The Mysterious World

Chapter 4: The Mysteries Part 3

Paul's POV

Mystery Number 7: Plus One

The daily appearance of new individuals at 1:50 AM. It seemed that these newcomers were dropped into our world without warning, forced to navigate the treacherous landscape with no preparation. The timing of their arrival, just 10 minutes before the 2 AM disappearance of the monsters, was particularly interesting.

The fact that some newcomers were lucky enough to appear in safe zones, like the Plus One I was about to meet, was a blessing. These safe zones, typically skyscrapers owned by clans or inhabited buildings, provided a temporary haven from the monsters that roamed the world. However, those who appeared in less fortunate locations were often met with instant death, vanishing into the darkness without a chance to survive.

The randomness of the appearance' locations added to the uncertainty of life in this world. Would newcomers be greeted by friendly faces, or would they be thrust into the midst of monster-infested streets? The odds were against them, and only a few would manage to survive the initial hours. As I approached the Plus One, I couldn't help but wonder what their fate would be. Would they thrive, or would they succumb to the dangers that lurk in every corner of this world?

Mystery Number 8: The Vanishing

The phenomenon of vanishing was a constant threat that hung over our heads, a reminder of the fragility of existence in this world. There were several ways to vanish, each more ominous than the last.

Getting killed by the monsters was an obvious way to vanish, a consequence of failing to survive in this hostile environment.

Reaching 000,000 on our wrist was another, implying that our count was not just a measure of progress, but also a countdown to oblivion.

Killing someone who wasn't a monster was also a surefire way to vanish, highlighting the importance of preserving human life in this world. Taking one's own life, either intentionally or accidentally, had the same consequence: erasing the individual from existence.

But what was most unsettling was the possibility of vanishing without reason. It seemed that even if we followed the rules, even if we survived and thrived, there was still a chance, however small, that we could be erased from existence without warning. This randomness added to the sense of unease that permeated our lives, a reminder that our fate was never truly in our own hands.

The vanishing phenomenon was a mystery that left us again with more questions than answers. What happened to those who vanished? Was there a world beyond this one, or was it simply a matter of ceasing to exist? The uncertainty surrounding vanishing only added to the fear and tension that defined our lives in this world.

"The plus one appeared here," I told Jason.

"Really?! So lucky! Where?" he said while looking in all directions, trying to find the plus one.

"There, at the corner. Wanna be the spokesperson for tonight?" I pointed my finger in the right direction and chuckled.

"Nah. You go. I'll guard here. I'm good on my own." he sighed, then whispered. "Sorry, brother, I can't share my food. I'm young, so I need more energy."

I walked towards the plus one, and to my surprise. It was a lady. As I leaned the flaming steel closer towards the newly appeared person, I stared at her face, I was stunned for a second. I knew this person!

Mystery Number 9: All Ethnicities

The diversity of people from different countries and ethnicities was a remarkable aspect of this world. Despite being trapped in this desolate place, individuals from various backgrounds seemed to have been brought together, forced to coexist and survive alongside one another.

That one's ethnicity or nationality didn't matter in this world meant that everyone started on an equal footing, with no inherent advantages or disadvantages based on their background.

As a Filipino, I found myself surrounded by people from all walks of life, each with their own unique experiences and perspectives. Jason, my companion, was Swiss, and our differences in culture and upbringing were evident. Yet, in this world, such differences seemed to matter little. We were all united in our struggle to survive, to find meaning in this strange new reality.

The melting pot of cultures in this world was a complex phenomenon, full of opportunities for growth and understanding, but also filled with challenges and conflicts. As we navigated this environment, we were forced to confront our own biases and assumptions and to find common ground with those around us.

Mystery Number 10: Basic English Language

The universal adoption of Basic English as our means of communication was also a mystery to us. Regardless of our native languages, we all seemed to be able to understand and express ourselves in this simplified form of English. It was as if our minds had been rewired to accommodate this new language, allowing us to communicate effectively with one another.

The retention of our original accents, however, added a layer of humor and cultural flavor to our interactions. Our leader, a Japanese man who had once served as a Major General in the army, was a prime example. His strong accent and perfect English made for an amusing contrast, and it was clear that he had adapted to this new reality with a mix of humor and determination.

What was more remarkable about our leader was his story. With over 13 years of experience in this world, he had seen and endured things that most of us could hardly imagine. And yet, he had chosen to stop killing with only 3900+ kills left, afraid of disappearing like others who had reached zero. His fear was real, and it was a sentiment that resonated with many of us.

The fear of disappearing was a constant companion in this world, a reminder that our existence was risky and could be snuffed out at any moment. It was a fear that drove some of us to keep pushing forward, to find ways to survive and thrive, while others were paralyzed by the uncertainty of it all.

In my case, I don't really know what to believe anymore. But I still fight for my life and help kill monsters whenever there's a swarm.

"Selene? Oh my God! Is that really you!? Can you hear me?" I hurriedly approached her.

"I don't know what's going on," she replied. "Who are you and where am I?"

I let out a sigh as she started to pass out.

"Selene, wake up! Can you hear me? You're... you're going to be OK! Please, hold on!" I said while trying to lift her in my arms.

Jason fires his g*n in the hallway as the monsters are now here on the 5th floor. Luckily, the elevator arrived on this floor, so we quickly ran towards it, to the 80th floor.

It is our medical bay. That is where we bring Plus Ones for them to be checked up.