Chapter 2 - Culling Wave

Regressed once again, Sehuan found himself staring at the all-too-familiar surroundings. The clock had turned back, depositing him in this hellish nightmare moments before the game began.

His hands trembled as he fumbled through his pockets. A jolt of panic coursed through him as he pulled out his phone. October 29, 2050. 2:45 PM. Five minutes before the culling wave.

He made a choice. One last text to his parents—words of love that might never reach them. He had no way of knowing if they were alive or dead; the Gods had trapped everyone inside this massive prison, sealing every exit, thwarting any attempt to escape.

"Run to another building and they just toss you back here. It's useless," he muttered to himself, resigning to his fate.

2:50 PM. The rally's end marked the beginning of chaos. The ground beneath them convulsed violently, sending students and teachers alike sprawling, a chorus of screams filling the air. When the tremors finally ceased, Sehuan staggered outside the gymnasium, only to confirm his fears—the doors were sealed, impenetrable.

"As expected," he murmured. Returning inside, he witnessed a sea of terrified faces. His phone offered no solace—no Wi-Fi, no signal. Cut off. Isolated.

The gym's clamor quieted as a chilling voice echoed from its center. "Good afternoon, humans!" The words dripped with malice. A grotesque demon materialized, its grin unnaturally wide, sending a wave of dread through the crowd. Panic erupted anew, with half the group bolting for the exits while the rest recoiled in horror.

The demon's smile vanished, replaced by a snarl of impatience. "Shut the fuck up, you pigs!" Its roar silenced the room instantly.

"Alright, listen up! I need five volunteers to step forward," the creature demanded. Silence fell heavy. No one dared move.

Sehuan's mind raced. 'If no one steps up, he'll pick at random. These waves… they're not impossible, and the rewards…' He exhaled sharply. Rising from his seat, he moved towards the center, feeling the weight of every gaze upon him.

The demon's surprise was evident. "Well, this is new. A willing participant? Fine, four more! Come on!"

Two agonizing minutes ticked by before the demon snapped its fingers, summoning four others to the center. 'Focus on yourself. Shut your heart, your eyes, your ears. Trust no one.'

The five were whisked away. "The rest of you are lucky today. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show. Your turn will come soon enough." A massive screen appeared, broadcasting the imminent carnage.

Sehuan blinked, finding himself in an open field.

The game's cruel directive hung in the sky:

Kill all Goblins: 0 / 10

A horn blast shattered the silence. Goblins, shrieking, charged towards them. The other participants bolted in the opposite direction, but an invisible wall halted their escape. The spectators watched, horrified yet unable to turn away.

"They're going to die."

"There's no way out."

"It's over for them."

"Wait, what's he doing?!"

Sehuan sprinted straight for the goblins, catching everyone by surprise.

"Is he insane?"

"He's done for."

But the goblins were caught off guard. Sehuan launched himself, landing a devastating kick to a goblin's chest, sending it flying into another. Three goblins lunged at him, while the rest pursued the fleeing participants. 'Focus. Deal with what's in front of you.'

Two goblins flanked him, but Sehuan scooped up a handful of dirt and rocks, flinging them into their eyes. Blinded and staggering, they left him an opening to crush the skull of the downed goblin beneath him.

He rolled aside just in time to dodge another strike, rising to face his final opponent. With clenched fists, he adopted a boxing stance, inching closer, anticipating each attack. His footwork faltered but found a rhythm. He danced around the goblin, evading its every move until it began to tire. Then, with a brutal right hook, he shattered its skull.

One goblin remained, blinded and helpless. Sehuan rushed forward, delivering a swift uppercut to its stomach, forcing it to the ground. Straddling its back, he pummeled it with both fists until it stopped moving.

He paused, panting, checking the sky.

Kill all Goblins: 6 / 10.

Turning to the others, he saw them hurling stones at the goblins.

'They actually managed to take down two.'

Sensing a chance, Sehuan seized another goblin, practicing his chokehold until it went limp.

Kill all Goblins: 7 / 10.

Another fell from a vicious kick to the head.

Kill all Goblins: 8 / 10.

The next crumpled after a swift kick between its legs.

Kill all Goblins: 9 / 10.

The last goblin, pinned and struggling, was dispatched as Sehuan snapped its spine beneath his foot after pulling its arms backward with such force that the Goblin bent backward.

Kill all Goblins: 10 / 10.

Congrats, you've met the wave's conditions.

Choose your reward.

[?][?][?]