“For those only tuning in now, we’ve just been giving an approximation of when the alien monster will make impact with our planet’s surface!” Corein Gedring continued her broadcast that had already been on the air for several hours, providing immediate updates for the event to the concerned citizens around the globe.
“We also have a clearer picture of the creature. I will display it on screen now. There, you see it?! I know many of you didn’t believe the government’s announcement a few days ago that it wasn’t actually a meteor we originally hoped would pass us by. Witness it with your own eyes. It’s undeniable now, and it’s coming right for us.”
“The monster is estimated to touch down in the Zjiksa Desert in under a half-hour. Armies from all over the world are waiting at the predicted contact site to immediately attempt to subdue the alien. Though many are beginning to question how effective our firearms will be, and if our innate force fields will be enough to withstand its strength.”
“Ever since the Fiendless Boon, casualty rates worldwide have reached rock bottom levels. But could we be seeing the beginning of a new calamity? With the locations of many of our previous protectors still unknown, our polls show that the majority of you fear this is something we may be unable to handle.”
The reporter then paused briefly, having to glance at her risk at wrist from the sudden notification followed by information flowing straight into her mind. “Huh?! He can’t be serious?! I don’t know if I should even say this, but I am obligated to report the truth.”
“President Briz has just ordered the withdrawal of all militaries from the area. All of you watching know that I have been a stalwart supporter of the president since the very first day he took office. I’ve praised many of his reforms, and believed in the direction he’s been taking our society. But this, this I have to question. What the mawhging hell he’s thinking! If they won’t save us, who will?!”
Stolen novel; please report.
As if to answer her question specifically, Gedring’s broadcast cutaway, replaced by a new screen. But it wasn’t just her livestream. Every TV channel, every website, phone, billboard, even on every citizen’s wrist. If it could be manipulated electronically, it was hijacked by the picture, and those who were asleep even saw it in their dreams.
A single image: the logo of a defunct business that had been gone for some time, the symbol of an organization that so many had loved, a mark of terror to those who feared the group’s strength. No matter what it meant to each observer, none of them had believed they would ever see it again.
The icon jittered and shook, as if begging to be looked at, ensuring that it couldn’t escape anyone’s notice. And a single glance was all it took for everyone to know that they had nothing to fear.
But for those who had once been a part of said organization, the picture had deeper meaning, only something that they could see. Beneath the skittery icon was a hidden message for their eyes only. 『Do you accept?』
While the rest of the world was suddenly at ease, those who could read the question jolted to attention. Food was chucked aside, games put on pause. Bedrooms, classrooms, boardrooms were fled. Weapons were grabbed, armor was donned. And when they were ready, they gave their answer. It didn’t even require a verbal response. All they had to do was think it aloud.
In the Zjiksa Desert, a trio stood on a platform that had been laid out in advance atop a dune. To the right, a woman casually flung her yo-yo without a worry. To the left, a knight readied her blade for battle. And in the center, a man stood perfectly still while cloak listed softly in the breeze. He was staring up at the sky, at the calamity coming from beyond the stars.
But then he turned around to face the crowd that had instantly appeared behind him. A glowing crown suddenly appeared on his head, and his eyes burned with green fire. “Thank you for coming on such short notice. We have one last job for you.”