Chapter 30 - Metal Rain

[Final day of Earth's transformation. Two days until Earth's Grand Opening Ceremony]

Trev awoke to find Elena clinging to him like a koala clings to a tree. The memories of the previous night were hazy, clouded by the effects of the alien alcohol he had consumed. The drink, a milky pink liquid with an unusual taste, remained a mystery. He didn't want to ask what it actually was, and after drinking it, he remembered nothing. It was still early, as the sun was only just peaking over the horizon, casting only a faint light that allowed him to see his surroundings.

Gently detaching himself from Elena's grasp, he peered through the comically small window at the sunrise, awing at its splendour. Astonishment washed over him as flashes of light streaked across the sky, resembling a celestial meteor storm. Seizing the opportunity, Trev made a wish upon a shooting star, hoping for the safety of his friends. As he continued to watch, he began to grow wary as the stars continued to reign down on the earth. Trev felt they were getting closer, as the stars got brighter and brighter. Soon enough, he could see them touching down just on the horizon of his view, and began hearing them land with a boom. Then suddenly, just outside the window, a meteor crashed into the river, sending sand and water flying into the air, shaking the rest stop and letting out a sonic boom. Fearing shattered glass and potential harm, Trev swiftly took cover and urgently roused Elena from her slumber.

"Elena! Wake up now!" Trev called out, his voice filled with urgency.

Elena's eyes fluttered open, confusion clouding her expression as she took in the commotion outside the window. She quickly joined Trev on the floor, seeking safety from the unknown chaos unfolding before them.

"What the fuck is going on," she whispered.

"I don't know, but something just crash landed outside," responded Trev, his voice tinged with concern.

Gradually, the booms subsided, and the celestial lights dimmed, as the meteors moved onto different areas of the spinning Earth. Curiosity compelled Trev to peer outside the window once more, with Elena following, standing on her tiptoes to catch a glimpse. In the spot where an object had landed, they discovered an obelisk made of Evolution metal, radiating intense heat from its atmospheric journey. Trev's realisation struck him with a sudden epiphany—this was no ordinary meteor storm. It was part of the final phase of Earth's transformation.

Eager to investigate the object, Trev and Elena swiftly gathered their belongings and departed from the hotel. As they stepped out into the market, a scene of mass hysteria unfolded before them. The general public, who had been outside, were affected by the shockwave, exhibited varying degrees of panic and injury. The market itself remained miraculously untouched, while the chaos reigned beyond its protective boundaries.

Pushing through the disoriented crowd, Trev and Elena neared the exit, only to be interrupted by a resonant voice echoing across the room.

"Wait! That isn't the last rain," warned Spruce.

Elena turned around and approached the Ent.

"How many more are there? And why didn't you warn anyone?" Elena asked, seething with anger at the Ent's complacency.

"There are usually between three and five rains depending on the size of the planet. I would imagine this one will likely get four. I didn't warn anyone because I signed an agreement when I became operator of this rest stop. The agreement was to not divulge any information without being prompted. And since no one asked if there would be any rain, I was forced to keep it a secret," he replied.

"Are there any more surprises coming?" Questioned Elena.

"Yes," he sighed.

"What are they?" She demanded.

"I can't tell you unless you are specific," Spruce gulped.

Elena's menacing glare focused on the Ent. She was likely to attempt to kill him if Trev didn't interrupt her anger.

"Elena, let's go look at the object that has just fallen. How much time do we have until the next rain?" Inquired Trev.

"Not long," replied Spruce with a heavy sigh.

"We'll be quick then."

Trev dragged Elena away, outside the market and into the fray. A crowd had already gathered around the fallen object, but its scorching heat prevented anyone from approaching too closely. Trev and Elena joined the spectators, observing the mysterious obelisk standing approximately two metres tall, its purpose shrouded in uncertainty. Intrigued, Trev decided to scan the object, which triggered the following text:

[Dungeon - The River Ramparts - Recommended Level 7]

[No additional modifiers]

Trev had wondered if dungeons were going to be a part of this game, this answered his question. As the crowd observed the obelisk, people murmured of it being a dungeon, as others have scanned it too. He discreetly shared his findings with Elena, who acknowledged him with a nod.

In the distance, the next rain began to appear over the horizon, prompting the crowd to retreat hastily toward the marketplace. Everyone managed to quickly cram back inside just in time for it to occur. This time, the obelisks seemed larger but more spread out. Could this possibly be the next tier of dungeon?

The third rain was again less dense and larger, with some of the closer obelisks visible above the buildings in the distance. The fourth rain was even smaller, with even larger obelisks, and by the end, none could be seen in Trev's immediate area. Trev waited a little longer, anticipating a potential fifth rain. His hesitation favoured him as multiple obelisks of different sizes and colours crashed into the Earth minutes later. One landed close enough to send a shockwave down the river, shaking the rest stop. With the maximum number of rains completed, Trev decided to venture outside, accompanied by Elena. He approached the dungeon which had now cooled to an acceptable temperature. Coming within a metre of the obelisk caused an information message to appear in his vision.

[Would you like to enter 'The River Ramparts?']

[Clap three times to enter.]

Trev left the radius of the dungeon once more. He was curious to investigate the dungeon, but cautious to do it without the entire group.

Smash!

A small fragment of Evolution metal crashed into the nearby wall. It looked to be a triangular shape, possibly a section of an obelisk. Was that a part that had broken up on arrival and was late?

Smash, Smash.

Two more fragments crashed into the river, signalling a stealthy sixth rain. Trev realised that returning to the rest stop would be extremely risky. With no other choice, he shouted at Elena, urging her to seek refuge inside the dungeon.

"Inside the dungeon, NOW!" he shouted.

Approaching the dungeon once more, Trev clapped his hands three times, disappearing into its depths just as the sixth rain intensified.