The Earth Online

3 Prepare for the Apocalypse

“We’re doing everything we can to keep this city safe, I’m happy to say that the crime rate has significantly lowered compared to last quarter.” A middle-aged man with thinning hair and crinkly skin said. Hearing this, the people around him clapped and cheered.

“Plan Steel Toe is on the go, and we’ve developed the latest gun and bomb technology. We’re doing great, citizens of the Unified Republic of Haine.”

Thaleos turned off the TV in irritation.

The president knew, James knew, and so did he.

The Apocalypse was coming, and President McGuigan didn’t do anything, aside from hiding in the White House and making weapons from taxpayer money to protect himself.

After going through James’ journal, Thaleos realized that James was able to predict every major issue that happened in Ellis Town.

He dreamt of the tornado storm that happened last Tuesday or the massacred partying teenagers in the Mezza River. He explained every single one of them in great detail.

But the thing that disturbed him the most was the August nightmares — which he commonly referred to as “The Apocalypse.”

Nightmare # 131

June 15

4:16 AM

August 11

So, it begins.

Thousands and thousands of translucent alien-like humanoids flew down in spaceships. They claimed to be playing this game of the gods called, “Godly Gambles.”

As soon as they said that, they started attacking every single human being on sight. Their transparent bodies, similar to diamonds, appeared to be invincible as bullets had no effect on their skin.

They blasted people using this purple ray shooting from their hands. They would even form groups to shoot even larger attacks.

People were getting killed left and right, even highly trained army platoons couldn’t handle the constant attacks.

In a split second, all their highly developed weapons blew up into smithereens as these humanoid aliens used some form of telekinesis.

“Humans are quite a weak species,” one of them spoke in a flat tone.

“They’re not aware of the rules yet, brethren.” The other replied.

Suddenly, one of them turned around to look at me — almost as if they could see me.

“Interesting, this one seems to be traveling around the dream realm’s time sphere.” It said, while staring right at me. The other one with an emerald gem embedded on its forehead looked at me and muttered,

“Must be one of Nanshe’s children. That god always loved to pity the weaker ones.”

“Dream child, heed my warning, humans need to kill the god’s heavenly creatures to level up. This is the only way to survive.” It then flicked its crystal-like fingers, and my body felt like it was being slammed right out of the dream.

I’m writing this now as I’ve just woken up minutes ago. I need to write it all down before I forget.

The following journal entries seemed to describe all the rules of this game called the, “Godly Gambles.” It seemed as if they were sucked into this RPG-like world controlled by different gods.

James wrote down all the ways they could survive in this “new world” and level up their skills. It was basically an RPG guidebook.

Thaleos took his time to read each entry. He felt overwhelmed, but one thing he learned from living on the streets is that “feeling overwhelmed” and “constantly panicking” can make you more vulnerable to danger.

Each time you don’t pay attention is another man’s chance to kill you.

He knew this by heart — every single near-death experience leaving a mark on his mind. That’s why he wanted to strategically plan things and make sure that he survives.

He had the advantage of knowledge given by the journal, and he promised James to save as many people as he could.

He already mourned for this screwed up game during James’ death, now he had to play the game and win it.

~ ~ ~

“Ygritte, I need you to cancel all my appointments. Also, encourage our patients and their families to hide in their bunkers or basements for the next couple of months,” Ygritte just stared at the older man in confusion and concern. She questioned,

“Dr. Fincher, is everything alright?” Thaleos seemed to be distracted as he was getting some of his things from the office.

“I’m fine, Ygritte. Just believe in me. I need you to hide as well. I’ll keep in touch with you and update you with what’s happening. Just know that in a month and a half, there’ll be a big bloodbath in Haine. Creatures, aliens, and demons will kill each everyone they see.”

The younger woman was now getting scared, not just because of her boss’ tirade about war, but because of how he strongly believed that these so-called creatures were coming.

