Mutagen

Day 368 - 1:36 PM - Balong, Pucakwangi, Pati Regency, Central Java, Indonesia

Loud footsteps echoed as a gigantic turtle with a mountain on its back walked eastward at its fixed pace. With speed slower than a human sprint but faster than a human average walking speed, this giant turtle became a viable and safer way of transportation for the survivors intending to reach Bali.

The giant turtle, which they decided to call "Mountain Back" for obvious reasons, was far from the most comfortable ride. Each step shook everything on its back like an earthquake, making it hard for anything not nailed down to remain in its place. However, no one could deny that it was safer than walking on foot.

The flat area of the mountain was past a hundred and fifty meters from the ground and was elevated further around thirty meters because of Mountain Back's legs. Unless Mountain Back lay on the ground, most threats of the [Infected] and even [Evolved Animals] would find it hard to climb on its back.

Nonetheless, the mountain itself had yet to be a hundred percent safe. Several search groups with at least five members received the task of scouring the mountain for any possible danger. And to say, the search proved to be necessary. The search groups found some [Infected] lurking or trapped around the mountain.

Surprisingly, there were even [Evolved Animals] living on it, even with the presence of the [Infected] horde before.

Despite the few shortcomings, it was clear that the journey of these survivors reached a stability they could never have hoped or thought of when they started this gamble. When they decided to follow the decisions of their leaders, the followers prepared themselves for a journey filled with danger, where every step could lead to the loss of their remaining family and friends.

But now, they were glad they decided to make that decision. Their current situation was much better than enduring the unwarranted horrible treatment from the other survivors from Mount Muria.

Fortunately, even with the stability of the current situation, no one decided to lower their guards even a little. In the apocalypse, even the safest place you call home might end up becoming your graveyard. It was pretty much what happened in Mount Muria. Everyone thought the fortress would be safe. It would last not forever but a long time, in the least. But that was not the case.

The enemies came from inside, and the mountain itself became the worst danger, causing the deaths of nearly half the population of the former Muria Sacred Fortress.

Putting their guard down would be a foolish act.

Even non-combatants could do things to help. Even just watching out for threats would be of great help.

And the first person to notice the incoming danger from afar was a volunteering non-combatant.

***

CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!

While the others were busy widening the clearing and building makeshift dwellings sturdy enough to endure the constant shaking, Mark built an open-area workshop for himself a distance away from the campsite.

The weapons Mark gave the leaders of the Moon Chasers were all prototypes. They all worked nicely, and their functions were more or less solid. Nonetheless, these weapons still needed more fine-tuning and tweaking to be called a finished product.

If it was possible, Mark wanted to reduce the energy consumption of these weapons, which Mark called Proto-Magic Weapons, or at least add more energy-saving options.

After all, these weapons run on magic energy. And for non-magically oriented people, it would be something hard to recharge. Although Mark also made a charger for the energy batteries of the Proto-Magic Weapons, it did not mean they could use the weapons infinitely. It was quite obvious that the charger would have less charging power than the consumption rate of all the Proto-Magic Weapons.

Mark could have made some more chargers. Unfortunately, making something without enough materials would be impossible.

While Mark was working, Kela of the 3rd Wave and the [Geomancy Inheritor], Louis Morgan, were helping Mark. Kela was obviously here to learn from Mark. On the other hand, Louis's ability to control the soil and rocks helped a lot in creating heat-resistant molds.

But while the three were in the middle of working...

"The fog! The fog is coming!"

A yell from one of the volunteers took everyone's attention.

Knowing the fog and its dangers, everyone immediately went alert. Most of them ran towards the direction of the person who noticed the fog.

And there it was. Rolling far from the eastern horizon. The fog quickly moved, enveloping everything under its hazy veil.

"It seems we can see it clearly even though it's still far away since there are no trees anymore."

Mark calmly voiced out while watching the same scene as everyone.

"How can you remain that calm?" Spera asked Mark as she arrived. "We'll lose all senses and magic if that gets to us."

But Mark only shrugged at Spera's question.

"I'm just saying we still have time. The fog is still far away. We can prepare."

Mark's words made everyone listening nod.

"Besides, we have that box."

Mark added.

"AH!" Bajing's voice echoed after hearing Mark. "Right! That box!"

Bajing's voice caused everyone even more confusion.

However, there was no time to explain.

"Everyone! Gather at the camp!"

Bajing yelled, causing everyone to follow her.

Everyone soon gathered at the camp.

"Why did you gather us here?"

General Wijaya asked Bajing.

"This..."

Bajing showed the box covered in prayer seals. It was pretty obvious that it was some item that no one should touch for fear of being cursed.

"The area around this box can't be covered in fog for some reason," Limabela chimed in and explained. "We found this box the previous time the fog rolled in."

Omitting some details, Limabela explained the general function of the box in Bajing's hands.

Of course, that explanation surprised everyone.

Although no one knew the reason why, Mount Muria had never been covered by this strange fog, making it safe for the residents of the fortress. Now that the fortress was gone, the strange fog became one of their concerns. But who would have thought that the Moon Chasers were in possession of something that could ward off the strange fog?

"The area it covers should be enough for everyone here," Edge also spoke. "With this, the only thing we should be careful of is the things inside the fog."

"But I guess it won't be much of a problem..."

Edge added as his eyes panned to Mark's group.

Yes. The [Fog Crawlers] might end up becoming a huge problem. However, that was if Mark's group was not here.

"Can I add something?"

Someone spoke. It was Dr. Willis who appeared calm for once.

"What is it, Professor?"

General Wijaya asked the biologist.

