Last in Netherworld: Journey To The Unknown
Suddenly, a voice called out, "Attention... attention, patients."
"We have come to a conclusion regarding the evil spirits and the situation in the Netherworld," Taike said, his voice clear and resonant in the quiet place.
"We have decided to send five brave souls to embark on a journey to Weizhi to find a new ruby," Taike declared.
"We all know the huge situation we are in. We have many questions but no answers."
"These spirits have taken lives, destroyed properties, and set ablaze our precious homes. They have given us no reason to live!" He said, all eyes on him. The crowd listened intently.
"But we refuse to give up! We refuse to let them take our city... we refuse to let them leave us with nothing!"
"So I need volunteers willing to put their lives on the line for the greater good of our city. Together, we shall restore the Netherworld. So... who's with me?" Taike said, eager anticipation lighting up his face.
The crowd fell awkwardly silent. There were no volunteers.
"So what about you, huh? Aren't you going along with the volunteers?" a voice called from the crowd.
"Yeah! Aren't you going too?" another chimed in.
The crowd whispered in a low hush, their voices rumbling like thunder in a storm. Eyebrows knitted tightly, fists clenched. Some hurled insults, while others threw whatever they could find.
Taike had no choice but to step down as the authorities stepped in. Everything was falling apart. Netherworld was far beyond saving.
Taike buried his face in his hands with disgust. "It's over... I failed the very thing I swore to protect," he thought as tears streamed down his cheeks. Pain and anguish suffocated him, regret calling his name.
He watched as the authorities struggled to calm the angry crowd, feeling helpless and hating himself for not protecting the ruby.
"Everybody stop!" a voice rang out from the crowd. The people froze, and the room fell silent. They turned to see Barka.
"Why are you all fighting? We need volunteers, a new ruby, and to banish these evil spirits. We can't afford to fight among ourselves!" Barka said, her sharp tone cutting through the chatter, authority piercing their angry hearts.
Finally, they stopped fighting. Sadokshi stepped up.
"We need volunteers who will go to Weizhi, find a new ruby, and bring it back to the Netherworld. I promise that if those volunteers return with the ruby, their families will be elevated in our community and provided with all good things in life," Sadokshi said.
The crowd still hesitated; some scratched their necks, while others murmured, unsure of what to do.
Sadokshi lowered his head in disappointment until a volunteer emerged from the crowd.
"Sir... I want to volunteer, but how can we get to the outskirts of Netherworld without being noticed by the spirits of resentment?" the boy asked.
"The authorities have deployed one of their vessels. We will use it to reach the outskirts of Netherworld," Sadokshi replied.
Despite this, the crowd remained hesitant. Then the boy spoke again.
"Guys, I know it's hard to leave our comfort zones for a mysterious land like Weizhi, but this is for Netherworld. We all have much to lose, but let's forget that for a moment... let's do this for our home!" His lion-like boldness inspired both the crowd and himself, a miracle in his eyes.
The crowd stood silent for a moment until another volunteer stepped forward. "I would like to volunteer," a voice said, breaking the silence.
Then another voice chimed in, "I also would like to volunteer." Gradually, the number of volunteers grew like a rising tide, filling the air with the voices of brave patriots.
Sadokshi smiled at the sight, and Taike regained hope.
They spent weeks upgrading and preparing the ship for the journey ahead. The volunteers were made mentally and physically ready for their long-awaited adventure.
Anxiety filled the air as families said their goodbyes, all knowing it was for a good cause; finally, the moment arrived.
The place buzzed with excitement. Jirom, the boy from the crowd, exchanged final farewells with the other volunteers. The authorities conducted one last safety check, ensuring all controls were functioning properly. The ship was set to take off once it reached the required weight.
Barka watched with eager anticipation alongside her friends, practically jumping at the sight of her dream right before her. At that moment, her lust for adventure kicked in, defying all sense of morality.
"Uhm! Guys... it wouldn't hurt to check out the ship for a moment, right?" she asked cautiously, bracing for scolding.
"Barka... we're not meant to go on that thing! Do you know the huge amount of trouble we'll get into?" Nite scolded.
"Yeah... but it'll just be for a little while, please... please... please, with a cherry on top." Barka pleaded with cute puppy eyes, hoping to sway him.
"Come on, dude... it's just a quick check. Don't be such a bummer," Doushi chimed in, giving Nite no chance for argument. Nite reluctantly agreed.
Together, they snuck aboard, their faces lighting up at the controls and rooms in the vessel. They were so amazed that a few seconds turned into half an hour, and soon the volunteers were set to leave.
As the last goodbyes were exchanged, it was time to depart. Jirom, the boldest volunteer, was given the honor of boarding first. He stepped on slowly, arms trembling as he fought back tears. He said goodbye to his family and entered the vessel. Suddenly, the ship went into lockdown.
The ship became isolated, blinking lights flashing everywhere as it began a countdown. Jirom's legs trembled; panic set in as he desperately called for help, tears streaming down his face. The crowd panicked, and the other volunteers backed away in fear. The authorities scrambled to figure out what was happening, but it was all in vain.
The words "three... two... one... blast off" were the last Jirom heard before everything went dark as he fainted.