Last Updated:
2024-10-29 19:42:56Where am I?
Why's everything so dark?
Am I dead?
No wait... Ugh, my head hurts.
Everything is coming back now... The last thing I remember was talking with dad.
We went out for a walk and then… blank.
Damn it!
Why can't I remember anything?
"Jerry!... Jerry!"
Is someone calling for me?... Ah, it's rather faint though. It might not be me after all.
It's not like Jeremy Walker was a special name.
Most parents would name their kids' one-of-a-kind names to highlight their uniqueness, but it seemed like my father was too busy to do that.
Not like I blamed him though, I also believe that unique names are a waste of time.
It's not like it adds anything to you, just a form of identification.
Hah, enough with the soliloquy… I need to get out.
I tried to open my eyes but it felt like they were glued shut.
What in the world?
Fine then… I tried to move my hand to my face to help pry my eyelids open but my body might as well be lead.
I couldn't move even as I kept on trying.
It was becoming a pain.
"Jerry!... Jerry!"
The voice was closer now and the tone… it's rather familiar.
But why the sense of urgency?
Feeling curious, I go ahead and fuck it.
What's the worse that could happen?
Even as it felt like my flesh was peeling apart, I opened my eyes, releasing a scream from my throat to cope with the pain.
I blinked a couple of times to get rid of the pain before glancing left and right to survey my surroundings.
Thankfully, my neck isn't affected by the immobility afflicting the rest of my body.
A couple of crates at one end with labels on them, and at another side, a table with jars filled with weird stuff soaked in different chemicals.
It was easy to identify where I was now, after all, I spent quite some time here with my father.
It was one of my best spots for our weekly father-son bonding when he was around.
It was the storeroom!
But how did I get here?
Just then, I hear my name once again.
"Jerry!"
This time it was clearer and came from the other side of the door.
Checking to see if my jaw still worked, I replied as loudly as I could. "I'm in here."
Silence reigned before I heard the voice again. "He's in here!... The door is locked!"
I furrowed my brows due to the commotion on the other side. A lot of people must be home which was weird since Dad hated having too many people over.
Did something happen?
Just then, there was a loud bang followed by the door collapsing, allowing me a glimpse of what lay on the other side.
What caught my eyes first was the glowing colors of ember, a clear sign that there was a fire.
I went wide -eyed just as two people walked in.
One was a man dressed in light Exo armor while the other was quite familiar as I had seen her one too many times with my father.
With blonde hair, blue eyes, a slender physique, and her hair tied in a bun, Leila was my first crush.
She was also my father's assistant and my babysitter.
In some ways, I saw her as my sister and she didn't seem to mind as she encouraged it.
Anyway, there was no time to reminisce as I saw the fear and sadness in her eyes.
She was quite agitated as she rushed toward me, crouching down before picking my head up. "Oh thank goodness, I thought something happened to you."
Her body trembled even as she tried to sound relieved.
A weird thought came to mind but I quickly did away with it.
"I'm fine, Big sis. Just feeling a little immobile, that's all." I answered hoarsely before asking the question on my mind. "Is something wrong?... Why are you sad and also… is the house on fire?"
Leila didn't respond as she cradled my head to her chest, hugging me tightly at which point I could have sworn I heard her sob.
The other man suddenly interrupted. "Miss, we have to go now. This apartment is too dangerous to remain in."
I frowned at the weird comment. My home is too dangerous to remain in?
The home of Timothy Walker, the greatest scientist known to Haven... was dangerous?
That didn't make any sense!
If anything, it would be one of the safest places in the Tower if those crazy Otherworldly dad normally talked about dared to attack.
So what the hell was this armored guy all about?
But then Leila's response surprised me as she agreed with the man. "Yes, please help me."
I tried to refute the man's words but none of them were willing to listen as the man walked over and picked me up like I had no weight to speak of.
Just like that, the man carried me and Leila followed behind.
As we stepped out of the storeroom, a wave of heat came down heavily on me.
Flames danced about the place I once called home, eating up everything in sight.
From my favorite chair to my favorite chemistry set.
Everything within the space big enough to fit twenty people if the demarcations erected to separate different areas were torn down, was consumed before my eyes.
I had no words until we were out of the house and I was laid in a stretcher with Leila at my side when a certain thought came to mind.
"What about dad?"
I turned to Leila to find tears trailing down her cheeks.
A deep sense of foreboding crept up my spine as I asked again. "What about dad?"
Leila couldn't take it anymore as she broke down completely, bawling her eyes out while leaving me in suspense.
I wanted to ask again when the armored man that carried me tapped my shoulder. "I'm sorry… your father…"
!
It was at that moment reality dawned on me even though I tried so hard to not accept what was handed to me.
