardships she could. But Rayne's experience in her pack wasn't always pleasant and some people did their best to make her feel like she didn't belong in Fathilagt. Especially a certain soon-to-be Alpha who takes more than necessary interest in her, in more ways than one. Staying out of the spotlight isn't easy when the universe has different plans for you, and Rayne struggles with finding a safe space to hide herself from those who blame her for things she is yet to understand. Too bad for her, because the boy she hates the most, seeks her out every single time. What will happen when he finally wants her to stay, she is forced to leave her home to never again return?...Book 2, HTTIC: ButterflyDisclaimer: This is the second installment of the 'Heir To The Iron Crown' story. Kindly check it out as this is not a stand-alone book.Highest Rank:#1 in butterfly#3 in iron
8 110I'm Stuck! [The Umbrella Academy : Five Hargreeves X Reader]
You grimaced as you held your back, feeling it ache from falling on your ass, as you took a look around your surroundings in confusion.One moment you're outside, the next, you're surrounded by nine figures. But what surprised you more was who the figures were.You don't know how this even happened.**Join the Umbrella Academy as you all try and do your best to stop the apocalypse from ever taking place. Lots of chaos, therapy, and maybe a dash of romance ensues.
8 86