Chapter 209: CH 209

Words : 1573 Updated : Oct 16th, 2025

Eventually, the group gathered their belongings and had made their way out of the casino base. The heavy, metallic doors of the casino creaked open as they went through it, revealing the outside world beyond. Dave blinked, momentarily squinting against the harsh light that flooded his eyes, the stark contrast to the dim, artificial lighting of the casino. It was strange, but as his boots hit the cracked pavement outside, he felt a sense of relief settle over him. The oppressive, claustrophobic atmosphere of the casino base had weighed heavily on him, making every second inside feel longer than it truly was. And now, with the cold wind brushing against his skin, he realized something he hadn’t fully acknowledged before. He was glad to be out of the base. Though it might sound insane to anyone else, especially given the state of the world outside, yet it felt like freedom to Dave. The base, with its locked doors and constant surveillance, had been suffocating for him. Even now, with the chaotic world unraveling around them, the outdoors felt more alive, more open, more real. The sky, with its gray, clouded overcast, felt like a thousand miles of space compared to the confines of the casino walls. Just a single day that he spent in the base had felt like years to him. With everything that happened and the constant strings of events that kept occuring. Time seemed to stretch endlessly there, like it was constantly crawling in the shadows. The same faces, the same corridors, the same routine. It was as though every hour spent there was another nail in his patience’s coffin. And yet, here he was, standing outside, breathing in the slightly chilled air, feeling the faint pulse of the world moving around him. He didn’t know what tomorrow would bring or how this expedition would turn out, but for the first time in what felt like ages, he felt like he could breathe. He could make choices. He could move forward. As he glanced over at the others, who were preparing for the journey ahead, something tugged at his thoughts. Maybe, just maybe, after this expedition, he won’t be coming back to the base any longer. The idea of leaving the confines of the casino behind was tempting, more so than he ever imagined. The outside world, although dangerous, felt like the right place for him to be. Plus, he also needs to complete his daily quest everyday, or who knows what will happen if beasts were to attack the base just because of him. For the first time in a long while, standing outside, inhaling the soft air, Dave didn’t feel trapped. And that small, yet significant realization brought him a quiet sense of hope. At that moment, Gunther strode forward, his heavy footing thudding against the hard ground with each step. He cleared his throat and, with a commanding voice, called out, "Alright, guys, gather up!" His words echoed through the air, immediately drawing the attention of every member in the group. The sharpness in his tone left no room for hesitation, and within moments, the sixteen individuals were forming a loose circle around Gunther, their eyes fixed on him. These sixteen individuals had been divided into groups, groups of four. While four were to head to the hospital, three have been assigned to the restaurant area, five to the shopping mall, and the remaining four had the important task of refueling the casino base’s power supply, ensuring the electricity would continue flowing. Gunther’s gaze swept across the faces of the group, scanning each person for any signs of uncertainty. He paused, letting the silence settle for a beat before speaking again. "I guess since everything’s been covered in the meeting, no one has any questions, right?" The group remained quiet, their faces a mixture of determination and readiness. No one had spoken up, which was a sign that there was no explanation needed to be made again. A sense of urgency could be felt hanging in the air and Gunther had nodded his head once, satisfied with the lack of objections. "Good," he said firmly. "Now, let’s get going. We have a lot of ground to cover today." With that, he gestured toward the large orange truck parked nearby. The vehicle, worn but sturdy, loomed like a giant ready to carry them into the unknown. It wasn’t much to look at, but it would get the job done. Without further delay, the group began to file into the truck, climbing up into the back with practiced ease. The sound of boots hitting the metal floor echoed in the space as they settled in, ready for the journey ahead. Gunther watched them with an assessing gaze, ensuring everything was in order before giving the signal to move out. Once everyone was aboard, he took the wheel, the engine roaring to life as the truck rumbled forward. The destination was set, as they made their way towards the junction where each team would be parting ways, heading to their respective locations. Gunther’s hands tightened on the wheel with a close focus. The task ahead was critical, and he knew the success of the mission depended on every single person in that truck doing their part. He just hoped nothing delays them during their journey. At the back of the truck where low hum of voices could be heard as everyone settled into their seats. The air was thick with tension, the kind that often accompanied a journey into the unknown. Dave sat quietly, eyes darting between the faces around him. As usual, Simbi was seated beside him, her relaxed posture in stark contrast to the anxious energy that seemed to radiate from the others. Only Simbi and her friend Ella, seems to be the most composed among everyone else. Not even Dave seemed to be so conposed. He couldn’t be, not after knowing what will transpire later on during their journey. The said fellow, Ella could be seen at the down row of the truck, engaging in a deep conversation with another group member. Dave couldn’t help but notice the way her animated gestures contrasted with the solemn silence of the rest of the truck. For once, Simbi had her time to herself, and Dave felt oddly thankful for the brief reprieve from their usual trio. Another person Dave noticed was Tasha, however, sitting quietly near the back, a faint air of unease surrounded her. Her gaze remained fixed on the floor, refusing to meet anyone’s eyes, including Dave’s. She hadn’t said much since the truck began to move, and Dave couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. From what he knew from the limited time he was here, Tasha wasn’t the type that always stay quiet. Usually, she was sharp-tongued and full of energy, but today, she was a shadow in the corner, her posture tense, as though she was actively avoiding everyone’s gaze. Why wouldn’t she! After all, what she did trying to fight him would’ve been a embarrassment to her. And even though she cancelled the fight, it’s still an embarrassment and shame to them. Dave shifted in his seat, the discomfort of the silence settling over him like a thick fog. He decided to break it. "Are you nervous?" he asked, his voice low, directed towards Simbi. He flashed a smile, though it was tinged with the apprehension he was trying to mask. Simbi shot him a playful glance, rolling her eyes. "Gosh, it’s not like this is my first time going on such a journey," she replied, her voice light, though Dave could hear the subtle edge of teasing. "I should be the one asking you that since this is your first time, right?" She leaned forward slightly, giving him a pointed look. "Yet, I’m sure you can handle it. With your skills and superhuman abilities, you’ll be just fine." Dave’s chuckle was half-hearted at best. He didn’t share her confidence. Unlike what everyone had seen from yesterday, he was nothing like that today, at least not when fighting beasts. His powers, his strength, everything he’d come to rely on, will be temporarily taken away by the system in a few moment from now. A part of him feared what would happen when the attacks came, especially now that he’ll be powerless. As if to confirm his deepest dread, a system message had popped up above his eyes, displaying a certain message that had caused Dave’s eyes to furrow out in shock. [You are now currently undergoing your Punishment] [First round] [Two hundred beasts approaching] [Do well to survive the attack] [You are now currently undergoing your Punishment] [On the north where the truck is headed, a total of 200 beasts approaches] [All stats and abilities have been nulled, the user won’t be able to utilize any of them] [How long can you survive till the end of all four stages of the punishment?] [Survive and obtain a reward] The message was cold, clinical. Dave’s heart skipped a beat. Panic clawed at his chest, but he fought to keep his composure. Two hundred beasts. The odds felt impossibly stacked against him now, and without his abilities, he was just like any other human, vulnerable, fragile. But hopefully, they get to use weapons and other sharp items to fight, so he should be able to deal with any beast that comes his way.

Chapter 209: CH 209

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