But no matter how much I denied it… the truth remained that today was the day my father, Timothy Walker, the greatest scientist in Haven, met his end.
Previous Chapter
Related Chapters
At World's End Entry 2
"Day 25 of the first month, Eos, in the year, 40AC ( After Civilization). "10 days since my team and I were commissioned to retrieve materials from the ruined world. I thought the mission would go smoothly, that is until We came into contact with an Otherworldly today. "They call it a Rottenling, a creature with no definitive features apart from its rotten flesh. "We were lucky that we met only two of them. This C-rank Otherworldly move in packs." I closed the journal in my hand as I tried to imagine what a Rottenling looked like. Of course, not much could be made out of the image with only rotten flesh as a definition. It still sounded quite scary and exciting regardless. I yearned to experience it for myself. Dad always told me stories about his encounters outside, even documenting them in a journal to keep me company whenever he wasn't around. Those were fun times, indeed. Unfortunately, it's been five years since he died. After a series of investigations, they wrote it o
At World's End Entry 3
I had no idea? A sharp pain tore through my chest, maybe because of the surge in emotions I kept bottled in for so long. "Maybe I have no idea… maybe I'm just a dumb teen harboring crazy ambitions…" "Jerry…" "No!... You are right. But one thing I do know is that I lost my dad when I was thirteen!... There was no warning, no signs… nothing!.. He left me all alone, without finishing the work he dedicated his life to. "All these years I've wondered… how would it be if he were still alive?... I asked myself why he had to die like that?... No matter what I thought, I couldn't get an answer." I felt a stinging pain in my eyes but regardless, I didn't blink. I stared Leila in her eyes while letting everything out. "Jerry, I understand how hard it is to move on but…" "No buts!... I deserve to know why he died!... And even more, I deserve to be the one to complete his work. Do you think he would be happy to see that his work was left unfinished?" Leila seemed to be affected as well as
At World's End Entry 4
"Jerry, I'm scared," Leila weakly revealed. She was like a damsel in distress as she hugged me tightly. "Why?" "You ask me why?... Are you asking that?" It was hard to figure out words in my current state so I stuck with the basics. It was easier that way. "I won't die…" "That's not something you can decide." She met my eyes before adding. "You don't understand the processes that come with the job of an Explorer." "Enlighten me." "The theory isn't what's important, it's what happens after, Jerry. I just… I've already lost a father figure… I don't want to lose my brother too." Darn it!... My heartstrings tugged wildly. It was dark but I could make out the contours of her face, and imagining her crying wasn't a big deal. Her silent sobs brought life to the silent playground and I was forced to act. I whispered while pulling her head closer. "I don't want to lose you too. But would you be happy seeing me spend each waking day with the pain in my heart?" It was a mean quest
At World's End Entry 5
Honestly, I didn't know much about the Tower.I've spent my whole life in it but that doesn't automatically make me a guru about it. I never really thought much of it too, since the outside world was more appealing to me. Sure, there were schools on each floor to educate children on the basic arts and sciences but I never attended. Not like those that went were better than me though… I dare say I would be one of the smartest in my generation, after all, I received tutoring from both dad and Leila. So it wasn't hard to understand those subjects but the problem came down to the Tower structure. Anyway, while staying with dad, everything I had was natural to have so I didn't think much of it. I considered it normal for the rest of the tower… that was until I moved in with Leila. Some might call me a spoilt brat but that's not an insult but the truth. I am a spoilt brat and that's all because of dad. Dad's position allowed him to enjoy the same status as those people in the Twelv
At World's End Entry 6
The elevator made a humming sound as it was turned on. It was made of transparent glass with an octagonal shape, The elevator floors and edges were lined with metals with the roof hooked up to a tough line that connected it to the higher floors. Quite some time had passed since I used one of these. The last time was when I left the 20th floor to move in with Leila.Right now I was in the elevator with Leila, heading for the 50th floor. After Leila helped to boost my confidence… hateful witch!... I felt much better about myself. With such a big supporter by my side, no obstacle could stand in my path to fulfilling my dreams. Don't worry dad, you can rest easy. I will finish what you started. Uhmm, where was I? Oh yeah. The elevator was located at the center of the floor, with enough room to fit thirty people at a go. Connected from the 101st to the 81st floor, it enabled the transport of people and goods between floors. This was the only way to move between floors and one ha
At World's End Entry 7
The time to part had come. I couldn't but sigh because even though I prepared mentally for this moment, it was hard to let go. Spending time with Leila, I realized that even though dad was dead, I still had someone I could call family. She did everything to make me forget but I always kept the memories of dad. But I was grateful. If not for her… there were several nights I couldn't sleep because the memory of five years ago kept coming back. Darn it… my eyes stung a little as I tried to hold back my tears. I turned to face Leila to say goodbye when her slender finger touched my lips. She applied no force but I didn't try to speak. For that brief moment, we met each other's gaze, and the world around us seemed to disappear. "Don't say anything. I'll be waiting for you so do your best and come out on top, okay." She spoke softly but her words resounded deep within my heart. With no words to respond, I merely nodded while smiling sheepishly. Wrapping my arms around her, I dra
