Let The Apocalypse Began

As the woman's voice echoed, it was like a mixture of many women's voices put together into one.

A noise of responses erupted from the people. Skepticism hung in the air, as some believed this was the work of a malicious hacker playing a cruel prank.

Others, however, believed in the ominous message and gave in to their fears, screaming and crying in sheer panic and some were even confused as they couldn't move or respond at all.

"Hmmm... It seems like not all of you believe in me yet?" the woman's voice taunted. "Very well, I shall show you the power I possess."

Suddenly, enormous portals manifested throughout the city, and through them poured forth a motley assembly of fantastical creatures: orcs, goblins, and a myriad of other creatures from the realm of fantasy.

They clawed at the barriers separating them from our world, bellowing and clamoring to reach us, humanity's fragile prey.

Nausea churned in my stomach as I witnessed this surreal nightmare unfold before my eyes. Some people wept openly and fled the city in terror.

But there was no escape.

The woman's voice echoed once more, declaring, "Oh no, you can't run yet. I didn't even introduce myself to all of you, my dear children."

A massive barrier enclosed the city, trapping us all within its confines.

Panic swept through the crowd as people turned violent, lashing out in anger. They tried to disable the city's electronics in a desperate bid to shut down the woman's broadcast.

The woman on the screen let out a sinister laugh, a chilling sound that sent shivers down the spines of everyone, forcing them to halt their activities and pay full attention.

"Well then, let me introduce myself. I'm your God. The creator of this world," she declared.

"I'm sure you've all had a chance to explore the website I crafted. I take pride in it, you know. Humans are such curious beings, always pushing the boundaries of technology," she continued with an air of arrogance.

"Today marks the apocalypse, but I've grown tired of the usual, mundane apocalypses. Destroying the Gaia is just so...boring."

A malevolent grin spread across her face as she spoke, sending a shiver down everyone's spine. "So, why not spice things up with a game?"

"I'll bestow upon you a system to navigate this game, power, and the ultimate freedom you've all yearned for in life. Doesn't that sound like a grand adventure?"

Everyone held their collective breath as the woman on the screen concluded with a wicked smile. "Now, let the game commence."

Amidst the chaos, something popped up in front of me, resembling a screen from the video games I used to play.

[Welcome to the Apocalyptic Game, Seth!]

[As a player, you have the obligation to participate in all the game phases.]

[Upon completing each game, you will earn various rewards, such as skill points, experience, weapons, and artifacts to enhance your abilities.]

[I will now provide you with your current status.]

The screen displayed my information. As a gamer, it was oddly familiar and comprehensible.

[Player name: Seth]

[LvL: 1]

[HP: 500]

[MP: 20]

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[Attribut]

[Attack: 20, Strength: 10, Agility: 10, Defense: 8, Stamina: 15, Intelligence: 15]

[Class:-]

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[Skill: -]

[Killing Points: -]

[Title: -]

[You can access and control all system information with your mind!]

[Game requirement: Evade the monsters and reach the designated "colony" location. The colony locations are indicated in the left corner of your screen: West, East, South, and North.]

[Remaining Time: 4 hours]

[Punishment for failing to reach the colony in time: Death]

[Reward: 200 EXP, 10 skill points, a weapon pass, a skill pass, and 10.000 gold coins]

[Killing monsters is permitted and will earn you bonus points known as Killing Points.]

[Now, let the first game commence!]

Once again, the trumpet-like sound resonated across the city. When it ceased, the portals disgorged hordes of monstrous creatures, their sole objective clear: the annihilation of humanity.

Stunned by the grotesque spectacle, I watched as goblins and orcs collaborated to stamp out groups of helpless humans.

Centaurs, armed with bows, rained arrows down upon the city, and wyverns unleashed torrents of fiery death upon both people and buildings alike, setting the urban landscape ablaze.

Amidst this havoc, I couldn't help but ponder how I might meet my end in this apocalyptic scenario.

Surely, there were 100 ways to die, but I hoped to find the least painful one.

My thoughts were interrupted by the cries of a child in front of me, separated from her parents.

My heart ached to help her, but I couldn't. I could barely help myself in this nightmarish reality.

Perhaps Randy could be the hero she needed, but I was not him.

In a desperate bid for survival, I joined the throngs of people racing toward the colony, all sharing the same objective: to make it there alive.

"My dearest creation, try to cling to life for as long as you can. Perhaps you'll find an unexpected form of freedom in this apocalyptic nightmare," the voice proclaimed with eerie amusement.

The screen went dark after a shrill, unsettling laugh reverberated through the city, intensifying my unease.

Was this a dream or a cruel reality? I grappled with disbelief, yearning for it all to be a mere nightmare, yet the terror unfolding was all too palpable.

I was meant to be a typical 17-year-old, nearing graduation. How had my life spiraled into this surreal abyss? I'd never even had a girlfriend—would I meet my end as a virgin?

Amidst these harrowing thoughts, I realized I'd been running nonstop for fifteen minutes, pushing my limits.

My lungs gasped for respite, and I sought refuge in a nearby pharmacy, joining others who sought shelter.

Outside, cries and screams rent the air as I struggled to catch my breath. A man tried to soothe his crying son with consoling words, but their voices were drowned out by the chaos.

Then, a deafening explosion rocked the back of the pharmacy, leaving my ears ringing. As my hearing returned, a chilling sight greeted me—an undead figure, skull shrouded in a dark robe, staff in hand, had emerged.

Behind it, a horde of zombies surged forward, heading straight for me as I fled the pharmacy.

Fuck! I couldn't, I didn't want to play this game anymore!

I wanted to give up, but my body refused to.

In this cruel game, age and kindness held no sway. The malevolent force cared only about tearing us apart as if our lives were nothing more than a cruel jest.

I couldn't predict how much longer I could evade death, but I was resolute in one thing—among 100 ways to meet my end in this apocalypse, I refused to succumb to the hands of the undead and become one of them.