“Thaleos, I think James is rubbing off of you. You’re not in your right mind right now. Maybe I can get you some medicine to help you calm down.” Thaleos paused for a second and knew that he sounded insane right now. He took a deep breath and said,

“Ygritte, I wish I was lying. I wish I was, but I need you to believe me because I only have a handful of people I care about, and I don’t want them to die. Please, do this. For me?” The older man begged.

She could never really say no to him, and he looked like he was genuinely concerned over these aliens and demons.

Being his colleague for the past five years taught her when he was happy, nervous, lying, or sincere. And she knew that this was one of those sincere moments.

Ygritte nodded, making her delicate bangs move. She gave him a smile, and he smiled back.

“Thanks, Ygritte.”

~ ~ ~

Merryfair Farm 9:00 AM

“I’d like to buy all your available pigs, cows, and any other poultry. Also, if you have any current farmlands near the forest you can sell, I’d be happy to take them, as well.” Thaleos said in one single breath, leaving the old man and his wife in shocked silence.

The brunet drove all the way to the Lagash Province, which was two hours away. He made sure to look for the farms near Mt. Uruk and its forests filled with the best medicinal herbs.

Studying medicine and taking up psychiatry made these steps seem instinctive. He had to consider building his health and stamina first, before fighting any high-level creatures.

“Uhm, yes, but that’d cause you quite a hefty amount, son.” The old man cautiously said.

They were on high alert as scammers usually victimized small-time landowners like them.

“Don’t worry, I can pay for it. I just wanted to get some peace and quiet in the middle of nowhere. I’m tired of living in Ellis.” Thaleos said while bringing out his check.

Knowing that the world’s about to end anyway, he decided to borrow millions of cash, just to build a base before leveling up and fighting nearby monsters.

The old man nodded in agreement and sold everything to Thaleos.

Everything was a huge gamble, but Thaleos’ gut instinct always reminded him how it was better to be safe than sorry.

“Alright, then. Feel free to name the farm whatever you want. May the gods guide you, son.” The old man said as his eyes glinted an ominous yellow.

~ ~ ~

Melam Farm, 40 Days Before The Apocalypse

Everything was still in the planning stage. He called off all his commitments in Ellis Town, like his apartment or office renting contracts, and decided to just focus on preparing for The Apocalypse.

The only thing he brought was a couple of his clothes, money, and his dog, Luna.

Thaleos pulled out a blueprint and looked at the farm reconstruction plans. He planned to completely redo the farm and change it into a military fort.

He contacted one of his friends who was an architect, Haya, and asked him to design all of these to make sure that he’d be safe from any kind of attack.

“Are you sure this can keep those diamond heads away?” Haya asked as he tied his black hair up in a bun.

Knowing that it’s impossible to protect themselves from all kinds of powers and creatures, he needed to at least get the strongest material to make the fort as impenetrable as possible.

Haya could both manage the farming site and construction since he’s a practicing architect and agriculturist.

“What if we change one of the barns into a training site and add some bunkers under it for extra measures?” Thaleos asked as he looked through different parts of the farmland.

The tall and lean man agreed regardless of how crazy everything sounded. The thing about this raven-haired islander is that he’s up for any type of adventure.

Knowing how it felt growing up homeless, he trusted Thaleos’ judgment more than anyone’s.

Thaleos told Haya everything, starting from the first time James talked about his nightmares up until he received the journal. Although, Haya seemed doubtful at first, after predicting one of the “bear killings” that happened yesterday, Haya started believing him.

Thealoes realized that he couldn’t do this alone, and he needed as many people as he could to lead the fights against the gods.

Haya even suggested adding multiple armories, medical labs, field hospitals, and kitchens to make sure that they can build a good foundation for this “interdimensional”-war.

Their plans were ready, they just needed to get the materials and manpower.

“How do we do this? How do we start construction, and how do we get those weapons?” He asked.

“I guess we can call up our good old friend, Kedrick,” Haya said as he took out more of his blueprints and placed them on the table.

Thaleos took out his phone and called up Kedrick’s number. As soon as the other man picked up, Thaleos greeted with a,

“Hey, brother, down for an adventure?”