Apocalypse Gachapon

Snap!

The whip spun in the air before landing heavily among the crowd.

These ragged people could only grit their teeth and endure, not daring to move.

Because they knew—if they dodged, countless more lashes would follow!

More than ten strikes could kill a man.

True, they were evolved; the weakest were one-star, while some even reached four-star. But it was useless. Those wielding the whips were five- and six-star experts. Though the whips were ordinary, in their hands, they carried terrifying force. If swung with full strength, the whip would snap—and so would the body.

Before them stood a massive, crude machine, roaring loudly and spewing black smoke.

On either side of the machine were gaping openings like mouths. On one side, the whipped people fed in various plants. On the other, others poured in a thick, black substance.

At the front of the machine, a row of thin pipes trickled clear water, collected in barrels below.

In West Asia, water had always been precious. In peacetime, wealth was measured not just by estates, luxury cars, and racehorses, but also by the greenery in one’s mansion—luxuries requiring vast amounts of water, costing millions yearly.

After the apocalypse, though evolved individuals gained superhuman abilities, basic needs like food, water, and sleep remained.

West Asia had little fertile land and scarce water. Post-apocalypse, some areas vanished or were claimed by mutated lifeforms, straining already scarce resources. While competing against non-humans, West Asians also faced fiercer internal strife.

The Enos Oasis became a focal point of conflict. In the first three years of the apocalypse, bloodshed was constant—until the Holy City seized it.

Now stabilized, the oasis served as the Holy City’s resource base, its prime product being water. Whether natural or “artificial” (condensed from plants by machines), the water here contained essential trace elements.

In the Chinese region, Cloud Peak’s pills were bestsellers. In West Asia, this water guaranteed health.

The Holy City prioritized the Enos Oasis, stationing a strong defense—a 3,000-strong force averaging five-star evolution levels. Another 500 of the same rank handled other tasks, chiefly water production. The whip-wielders were part of this group, also managing transport and logistics.

If trouble arose, Holy City reinforcements would arrive within half an hour.

Today, the overseers were furious—supplies hadn’t come for two days.

Thanks to the Holy City’s “generous welfare,” its 3,500 evolved here enjoyed excellent treatment. Water was abundant, and food—high-quality, often including luxuries like alcohol and cigarettes—was provided by the Holy City, since hunting wasn’t needed.

With the supply team delayed, they’d gone two days without fresh food, let alone alcohol or smokes.

“Tell Rashid on the other side to whip those plant-growth support job users! Our ‘material’ is running low. If no new plants arrive soon, production will halt. If the City Lord finds out, he’ll be the one lashed. Mercy to slaves is cruelty to ourselves!”

A burly man, bare-chested with a thick beard covering most of his face, roared at his subordinates.

The Enos Oasis was large, housing seven of these water-producing machines—requiring plants and oil as raw materials—crafted by a production-type professional.

As a seven-star evolved, one of the oasis’s two highest-ranked overseers, his irritation was understandable. But—why was the ground shaking? Were sand monsters attacking?

“Mayouf, go see what’s happening!”

He bellowed, tossing aside his whip for a green-grade one.

Though agitated, he never neglected his duty.

At the door, he doused himself with a bucket of water, the coolness calming him slightly. But the tremors persisted. Deciding not to wait, he went after Mayouf.

Seconds later, he saw his subordinate sprinting back in panic.

“E-enemies!”

He froze. Who’d dare attack the Holy City in West Asia? Remnant followers of Gyanendra?

“What enemies? Explain!”

Grabbing Mayouf’s collar, he yelled.

“E-Easterners!”

“Rooaar!”

Mayouf’s reply overlapped with a monstrous roar. Looking up, he saw a flash of fiery red—then nothing.

The oasis erupted in flames and explosions.

A minute later, the force causing the tremors obliterated the Enos Oasis.

Against Cloud Peak’s army, they stood no chance.

By the time Ye Zhongming stood amid the oasis, inspecting the machines, the battlefield had been cleared.

“Zhongming, you won’t believe what the Holy City left us.”

Guangyao approached, grinning.

“Oh? What?” Ye Zhongming, having deciphered the machines’ mechanics, claimed them as spoils.

“Thirty-seven production-type jobs—all willing to join us.” Guangyao shook his head. “I don’t get it. These guys, treasures in China, lived like slaves here. What were these West Asians thinking?”

“Also, nearly 10,000 slaves—mostly low-level, but most volunteered to join, even offering to lead the first attack. How much did the Holy City oppress them to earn such hatred?”

Liang Chuyin chuckled. “Probably their ingrained caste and class systems.”

Guangyao shrugged in agreement.

“Boss!”

Ayang ran over. “The Floating Ball’s feed shows a 200-strong mutated camel squad spotted our attack and fled toward the Holy City. Intel suggests it’s their famous Flying Camel Royal Guard. Should we chase? Yangos could intercept them!”

Ye Zhongming shook his head.

“No need. Let them know. A taste of impending death is… fitting.”

He turned to his troops. “Rest for ten minutes. Then we advance. Notify all squads: We’ll meet at the Holy City’s walls.”

……………………………………

Holy City

The City Lord smashed everything in sight—not from fear, but rage.

How had those damned Easterners crossed apocalyptic wastelands to reach his domain? The teleportation array was destroyed! How had they silently cleared the surroundings and neared the Holy City?

Who gave them the audacity?!

“Order all defenses activated. All troops on highest alert. Full martial law. Issue the Holy War Decree: All resources confiscated by the royals. Every evolved in the city must comply. Execute resisters.”

His face twisted with fury as he declared war.

“And inform Saint Light Hall—their loyalty is due. Bring the Saintess here. Send Zhengxi and Duoyan to battle.”

A cold smile curled his lips as he locked eyes with a subordinate.

“Sayid, handle this personally. Take that item. If Saint Light Hall disobeys…”

“Then let them all die!”