Top Notch War God

Chapter 80

Talon moved as fast as lightning, rushing to the entrance of the mall before anyone even realized what was happening. The mall had turned into a hellscape, with countless survivors frantically fleeing outside.

Talon saw that almost all the windows on the second floor had shattered, and the air was filled with the smell of gas. The place where they had just eaten used gas for grilling, and it was evident that one of the gas canisters had exploded due to heat, triggering a chain reaction of gas explosions.

Talon halted in his tracks. Although he was worried about Ariya, he couldn't abandon Maisy, who was in his arms.

Gritting his teeth, he pulled out his phone and dialed Mr. Hopkins's number, speaking sharply, "There's been a major explosion and fire at Apex Department Store on South Road. Relay this to the nearest fire brigade immediately! Also, there will surely be casualties; order the nearest medical team to rush over for rescue. They must hurry!"

Talon almost roared the last four words, and Abel didn't dare hesitate for even a second. He quickly connected the fire and medical teams. In less than a minute, the fire alarm from the brigade went off, and they sped toward the scene.

"Mommy, Mommy, I'm not just saying that; please hurry back, Mommy!" Only at this moment did Maisy react, extending her arms as if to hug nothing. But where was Ariya?

Just then, a police officer patrolling nearby got out of the car and began directing the crowd. "Quickly, everyone, stay calm and leave in an orderly manner! If anyone is injured, stand aside; our medical team will be here soon, hurry!"

"Maisy, stay here with this uncle for a moment. I'll go rescue Mommy!" Talon looked down at Maisy, his voice heavy with concern.

"Okay, Daddy, you have to take Mom out!" Maisy said, nodding seriously with hopeful eyes.

Talon held Maisy and turned to the police, saying, "Can you watch my child for a moment? I need to go save someone!"

Without waiting for a response, Talon set Maisy down and rushed into the mall.

"Hey, leave the rescuing to the professionals! You don't know what's happening in there; it's too dangerous... Hey, comrade!" The police were alarmed, but no matter how loudly they called out, Talon had already dashed inside the mall like a whirlwind and vanished in an instant.

Once he got inside, Talon forced himself to stay calm.

Ariya mentioned going to Rikuro's to get a cake. Given the time, she should have just arrived at the shop, which was pretty far from the barbecue place.

This meant Ariya probably hadn't been hurt. Without hesitating, Talon headed toward the cake shop. Thick smoke was billowing inside and outside the mall, and with the power out, he couldn't see anything; he had to feel his way forward from memory.

Talon's guess was right. When the explosion happened, Ariya had just walked into the shop. She pulled out Rikuro's discount coupon, and the clerk was welcoming her inside. Then everything started spinning, and Ariya thought it was an earthquake, so she quickly hid under a table.

Just as she settled in, a series of explosions caused the table to collapse. Ariya felt a sharp pain in her leg and then passed out. But she didn't stay unconscious for long; when she woke up, the shop was already empty.

Ariya tried to move a little, but it was useless; she couldn't shift the heavy marble slab pinning her down. The thick smoke was rolling in, nearly suffocating her. She glanced toward the door, her eyes filled with despair. What would Talon and Maisy feel if they knew she was dying here?

Ariya's mind grew heavier. She whispered, "Maisy, Maisy... I'm sorry. I have to go first. I shouldn't have yelled at you or been mean, or stopped you from getting toys. But I really love you... You need to listen to Daddy, study hard, and don't end up like me."

She added, "Be someone who contributes to society; that's my last wish. Talon, you'll take care of her; you must look after her. Today, I'm leaving Maisy in your hands. It's funny; I used to think you wouldn't do a good job."

She continued, "Actually, I always wanted to tell you: I don't blame you, not even five years ago, even after you left without saying a word. I never blamed you. Especially after you came back, I blamed you even less. I just regret that we have so little time together in this life. If there's a next life, I want to marry you again!"

Ariya wore a relieved smile as she slowly closed her eyes.

After saying all this, she felt like dying wouldn't be so bad. Talon, we'll meet again in the next life. Just as she was about to lose consciousness, she felt a sudden release. Struggling to open her eyes, she saw a figure, covered in soot, with seemingly limitless strength, lifting the marble table off her.

"Talon, is that you? Have I reached the afterlife?" Ariya mumbled, still dazed.

"What afterlife? I'm not letting you go! I'll see which King Yama dares to take you!" Talon finally arrived just in time. He tossed the marble table aside with all his strength and helped Ariya to her feet. Seeing her struggling to breathe, he rushed to the sink, soaked a towel, and covered it over her mouth and nose.

"Talon, am... am I still alive?" Feeling the coolness on her face, Ariya finally came to her senses. Seeing Talon carrying her as he dashed outside, she asked in disbelief. He came! He really came! Her husband, the one everyone mocked as a useless person, was right by her side, creating a path back to life for her.

"Damn it, the fire has spread here!" Talon wanted to go back the way he came, but when he reached the window, he saw the flames were already spreading. The window was on fire, and right next to it was a clothing store that could ignite at any moment.

Holding Ariya, Talon said urgently, "Ariya, there's no time to find another way out. Even though this is the second floor, the mall shops are built taller than regular homes. I can't think too much right now; we have to jump out of the window. Are you scared, Ariya?"

Ariya nodded vigorously, looking up at Talon. "I'm not scared. As long as I'm with you, I'm not afraid of anything."

"Good! Then we'll live or die together!" Talon held Ariya tightly, charging toward the window like a sword.