pertwk Chapter 80: The Change of Dark Clouds!
Chapter 80: The Change of Dark Clouds!
Black Cloud Island, an island perpetually shrouded in gloomy sea fog and continuous drizzle, is currently undergoing an unprecedented upheaval.
What was originally just the usual gloomy sky seemed to be completely stirred up by an invisible giant hand. Lead-gray clouds gathered and swirled at an unprecedented speed, forming a heart-palpitating low-hanging vortex of clouds, with the dark clouds seemingly pressing directly onto the sea.
In the clouds, pale lightning flashed intermittently, but strangely, no thunder rumbled; only an oppressive, deathly silence prevailed.
Immediately following was a howling wind, no longer the usual gentle breeze carrying salty, watery vapor, but a hurricane powerful enough to overturn a person. It formed without warning from the depths of the sea, carrying icy, bone-chilling water vapor, and crashed violently against the rugged coastline of Black Cloud Island.
The jagged rocks on the shore seemed to groan in the gale, and at the edge of the dense black forest, the twisted trees were blown about, some even uprooted.
The wind fueled the waves, making them exceptionally violent. The once calm sea was now churning up giant waves several meters high. The inky black water seemed to boil, crashing wildly against the shore with a deafening roar.
The torrential rain poured down, and the large raindrops were whipped by the gale into flying rain whips, lashing against rocks, trees and any exposed objects, making a dense and terrifying crackling sound.
Visibility dropped sharply, and the whole world seemed to be shrouded in a noisy curtain of water.
At a makeshift Union watch post along the coastline, an agent in a raincoat struggles to secure observation equipment that is being blown about by the wind.
Suddenly, an even stronger gust of wind swept in, instantly snatching his hat away, and he disappeared into the raging rain like a kite with a broken string.
But he couldn't care less about picking it up at that moment. He gripped the fixed object beside him tightly, his face pale, his brows furrowed, and his eyes filled with horror as he looked at the raging ocean that seemed to be devouring everything.
His years of field research experience told him that this was definitely not a naturally formed storm.
"Something's wrong! The waves are not right! Everyone! Evacuate the coastline immediately! Repeat, everyone evacuate immediately!" He shouted hoarsely into the communicator, his voice weak and urgent amidst the wind and waves.
"The wind and waves are rapidly intensifying! There may be a tsunami risk! Quick! Retreat to the temporary camp in the forest! Hurry!!"
Almost at the same time, deep in the dark forest.
Seven or eight Alliance senior agents, dressed in advanced protective suits, were carefully retrieving a device left behind by the "Church of Descent" from a secluded location with obvious signs of human intervention.
Their movements were professional and swift, but their solemn expressions revealed their extreme vigilance towards these cult relics.
Just then, one of them suddenly looked up, peering through the gaps in the dense forest at the gloomy sky. "The weather...why has it suddenly deteriorated so drastically?"
He murmured, a sense of unease rising within him.
The weather on Black Cloud Island is known for its unpredictable nature, but such a rapid and violent change is truly rare.
Just then, their specially encrypted communicator suddenly emitted a piercing electrical noise.
Immediately afterwards, the voice of the coastline sentinel detective, filled with terror and intermittent, as if subjected to strong electromagnetic interference, came from inside.
[Zzzzz—Report! The climate—Zzzzz—is being—affected by—unknown factors! Repeat, the climate—Zzzzz—is being—affected by—unknown—Zzzzz—factors!]
The sound was distorted and muffled, clearly indicating that the communication was being interfered with by an extremely strong magnetic field or energy.
The senior agents' expressions changed drastically, and they immediately tried to reply and inquire about the situation.
However, the person on the other end of the communicator seemed not to hear them at all and exclaimed in surprise.
[There's something in the sea! There's something in the sea!! + Sizzle!!]
The voice was filled with indescribable horror, as if it had witnessed a terrifying scene beyond comprehension.
Finally, there was a short, extremely shrill scream!
