Only I Am A Reader

The End was near!

"We don't stand a chance against those monsters!"

"We gave our everything to push them back from the start so that we wouldn't reach this stage, but now that it has come to this, how are we supposed to fight back?"

"Heh, you speak like you did anything to contribute like me. Though you aren't exactly wrong, the situation is turning from worse to the worst."

With the hyper opening of cracks, everyone's nerves were already melting down under the constant pressure. The valiant heroism that overtook their spirits were worn down by the grim future.

Unlike what many researchers and scholars promised, it had been four years since the monsters invaded, yet extermination didn't seem to thin down their numbers in any sense. Before long, envoys and spies outside of Zhongyan came to report that monsters were spotted in foreign lands.

As things were, it seemed like the populace needed to get used to a life where monsters spontaneously appeared. However, now that the number of threats was on the rise, the theories supporting the idea that humanity's extinction was inevitable were on the rise…

"Resistance is futile, the monsters are here to bring us salvation! Only by surrendering to them can humanity embark on the path of evolution!"

The creation of Demon Worshiping Cults that sought safety under the monsters' rule was just the tip of the iceberg. Before long, all kinds of chaotic escapades ensued!

Some rogue Martial Artists hit up Monster Hunter Association branches to empty their storages, while other schemers used loopholes in the rules to trick junior Monster Hunters into pooling their points towards them. There were even vile bandits who lawfully escaped pillaging villages under the guise of monster attacks!

The masses' mindset only turned more negative as humanity showed what it could do at its worst, but it wasn't like everyone simply acted on their evil desires, everything went both ways!

"Run, they are on their way!"

Fires raged as blood splattered everywhere, brought by the blades of unknowns covered in black and gray robes. Just like many other human settlements, the town of Jiang Chu was currently under attack by demon worshipers!

Different from people who just chose to abstain from killing monsters so they wouldn't draw their ire, the demon worshipers had a more insane ideology. To help in the extermination of humans!

Compared to the endless monsters that could appear everywhere, the human population was limited, and since Martial Artists were but a small fraction of it, slaughtering normal people was as easy as taking candy from children.

If that had happened at a different time, the Martial Artists of the Righteous Faction would be knocking on these villains' doors. However, they already had their hands full dealing with monsters and other human criminals…

As the grasp of the law loosened down in the troubled time, insanity-driven actions like sacrificing humans to appease the monsters and gain their approval had already become the norm. The more human blood that you had bathed in, the better your standing within the monsters would be!

In reality, most of these facts were pure nonsense, but when one's life was at stake, just a few words could make someone slaughter their family, let alone strangers… Additionally, this was the optimal chance for all kinds of psychopaths to unleash their repressed desire!

"Hide, they won't find us here…"

For Dan Yang who saw his father and mother killed before his eyes, his fate or even humanity's fate wasn't of importance, he only wanted his little brother to live through this attack!

"Ah, this smell! The sacrifice most delectable to our lords!"

Unfortunately for him, the popular belief within the perverts known as demon worshipers was that the young and delicate children were the most prized sacrifice! As long as you bathe in their blood, your dedication would be greatly amplified!

'No!'

Dan Yang knew that reasoning with the man before him was impossible, so he pushed his brother between the rubble and popped out his head, ready to die in his place. However…

Swish!

Dan Yang blinked as something flashed by, but the only thing he got to see was the cloaked man's head dropping to the ground.

"Hey, kid."

Vigilantly looking back, Dan Yang saw the figure of a youth in light blue robes, sparks surrounding the longsword in his hand.

"Are you okay?"

The youth's face seemed to hide pain equal to the boy's, but he still smiled in reassurance. It was exactly situations like this that made him want to change this world!

"Hai!"

Feeling a weird sense of relief, Dan Yang nodded before taking his brother out and making sure he didn't have any injuries. By the time he turned to look at his savior, he had already disappeared, but the situation had completely changed.

Swish!

"Weaklings, you dare blaspheme our lords! Kyaghh!"

"Ugh!"

"Gahhh!"

Swish! Swish!

Screams still covered the battlefield, but the source was demon worshipers this time! Martial Artists in light blue robes flooded the town as they culled down each and every 'monster' they came upon!

"The Murim League is here!"

Those who grew up under the nurturing of the Monster Hunter Association had taken up arms to fight not just the monsters, but also every single being that desired to harm human life!

"Look, it's the Blue Flash Swordsman!"

"The Lightning Swordsman is personally leading this defense!"

"We are saved!"

In particular, the reason behind this vigilante group's rise had finally stepped forward to take the stage. After raising his own ability in accordance, he went out of hiding to reclaim the debts that he had given to many unfortunate lives. It was now their turn to give back to humanity!

"Leader! The ones we kept alive have spoken, we successfully extracted the coordinates of their cult's headquarters!"

"Good, quickly get rid of them and prepare to move out."

"Your orders have already passed, everyone is ready to make a move!"

"Then let us march right away!"

Having had no chance to take a rest himself, Geochin sheathed the sword that he was cleaning upon seeing his subordinate's enthusiasm. For the sake of his dream, he had to prove himself worthy.

'I wonder what she might be doing right now…'

As his resolve faltered a little, Geochin held on by remembering a very comforting face. Perhaps one day when he had finally settled everything, he might find his own happiness.