Right past the imposing Main Gate lies Hall Square, the bustling heart of the Fortress of the Divine Light. It smartly avoids blockages, ensuring smooth entry and exit for all visitors. Beyond its practical role, Hall Square serves as a vibrant showcase of the shelter's grandeur and dimensions.
The central market square hums with the pulse of everyday life. Stalls selling food, drink, clothes, and every imaginable tool for daily upkeep cater to both residents and adventurers alike. For those seeking to hone their combat skills, dedicated shops offer an array of weapons and armor, even extending to specialized Exoskeleton gear and replacement parts.
Stepping past the bustling Hall Square, the sanctuary revealed itself as a sprawling expanse of stone-paved avenues, a stark contrast to the modern asphalt and concrete of the old world. Two- and three-story dwellings, intricately interconnected, lined the broad pathways, forming a labyrinthine tapestry of homes. The complex design wasn't a mere aesthetic indulgence; it was a practical solution born from the need to accommodate 35 million inhabitants within the sanctuary's walls.
To tame the potential mayhem of such a densely populated space, the architects implemented an ingenious system of fifteen distinct districts. The organization not only eased navigation for those on foot but also facilitated the free movement of the ubiquitous hover vehicles. Despite its deceptively modest exterior, the sanctuary's interior unfolded like a hidden city, dwarfing its external presence and pulsating with the vibrant hum of life.
The architectural style within the sanctuary, though unique in its scale and complexity, echoed the core design principles of the other three sanctuaries. The shared aesthetic thread served as a powerful symbol of unity, binding those monumental refuges together in a shared identity.
Zephyr found a strange comfort in the absence of his initial relief. Familiarity was good, but it was survival that mattered now. Until the Protoss, the puppet masters behind this chaos made their move.
He scanned the crowd from a hidden corner. No one seemed out of place, fazed by the grand interior, the bustling NPCs, or the advanced tech of Hall Square. "Maybe they're too glued to their useless smartphones," he muttered, dismissing their apparent nonchalance. His gaze swept the square, silently counting heads.
With a sigh and aching shoulders, he turned and headed towards the residential district. He stopped before a building that stood apart from the rest. Unlike the typical houses, it was large, imposing, and adorned with rows of four tall pillars, reminiscent of ancient government buildings.
Five imposing figures stood before the building, drawing Zephyr's eye. A smile tugged at his lips - while not acquaintances, he recognized them from his past life. Those were some of the most renowned Legions, human warriors clad in Exoskeleton armor, who had spearheaded the fight against the monstrous creatures of the Apex World, known as Sentinels, Titans, Leviathans, Behemoths, and Chimeras.
He caught a glimpse of Kim Da-Mi, one of the best Legions and a member of the Frontliners with the rank of commander in one of the vanguard units, who was renowned for her bravery and leadership. Alongside her stood Parc Jae-Jung, a powerhouse Legion known for his raw strength, despite lacking formal rank in the vanguard units, yet holding significant influence as an executive within the Frontliners organization.
Next up was Kyoya Yamato, one of the Frontliners' executives and a ruthless Legion serving as commander of one of the vanguard units. His cold pragmatism and willingness to sacrifice for victory made his presence both reassuring and unsettling.
Wei Zexian, a skilled Legion known for his unpredictable ferocity, added a wild card to the Frontliners and vanguard units. Rounding it out was Meng Fen, a sharpshooting Legion and Frontliners executive. Her deadly aim from afar had saved countless lives in the vanguard units.
Nonetheless, Zephyr knew the establishment of the Frontliners, the elite force against the Apex World's monstrous threats, wouldn't materialize for some time. Those five warriors, despite their renown in his past life, were currently just gamers with knowledge of the coming dangers. Yet, their presence there held a deeper meaning.
Stepping forward, he climbed the imposing stairs of the building. Two guards flanked the entrance. Their Exoskeletons gleamed black and silver under the night lights. This was the Legion Union, a central hub for those aspiring to become Legions and take on lucrative quests. It operated similarly to Guild Halls in other MMORPGs. It also served as a bustling marketplace for basic Exoskeleton armor, serums, and vaccines.