At World's End Entry 8
Blood… gore… despair… pure, unrestrained horror. they were displayed before my eyes. People got hacked to pieces, their guts spilling out as their blood dyed the floor red. People were in the air with a spike through their stomachs. A pregnant woman getting stoned to death. A baby's head was crushed with a hammer. At some point, I collapsed to my knees and threw up. It was too much to bear. Were they real?... Had such things happened out there in the real world? Just what sort of barbarism was this? Once again, I threw up. I wasn't the only one reacting adversely to the images as I heard a few thuds, most likely because some had fainted. I tried to turn away but where could I turn to? I looked up but a screen was there as well. Below… same. What the hell was this? What sort of madman would do such a thing to us? I could have sworn I heard someone crying. Was it from the video or amongst the aspirants? Shit… I felt nauseated again. I gripped my stomach as I closed my
At World's End Entry 9
Each year the Academy accepted new entrants, depending on the number of spaces available.Registration normally took place on the 15th day of the first month when the Tower was at its hottest, Eos.From then till the 25th, candidates would show up with hopes of getting accepted in the institution.Each day a different age group was accepted…And today being the 15th, my age group which was 18-20 were the ones being tested.The red haired guy looked 30, especially with his muscular physique and… wait, he already has a beard?So, lucky… Ahem, I digress.I shook my head to get rid of the unnecessary thoughts when the military man suddenly spoke.“Well, well, it seems the maggots accepted this time are much better than last year’s set. Quite impressive. I’ll enjoy breaking you lot.” His tone of speech sounded quite sinister.But what was he talking about?He continued after a quick scan. “I’m sure you are wondering what just happened. Well, in short form, you all just passed the first ac
Latest Chapter
- At World's End
Entry 174
The clash was like no other.After learning about the Headmaster coming for them, Jason and Philip prepared an ambush.The Headmaster was right when he said Philip had absorbed the essence of the Dreamer.Due to that absorption, he had shed his mortal coils and embraced his monstrous side without any fear.The Dreamer was a creature capable of pulling humans into dreams but for Philip it was slightly different.He was able to rewrite the fabric of reality, blurring the lines between the dream world and reality.A terrifying power he used to the best of his ability at this point.Using the tunnels as a backdrop, he created a maze with an elaborate structure and advised Jason to have the Vampires hide in wait for their prey.A brilliant plan, considering they had the upper hand.They would be able to spot the humans from a distance considering they’d be moving with torches but the Vampires managed to blend into the darkness.All that was required now was to wait and all would work out w
- At World's End
Entry 173
It was the first time Vampires became a thing.Once Creatures of folklore told around campfires in the old world, these creatures were tame compared to what was before them at this very moment.A few reasons remained as to why the Otherworldly abomination was called Vampire but two stood out.One was because these monster feasted on blood and the second was that they had insane regenerative abilitiesMore than that, the third and last one was their dislike for light.They thrived in dark place as the mines and even the entire tower was meant to be.It’s quite understandable why the higher ups wouldn’t want the Vampires reaching the heart, now, no?Unlike normal Otherworldly that just don’t like light, the light for Vampires was a lethal weapon that could deal incredible damage in proportion to the intensity of the light.Which meant if they got to the Heart and by some stroke of luck, succeed in destroying it, that would mean the entire tower would be destroyed without a chance to sav
- At World's End
Entry 172
There were many things to consider when it came to leadership.Both for those that sought to be leaders or those that searched for a leader.It was no easy task, rather daunting enough for those that dared to take the post of leader to actually do what they were meant to do.For Heralds, their leadership was absolute as long as it with the squadron they commanded.Before any other position, a Herald was considered first when a Squadron was to move out.The squad members of a particular squadron have the right to listen to their Herald over a captain or commander or even General.This was because the Herald was not just a simple position.One wasn’t just a leader, nay, they were also family.Such sense of camaraderie helped squad members look out for one another but also brought fierce competition as there were hardly squadron’s that listened to the Captain’s, commanders or Generals over their Herald.A position where one held the life or death of so many people.There had never been a
- At World's End
Entry 171
