Departure – Leaving the Maze of Perception
After completing the third floor, the Maze of Perception, the group returned to rest at Hạ Pagoda at the foot of Tam Cốc - Bích Động mountain. Night fell in silence. No one spoke much, only the crescent moon casting their shadows on the dark limestone cliffs.
Nam sat, inspecting his new equipment. His shield was planted beside him, while he was still immersed in the memories of the endless battle in the Maze of Perception.
Ái Hoa sat apart at the water's edge. Her eyes were fixed on the crescent moon reflecting on the river. She was touching the new necklace she had received after the battle and muttering to herself. For a moment, she looked pensive... but when Nghĩa approached to comfort her, a crooked smile suddenly appeared at the corner of her lips, and her face began to lose its humanity.
"Whose necklace is this? So pretty~ heheheheh"
Her laugh was raspy. It was unclear if it was from fatigue, madness, or… a lingering aftershock from the previous floor. Nghĩa froze and frowned, then leaned his back against a large rock. He clasped his hands together, his head bowed slightly, but his eyes were as sharp as knives in the night. Perhaps he wasn't thinking about where he was—but about what was next.
Just then, a piercing sound rang out. The System's messages appeared, looking cold and urgent.
Ting!
[URGENT! – ANNOUNCEMENT TO ALL PLAYERS IN THE VIETNAM REGION!]
[UNKNOWN WAVE]
AREA: HẢI HÒA BEACH – THANH HÓA
RISK ASSESSMENT: EXTREME
CURRENT CIVILIAN CASUALTIES: 29%
REQUESTING REINFORCEMENTS FROM ALL COMBAT-CAPABLE PLAYERS NEAR THE HẢI HÒA AREA.
REWARDS: NONE.
The three of them looked at each other—no words were needed. Only the early night wind whistled through the cracks in the rock, carrying the scent of sea salt mixed with blood from somewhere far to the south.
Nghĩa stood up first.
"It's almost dawn now… let's get some rest."
"We'll leave at sunrise."
Nam nodded, not asking for a reason. He just squeezed his fist slightly and sat down next to his shield.
Ái Hoa silently reorganized their food and healing items. She didn't speak, but her eyes were different—serious and bright with worry for the survivors.
The group didn't need to discuss it further.
If there were still people alive there, they would go and lend a hand.
If all had gone cold, they would go to send the Unknowns back to hell…