The five figures eyed Zephyr silently as he approached, their gazes assessing but non-threatening. He flashed a small smile and spoke, his voice clear and confident, "I want to take the daily quota of vaccines and serum."
The two NPCs in Exoskeleton armor replied in unity, "Permission granted." And the doors slid open.
So long the ones said the purpose of the arrival, the guards would let the person in, even if what they said was not the main reason.
But why didn't those five enter if such an easy thing was all that was needed?
Apexian language.
Those five people were not fluent at all. They only knew one or two words. But unable to make a single sentence.
Zephyr's words triggered a flicker of surprise in their eyes, most notably Kim Da-Mi and Kyoya Yamato. The subtle shift in their expressions confirmed – Zephyr's command of Apexian exceeded their grasp of scattered words.
Stepping into the Legion Union, Zephyr cast a quick peek at the five figures lingering outside. He knew their rudimentary Apexian wouldn't suffice for entry, but they'd likely pool their limited vocabulary, piecing together sentences within days to obtain their shares. Fluency was, after all, a hallmark of early Legion recruits.
For now, he focused on his own needs. Guided by Margaretha, a female NPC with vibrant sky blue hair, he retrieved the daily allotments: a thin glass vial of AR Vaccine, crucial for adapting to Apex World's harsh environment, and an AP-X Serum, type 1, to boost his physical capabilities.
Margaretha informed him, "Since daily allocations are claimed, further doses require purchase. See the counter and price list for details."
======================
[ Legion Union ]
1. AR Vaccine (Immunity Enhancement). Cost: 100 Shards.
2. AP-X Serum Type 1 (Physical Enhancement). Cost: 1000 Shards.
======================
The meager cost was a steal for his current destitute state. Earning money through sub-quests wouldn't be possible with his frail body. He downed the blue AR Vaccine, the icy liquid spreading warmth as his immunity adapted. A sigh of relief eased into his lungs.
However, hesitation gnawed at him before the green vial of AP-X Serum. Clenching his jaw, he injected it into his right thigh. The effect was immediate and brutal. His body seized, veins erupting across his skin, sweat drenching him. He crumpled to the floor, a guttural groan escaping his lips despite trying to suppress it.
Around him, Legion Union NPCs watched with vacant, cheerful smiles. Their unwavering expressions underscored their nature - intricate programs mimicking empathy, incapable of true concern.
The sounds of Zephyr's struggle drifted out, piquing the curiosity of the five figures still huddled outside. His agony was their only clue to the chaos unfolding within.
Meanwhile, outside, Da-Mi's brow furrowed, concern creeping into her voice. "What's going on in there?"
Jae-Jung shook his head, equally puzzled. "I'm completely blind, too. Should be safe…" His voice trailed off, uncertainty lingering.
The Koreans exchanged worried glances, speculating on the unseen chaos within.
Yamato, ever pragmatic, clicked his tongue. Ignorance gnawed at him. In all his hours playing Apex Online, he'd never encountered anything like that – screams of agony echoing from the supposed haven of the Legion Union.
On the other hand, Wei Zexian and Meng Fen remained largely silent. The groans served as mere sounds, not sparking deep analysis. Their immediate focus: piecing together fragmented Apexian, fueled by Zephyr's earlier words.
Suddenly, the howls ceased. An expectant hush fell over the group.
Then, the doors swung open. Zephyr emerged, transformed. Gone was the man covered in wounds like a weak beggar, replaced by a figure exuding newfound strength. Blood-stained torn clothing clung to his body, a stark contrast to the original Exoskeleton bracelet that now adorned his arm – the Ex-Communicator, the symbol of the Legion.
Shock rippled through the five newbies. The sequence of events – Zephyr's entry, the agonizing cries, and now this unexpected emergence – defied their understanding. It was a puzzle with missing pieces, leaving them to grapple with a question hanging heavy in the air: how fluent in Apexian Zephyr's language was he to be able to become a Legion in less than three days after the Apex World swallowed the Earth?