1
The siren pierced the sky.
"The pollution index in District 23 has exceeded the threshold! All residents must immediately proceed to the Altar Shelter! Countdown: 23 minutes!"
I grabbed the relief supplies and turned to run home. The sky was an eerie dark red, with huge black characters swirling in the clouds.
23 minutes. I have to get Linda away.
The apartment building hallway was packed with panicked people, all rushing downstairs. I went against the flow of people, pushing aside those who blocked my way.
Fifth floor. I rushed to the door, the key almost falling from my trembling hand.
The door opened.
The bedroom door was half open, and from inside came a woman's high-pitched moans and the thud of the bed frame hitting the wall.
“ Mark...Mark! ”
I pushed the door open.
The two bodies on the bed were in the midst of their most intense moment. The man looked up and met my gaze.
He smiled.
"Linda... your boyfriend is back."
Linda froze for a moment, then slowly turned her head, her face showing no panic, only indifference.
"You're back."
The man sat up, tidying his disheveled hair. He was in his early thirties, with a robust build, and a faint golden light hovered above his chest—a symbol of power.
"You're Irving? A piece of trash who doesn't even have divine favor."
Linda got out of bed and casually threw on a bathrobe. "Owen, look at yourself. You have nothing. When the contamination comes, only those with divine grace can survive."
She pointed to the man on the bed: "This is Saint Mark, a level 7 authority holder. With him, I can survive."
We've been together for three years...
"So what if it's three years? In the apocalypse, the weak have no right to possess anything."
Mark walked up to me, reached out and patted my shoulder so hard that I stumbled.
"Listen, kid. In the apocalypse, the weak don't deserve anything, including love. Now get out."
"This is my home."
Mark paused for a moment, then burst out laughing.
His smile suddenly vanished, and he raised his right hand, revealing golden runes on his palm.
A burst of golden light erupted, transforming into a shockwave that struck my chest.
I flew out of the bedroom, crashed into the living room wall, and fell heavily to the ground. The intense pain made it almost impossible for me to breathe, and blood gushed from my mouth.
At least three ribs were broken.
Mark stepped out, looking down at me: "A basic attack of level 7 Authority. You're lucky; I showed mercy."
Just then—
[Truth System Activated]
[Congratulations, host, you have gained the ability: Word Power, Level: lv1]
[Cost of Ability: Loss of some memories upon use]
[Mandatory Task: Establish the Boundary of the Godless Zone]
[Mission Countdown: 24 hours]
[Failure Penalty: Host Death]
A cold voice echoed in my mind.
I suddenly understood.
The altar, divine grace, and authority are all harbingers of the coming of the ancient gods. Those who receive divine grace are merely vessels.
And I have awakened the only power that can stand against the ancient gods.
Mark moved closer to me, ready to throw another punch .
"Words of Power: Barrier."
A transparent barrier unfolded around me, completely blocking Mark's second attack.
Hurried footsteps approached from afar. The altar's deacons were getting closer!
Mark's eyes flashed with apprehension: " You've actually awakened a heretical ability ... Damn it! Chase after them!"
I rushed to the window.
"Word of Power: Burst!"
The massive shockwave shattered the windows and knocked Mark and Linda back.
I jumped off the fifth floor.
"Word of Power: Buffer!"
A transparent air cushion unfolds beneath you, slowing your descent.
Mark roared from behind, "Chase! The light of the true god will purify all evil!"
I ran forward as fast as I could. The deacons were in hot pursuit.
"Word of Power: Mist!"
Thick white fog spread, obscuring visibility.
I rushed into the alley and hid in an abandoned underground passage.
I leaned against the wall, panting, the wound on my chest still bleeding.
Even more terrifying is... my memories are fading.
I tried hard to recall my childhood, but it was all a blank. My entire childhood memories... are gone.
[System notification: Host's memory storage remains at 80%]
A figure appeared ahead.
A woman in a white dress, with long black hair, stood quietly at the corner of the passageway.
My steps slowed. Seeing this woman, an indescribable emotion welled up inside me.
"you..."
The woman approached me, a gentle smile on her face: "Owen, you're injured."
Do you know me?
"Of course. My name is Sylvie. We grew up together."
Did you grow up together?
I tried hard to recall, but I couldn't remember at all.
"I'm sorry... I don't remember."
Sylvie's smile froze for a moment, and a flash of pain crossed her eyes, but she quickly recovered.
"It's alright. You used the power of the Truth System, so your memories disappeared."
"Are you familiar with the Truth System?"
"I know a lot of things. Including that you're in danger right now. Pollution is coming soon, and you need a safe place."
"Warning! Countdown to pollution: 2 minutes!"
Sylvie grabbed my hand: "Come with me."
Her hands were warm and she held them tightly, as if afraid I would disappear.
We arrived at a secluded basement. The basement was filled with supplies—water, food, and medical supplies.
"Where is this place?"
"My refuge. I've been waiting for you."
"wait for me?"
"Yes. I knew you would awaken the Truth System. I knew you would be hunted down by the Altar. That's why I'm here waiting for you."
"But...do we really know each other? I don't remember you at all."
Sylvie was silent for a moment, then said, "When we were little, we lived in the same neighborhood. I was often bullied by other kids, and you helped me fight them off."
I listened to her words, trying hard to search my memory, but I found nothing.
"I'm sorry... I really don't remember."
Sylvie's eyes reddened. "It's alright. Let's get to know each other again. My name is Sylvie, and from today onwards, I will help you fight against the Altar and the Ancient Gods."
Just then, the entire basement began to shake violently.
"Warning! Pollution is imminent!"
The ground began to crack, and black characters seeped out from the cracks.
"Oh no!" Sylvie's expression changed. "The contamination came faster than expected! It's not safe here anymore!"
