"Hey, Grace, where are you? I'm already in front of your apartment."
"I'm on my way. I'm already inside the elevator. Just wait!"
Two minutes passed.
*Knock, knock.*
"I'm here, open the door, open the door!" Grace knocked on the door while glancing at Natalie, who was busy chatting.
"Ohh, you're already here," Natalie said while telling her driver to unlock the door. After unlocking it, Grace opened the door and sat next to Natalie.
"So, why shopping?" Grace asked.
"Why not? I just want to relax and forget about overthinking things. And what about you? I thought you were on vacation; after all, we're on a break."
"Nah, it's not fun if I'm alone. My family is busy doing guild-related things. Now that I think about it, why don't the two of us go to the island beach that my mom bought recently?"
"That's a good idea. First, we can now use our swimsuits that we're going to buy."
Fifteen minutes had passed, and they finally arrived at the Mall in District 2 capital.
"Ahhh," Grace stretched after getting out of the car.
"Let's go. Did you bring a disguise?" Natalie asked.
"Of course, I only have a cap. And you?"
"You should bring a hoodie and glasses."
"It's almost summer, so it's hot. I only need a cap. After all, if I hide my silver hair, they won't recognize me."
"Whatever, let's just go."
Nestled in the heart of the bustling city, the big modern mall stood as a testament to contemporary architecture and consumerism. Its towering glass façade reflected the vibrant energy of the metropolis, drawing in shoppers from all walks of life. Inside, a labyrinth of corridors led visitors through a wonderland of retail therapy. From high-end fashion boutiques to quirky specialty stores, the mall offered something for everyone. The scent of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the aroma of gourmet cuisine wafting from upscale restaurants and trendy food courts. LED screens displayed the latest promotions and events, while escalators whisked shoppers effortlessly between floors. With its spacious atriums, sleek interior design, and endless array of amenities, the big modern mall was more than just a shopping destination—it was a cultural hub where urbanites converged to see and be seen.
"We should eat first, and then we can buy the things we'll need for our vacation," Natalie suggested.
"I know a great restaurant my auntie recommended," Grace said with a hint of excitement.
"Sure, lead the way," Natalie said, gesturing.
***
In the same establishment, a white-haired with purple eye guy inside a coffee shop waited for someone.
"Where are you, Jaymar?" James asked.
"It's traffic here. Maybe I'll be arriving in 30 minutes," Crius replied.
"Same here, so just wait a little bit," James responded.
"Traffic? The hell, in this age there's still a traffic problem," Jaymar muttered.
After waking up, I received Jaymar's message about James, saying that we should meet each other again. We decided on the spot, and now here we are, looking at each other.
"So, Crius, and I the only one not talking to each other for so long, huh?" James said.
"Yeah, so now we can enjoy ourselves again. Remember the time back in high school when we used to come up with crazy schemes to skip class?" Jaymar said, smiling and reminiscing about the past.
"Yeah, like the time we convinced the whole class to pretend to be zombies during the fire drill. We scared the teachers half to death!" James added, laughing.
"And what about the time we hacked into the school's intercom system and played 'Never Gonna Give You Up' on repeat for the whole school to hear?" Crius chimed in, joining the laughter.
After reminiscing about their high school days, Crius suggested something about the being out of their company.
"We just received a lot of money, right, Jaymar?" Crius asked.
"Yeah, someone always wants to sell something on the black market. Crius is the one who delivers the item after we sell it. If we take a % of it, easy money."
"So, that's the reason, huh? Last time you messaged me saying the app you developed is a failure, right? Like its creator," James said, smirking.
"Oi, don't say something about my baby," Jaymar retorted.
"Yeah, we're getting off topic here. The company I want is about artifact and weapon development. I'm planning to build a guild after I graduate from the academy. I want you two guys working for me. What do you think?" Crius said, looking at them seriously.
"Deal. I just got fired from the company I was working for just because I didn't meet the deadline," James said.
"Same here. It's not like I have one I can join anytime," Jaymar said.
"It's a deal then. You can order everything you want. It's on me, just for now."
After that, Jaymar and James smiled. Thirty minutes passed, eating and having fun. I never thought I would experience this again. After that, Jaymar and James had already gone home. I was about to exit the mall, but I felt a strong wave of mana. It felt like a dungeon was going to open inside the mall. I should report it quickly.
I run towards the security announcement
"Ms. You should announce an Evacuation warning there's a dungeon going to appear inside the mall right now!"
"What are you saying? There's no security guard informing me yet," the woman said with a hint of distrust to a black-haired guy.
"Just check your mana density measurements. If you don't do it now, many people will die," I said with panic and anger.
"Ok, ok, and don't scream," the woman said sarcastically. She took the mana measurements after activating the measurements. Her eyes widened as she turned on the mic in a panic.
**Emergency Alert**
Attention all shoppers and staff:
An emergency situation has arisen within the mall premises. For your safety, we urge everyone to evacuate immediately. Please proceed to the nearest exit in an orderly manner and follow the instructions of mall personnel. Leave all belongings behind and prioritize your safety. Your cooperation is essential for a swift and safe evacuation. Thank you for your attention and cooperation.
The woman announced while breathing heavily.
"It's already too late," I said while running towards the dungeon spawning location.
***
**Emergency Alert**
Attention all shoppers and staff:
An emergency situation has arisen within the mall premises. For your safety, we urge everyone to evacuate immediately. Please proceed to the nearest exit in an orderly manner and follow the instructions of mall personnel. Leave all belongings behind and prioritize your safety. Your cooperation is essential for a swift and safe evacuation. Thank you for your attention and cooperation.
"Do you feel it, Grace?"
"Yeah, we should help evacuate other people." While Grace and Natalie were helping people evacuate, a large portal opened 20 meters away from them. After that, a large flying dinosaur came out of the gate.
Creeeeuuiiiiiiichhhhhhkkk!
The monster screamed, causing panic among everyone who heard it.
"Grace, you should help them. Only 15 people left. you should help them. I'll buy some time," Natalie said urgently.
"But how can you fight that thing?" Grace asked, her expression filled with worry.
"It's a flying monster, and a bow is my specialty. I can handle it, at least for 10 minutes. So please, warn the others on your way. Now, go!" Natalie said, summoning her bow and aiming at the monster.
As Grace rushed to help evacuate the remaining people, Natalie focused on the flying dinosaur. With swift and precise movements, she launched arrows at the creature, aiming for its vulnerable spots. The monster let out ear-splitting cries as it swooped and lunged towards her, but Natalie's skillful dodges and calculated shots kept it at bay.
Meanwhile, Grace guided the last few shoppers to safety, urging them to move quickly and stay calm. Despite the chaos and fear gripping the mall, she remained composed and resolute, ensuring that everyone reached the exits safely.
With each passing minute, Natalie's strength began to wane, but she refused to relent. She knew that every moment bought by her efforts was crucial for the evacuation process. As the monster's attacks grew more frenzied, she summoned every ounce of her skill and determination to hold it off.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, A black hair guy appear