【Aaaaaah—!!!】
Communication abruptly stopped.
All that remained were the eerie electromagnetic sounds and the increasingly violent roar of the wind and rain.
The senior agents deep in the forest exchanged glances, each seeing a deep shock and a sense of foreboding in the other's eyes.
Something's happened on the coastline, and it's not just a matter of bad weather!
"You two come with me outside and take a look."
The senior agent in charge made a decision immediately and turned to the others.
"The rest of you, stay put and contact the White King and the Lord of the Inn, immediately!"
After saying that, he led two agents into the torrential rain and disappeared completely into the rain a few seconds later. The remaining men looked terribly pale, but they did not complain and immediately carried out the order.
In stark contrast to the apocalyptic chaos of Black Cloud Island.
In Hongcheng, a thousand miles away, the official player apartment designated by the Beginner League is brightly lit and filled with laughter and joy.
The grand league has officially come to an end, but the celebration party for the young trainers has only just begun.
The alliance generously provided the venue, food, and drinks, creating a platform for these young men and women who had been fighting hard for several days to relax and socialize.
The apartment’s largest common lounge area was temporarily transformed into a party venue.
Brilliant colored lights spun and flashed, rhythmic pop music roared through high-quality speakers, and the air was filled with the aroma of barbecue, fried chicken, fruit and desserts, as well as the smell of various beverages mixed with a faint alcoholic scent.
Almost all the contestants who had not yet left Hongcheng gathered here.
They shed the tension and seriousness of the competition, changed into casual clothes, and swayed to the music in the center of the dance floor, laughing, clinking glasses, and celebrating their shared experience. Regardless of victory or defeat, being on this stage was an honor in itself.
Some people were discussing the exciting matches, some were exchanging contact information, and others were trying to invite their favorite dance partners. The atmosphere was warm and friendly, full of youthful energy and the relaxed feeling of post-match relaxation.
Luo Yan, the champion of this league, was naturally one of the focal points of the party. Players kept coming over to congratulate him, clink glasses, or simply look at him curiously.
Luo Yan responded politely, but did not immerse himself in the noisy dance floor. He held a refreshingly colored cocktail and sat on a relatively quiet sofa in the corner.
Sitting next to him was Hou Haiyue, a woman with a cool and aloof demeanor who rarely appeared in such a noisy setting. She was sipping a glass of sparkling fruit wine that Luo Yan had poured for her.
She frowned slightly, seemingly still a little uncomfortable with the loud volume, but looking at the lively scene before her and the happy faces around her, her tense lips softened a bit.
Taking a break now and then to experience a different atmosphere is a novel experience for her.
Shen Yanqiu was also sitting on the sofa, chatting happily with Hou Haiyue. The two seemed to have found some kind of common ground, talking about everything from the details of Pokémon breeding to their preferences for battle tactics, and from their school life to their future plans. They occasionally let out soft laughter, as if they had met too late in life.
Luo Yan was happy to have some peace and quiet. She would occasionally join in their chatter and have a few drinks with them, while quietly observing the crowd at the party.
While the joy of winning the championship was present, what made him even happier was that his guess was correct. From the moment he won the championship, he felt a significant change in the Star Compass, and the magic that the Wishing Star brought him seemed to have increased considerably.
This means that the moment he became a [New Trainer], he truly advanced to the rank of [Apprentice Magician]!
He can also use the Magic Fruit to raise his Pokémon to level 40!
Wine glasses clinked lightly, and smiles mingled.
The night in Hongcheng was especially beautiful amidst the celebrations of the young trainers.
Luo Yan took a sip of her drink, her gaze sweeping over the city lights outside the window, a sense of peace settling over her.
But just as he relaxed, his expression suddenly changed.
A clear, indescribable fluctuation emanated from the magical connection within his body. Luo Yan didn't know what was happening, but he did know that the source of his magical power, which he had deployed on Black Cloud Island...
It is currently experiencing a tremendous impact!
...