The All-seeing Eye would have never believed it would come across the Void Wanderer again, after all, ever since that day, the Void Wanderer was pronounced dead.It should have died but even in death, it seemed as though it wouldn’t rest until it had done what it wanted which was to cause chaos amongst them.You will never get away with this!... Your kind is already doomed!... Do not waste your time fighting against the inevitable. What you should do is swear your allegiance to the one who watches and accept his reign.[Bold of you to assume that I would waste my time having a conversation with you. Please… enough with the noise.]The All-seeing Eye wanted to say but before it had a chance to, space about it began to constrict, growing tightly about it until it could barely move in any direction.No!... You cannot do this!.... You cannot do this!Unfortunately, Lord had no more words to share with him and a moment later, his body exploded like a watermelon that received the full brunt
- At World's End
Entry 170
The Otherworldly were graded according to a system created by mankind after constant bouts with them.From E, it ascended thusly; E, D, C, B, A, S, SS and lastly Godspawn.Two things were used in the grading process.One was the destructive capabilities of said monster while the second was the utility of their ability.Which meant a flame monster could be lesser than a monster that can’t be seen simply because the monster that can’t be seen won’t be easily beat.For the flame monster, there would surely be ways to counter since it’s seen but the other… the first step would be to see it no?Other criteria was put into consideration as well, like how hard was it to kill one or like how fast were their regenerative capabilities.Of course this applied to most Otherworldly.Yes, most.The SS and Godspawn were different.They were a class that defied natural laws and created conundrums that defied everything humanity had come to understand.The difference between an SS and a Godspawn was t
- At World's End
Entry 169
It was a simple plan with a simple purpose in mind.Reginald, Veronica and Jeremy.These three had abandoned the pain and suffering from that time during the newbie massacre to come together for a singular reason.What was the reason you might ask?... It was purely revenge.Revenge for their fallen comrades that had died unjustly at the hands of scheming bastards that hid within the shadows.The fact that they had found out whom the perpetrators were made it all the more better.At least they wouldn’t move like headless flies.Now they could move with the desire to kill the one that caused them the grievance they were still suffering even as they sat in Jeremy’s room, talking with smiled on their faces.Leah hadn’t been fooled when she saw them smile and laugh so energetically.It was most likely because they didn’t want her to worry.Unfortunately, she no longer had eyes that could be deceived.Leah only listened to the hearts of those she communicated with and currently, as she list
- At World's End
Entry 168
Veronica sighed as she rose from her bed and walked over to the door to open it only to find her father standing outside.“Dad, you?” Veronica said.Her father nodded. “Were you sleeping?”“No… not yet.” Veronica shook her head in response.“I thought as much. Alright, let me come in first.” With that said, he casually entered without giving Veronica much of a choice to refuse or anything of that sort.She watched on as he sat on her bed and made himself comfortable before tapping on the bed.“Come sit.”Veronica pursed her lips before letting out a sigh. “still as intrusive as ever.”Sitting beside her father, she waited for him to talk.He pondered for a bit before he spoke. “how are you feeling?”“Fine.” Veronica replied.Her father glanced at her and after a bit of scrutiny, shook his head. “that’s a lie.”“If you already know, then why ask?”“To know if you are willing to tell yourself the truth.”“…The truth is too painful to accept.”Her father stared at her solemn face and aft
- At World's End
Entry 167
It all happened so suddenly.One moment, the thugs were trying to take down Jeremy and Marcus to take away their belongings and the next moment, they were writhing on the floor like worms that had salt poured in them.As they groaned and gasped for air, Jeremy looked on with an expressionless look on his face.Meanwhile, Marcus was somewhat terrified.Just what power had Jeremy used?He couldn’t even begin to fathom it.But then he wondered. If he had such an ability… wouldn’t Ria still be alive now?Wouldn’t he have been able to save Ria and ensure nothing happens to her?As that thought came, Marcus found himself pondering on it more and more until he could hardly think of anything else.Then he heard Jeremy’s voice. “This not power you should hope for.”His voice snapped Marcus out of his reverie, causing him to realize that he had Ben staring off into nothingness for a bit too long.Then he glanced at Jeremy who was staring intently at him.“how did you do that!” Marcus immediatel
- At World's End
Entry 166
“You heard about the fire?” Jeremy inquired with a raised brow.Reginald nodded. “It was a dangerous affair after all. It’s one of the few times when an entire floor was threatened. If anything had gone wrong, we would have seen casualties in the thousands.”“I agree. And that was just a side effect.”“A side effect, you say?” Reginald raised a brow.Jeremy replied. “Yeah. Apparently, Marcus only had to kill some mafia leader that had his hands on the black market on that floor, engaging in unsavory activities including drugs, prostitution and slavery.”“that… wait, you said the orb is a Vestige?” Reginald asked.Jeremy nodded. “it is.”“so how did he use it?... Aren’t Vestiges objects that only react to variance?... So how did he activate it?”“I have no idea.” Replied Jeremy in all honesty.He was also quite curious to figure out how it happened.It was a known fact that even ordinary Explorers could not use Vestiges because of their lack of variance.But Marcus managed to do so des