"I suggest stopping the Mountain Back through the duration of the fog."

Dr. Willis said, turning his gaze to Mark's group.

"And the reason should be the [Fog Crawlers], right?"

Mark spoke as he received the Professor's gaze.

"OOOHHH!!!" Dr. Willis showed an amazed expression. "I am surprised you understood!"

"Please explain before anything else."

General Wijaya sighed as he told the Professor to focus on the important details. Although they still had time, it was not too long to frolic about.

Dr. Willis enthusiastically explained his findings when he studied the head of the [Fog Crawler] that was brought back by the Moon Chasers previously.

Apparently, the [Fog Crawlers] had underdeveloped sense organs. Their eyes were not developed enough to be of proper use in bright surroundings. Their sense of smell and hearing was also subpar to most insect specimens Dr. Willis had studied before. It gave the suspicion that these [Fog Crawlers] might be a species mutated from deep cave-dwelling centipedes.

The [Fog Crawlers] were not relying on their sense of sight, smell, or sound to hunt their prey. Besides, the fog disables all senses of anything inside it, and the [Fog Crawlers] were not immune to it either, as the Professor figured.

But there was one type of sense that even the strange fog could not affect everything it engulfed.

"Sense of touch."

Mark voiced out.

"BINGO!"

Dr. Willis immediately gave Mark a thumbs up.

"I didn't have the chance to study it since there are no legs among the specimen, but it is likely that the [Fog Crawlers] rely on their legs to sense vibrations on the ground through touch."

"So, if you are correct..." General Wijaya spoke. "The strong and loud footsteps of the Mountain Back can attract the [Fog Crawlers]. We will likely end up becoming a beacon for them to gather, even if we manage to fend against the fog."

"Precisely."

Dr. Willis nodded at General Wijaya's words.

There, the short discussion and preparations were wrapped up. Mark told Aephelia to stop the Mountain Back but not let it lay on the ground. At the same time, everyone gathered around the approximate area the box could ward off the fog.

"The fog is here!"

Someone warned. And in a few moments, the fog covered everything.

Even though the campsite on Mountain Back's shell was more than a hundred meters high from the ground, the fog had no problem covering it under its veil. However, it was quite hard to tell if the fog could reach the peak of the giant turtle's back.

It was the first time most of the people present experienced being this close to the fog. They might not be within the fog, but it was still a scary experience.

The sun was already blocked out by the ash clouds released from Mount Muria. With the fog now present, the surroundings became even darker.

Due to the possibility of attracting a [Fog Crawler], no one went against the instructions to stay put and not move about unnecessarily. After all, there was a possibility that the [Fog Crawlers] would also be able to sense vibrations in the air.

An hour full of tension passed quickly. A few minutes later, the fog vanished without a trace.

"That... that's way faster than the previous instances, right?"

The bubbly Kana walked around, surveying the surroundings. And she was correct. The fog this time passed rather quickly.

"It must be because there is not much left to hinder the fog at all," The leader of the 3rd Wave, Estia, voiced her opinion. "The trees around the area were all burned out, and there's barely anything left. It became easier for the fog to "flow out" into the surroundings."

Estia's opinion was plausible, considering the situation.

Especially the people who already knew the true nature of the fog. They could only agree.

The strange fog was the result of the [Stagnant Magic Overflow]. It meant that it was literally flowing into the surroundings. Without any obstacles, it would be easier for it to scatter.

"Everyone! Look!"

A survivor yelled out, pointing at the scene below the mountain.

"That's..."

Everyone froze, speechless.

On the wasteland covered with ash and residue from the wildfire, countless gigantic markings were left for everyone to see.

While everyone was staying put, no one realized or felt the several, or even dozens of [Fog Crawlers] moving about in the fog-covered wasteland.

Everyone could not help but shiver at this sight.

"Looks like the [Fog Crawlers] were also riled up by the events happening right now."

Mark voiced out his assumption, which was not that far from the truth.

When a natural disaster happens, animals and insects tend to get riled up in various ways. This was just one but very destructive example.

At this time, someone approached Mark and the important members of this group.

"Please excuse me. May I have a little bit of your time, ladies and gentlemen?"

It was the assistant of Dr. Willis.

Mark stared at the guy. This man was the owner of the concealed gazes he had been feeling from time to time.

"Professor? What is this about?"

General Wijaya asked Dr. Willis.

"WHA-what? I have no idea what is going on," Dr. Willis replied before turning to his assistant. "Devon. What are you doing?"

"My apologies, Professor, but this is important," Devon politely spoke to Dr. Willis before turning back to everyone. "General Wijaya, Leaders of Moon Chasers, 3rd Wave, Fire Fighters, and Blade Shifters. The members of Evernight. The Cursed Divine Blade, Melfiss. And most importantly.

Mr. Astria. I need to speak with you all."

SNAP!

Devon then snapped his fingers. And all of a sudden, an invisible veil covered the group, isolating them from everyone outside it.

"THIS IS!"

Melfiss was surprised. Not only did this guy know her identity, but he deployed an isolation barrier with a snap of his fingers.

Everyone could not help but become alert. They were ready to draw their weapons at any given threat.

However, Devon did not mind their cautiousness as he spoke.

"The total destruction of all other survivor settlements in Java, Indonesia, had been confirmed. The succession of this country's contract now lay on the hands of you all standing before me."

Devon's words brought confusion at first before his words finally sunk into their minds.

The total destruction of all other survivor settlements in Java, Indonesia, had been confirmed.

It meant that there were no survivors left in Java, Indonesia, aside from this group riding the giant turtle.