Rosie's Games

Chapter 494  Barrier 1

The two of them stood there, gazing at the garden before them. The night air was tranquil, wrapping around them like a gentle embrace. However, the serene atmosphere shattered as an unexpected tremor rumbled beneath their feet.

"The ground is shaking..."Rosalind's voice broke the eerie silence, her words revealing surprise and concern.

In response to her observation, the very foundation of the building they stood on quivered, causing the balcony to sway. The once-peaceful garden below seemed to come alive, leaves rustling like whispered secrets in the night.

Lucas's grip on the balcony railing tightened, his eyes narrowing as he scanned their surroundings. The once-calm night had transformed into a charged environment, and the ground continued to tremble beneath them. It was as if the World itself had stirred from slumber, awakening with restless energy.

The sound of distant screams filled the air, voices mingling in confusion.

Rosalind's heart raced as she surveyed the scene, her instincts urging her to find safety. "Lucas, we should find cover," she called out, urgency in her tone. The unfolding events felt surreal, like a scene from a chaotic dream- a familiar dream.

Lucas's gaze remained fixed on the garden below, his expression guarded. "It is not just an earthquake," he murmured, his tone grave. "Something else is happening..."

As if on cue, a brilliant flash of light illuminated the night sky, casting an otherworldly glow over the landscape. The tremors intensified, causing the building to groan in protest. Trees that were once still swayed with newfound vigor, their branches dancing in the air.

Rosalind's eyes widened as she took in the breathtaking light display, a mix of awe and trepidation washing over her. The air crackled with energy, and a sense of foreboding settled in her stomach.

Lucas's grip on the balcony railing tightened, his jaw clenched as he watched the unfolding spectacle. "We need to reach lower levels," he said firmly, his voice cutting through the chaos. Without waiting for Rosalind's response, he carried her and leaped down into the garden.

Like them, most of the mansion's guests were already outside. Rosalind clung to Lucas, her heart pounding as they navigated the quaking landscape. Dust filled the air, the scent of soil mingling with fear. Guests scrambled for safety, their faces etched with panic.

"Your Grace, what is happening?" General Lytton was the first to ask. "We-Wugari never had earthquakes like this in the past." Unless, of course, there was a beast tide somewhere, and the beasts' steps were causing the ground to quake. However, they did not hear the tolling bell that would have indicated that a beast tide was happening.

There was no beast tide.

However, just as Lucas was about to answer, the shaking stopped.

"Check on everyone," Lucas instructed. "Make sure everyone is safe. Heal the wounded. Meet me at the mansion." Lucas spoke before hugging Rosalind tighter and jumping high up, surprising onlookers. Even Rosalind was taken aback.

She had seen him in action before, but being carried like a princess as he jumped so high made her realize how terrifying it was when you were up there, falling back to the ground.

At one point, she started to wonder how powerful he really was.

"Relax..." he assured her. "I am here."

Rosalind nodded without saying a word. Before long, they reached the gates.

"Bohan..." Lucas called out. "Report."

"Your Grace, the earthquake was caused by an unknown source. We did not sense any beasts coming toward the gates. In fact—" Bohan hesitated, debating whether to share. "In fact, it has been very quiet. We have not spotted any beasts since the sun rose this morning."

Lucas frowned. Slowly lowering Rosalind to the ground, he led her toward the tall gates. From there, they could see the endless snow, slowly melting.

"Two soldiers were injured. Aside from that, everyone else is fine." Sir Bohan continued. "I already prepared the infirmaries for possible citizens that received injuries nearby. The soldiers are scouting the nearby area."

"Good," Lucas said.

Standing by the imposing walls, Lucas and Rosalind were met with a heavy silence. The aftermath of the earthquake had left the world eerily quiet, the usual sounds of life replaced by unsettling stillness. The air felt charged with tension, as if nature itself held its breath.

"This is too quiet," Rosalind commented, scanning the horizon for signs of movement or life. There was none.

She felt Lucas's hand tighten around hers and looked at his profile. His expression was grave.

"What happened?" she asked.

"I am not certain," Lucas replied without hesitation.

"Then—"

"Go back to the mansion. I need to check something," Lucas said. He instructed Bohan to gather the leaders of the four great pillars and meet them at the mansion in an hour. He also directed everyone to close the estate gates and keep watch.

Then he sent someone to make sure that the King is safe.

Once again, Rosalind and Lucas left the walls and soon arrived at the mansion.

"Your Grace..." Denys was the first to welcome them. Just like Lucas, he had a grave expression.

"Tell me..."

"It seems the earthquake did not just happen in Wugari, but across the continent."

"I see... " Lucas took Rosalind to his study and instructed Denys to leave them. Once alone, he immediately spoke. "It might be the barrier."

"What?" Rosalind asked.

"That quake might be a sign of the barrier further weakening," Lucas said. "I need to visit Rakha."

She stared at him, eyes wide.

"What happens if the barrier breaks?" Rosalind inquired, though she already knew the answer.

"Many people will die."

"You said that— I mean Belisarius said that you were able to take care of the barrier. So—"

Lucas shook his head. "The barrier has been weakening. It was bound to crumble and fall." He approached her, gently cupping her cheeks. She met his gentle gaze. "Do not worry. Even if the barrier crumbles, I will protect you."

She opened her mouth but closed it again without speaking. Instead, she tiptoed and kissed his lips.

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