In front of the ruins of the small town.
Gu Qingshan was talking with Crow.
Suddenly, both of their identity nameplates began to vibrate.
"Attention."
"Urgent situation. Please have 'Direct Death Silver Crow' and 'Sin Prison Dragon King' proceed to the nearest Blue Mountain City and assist in repelling the invasion of the apocalypse."
Gu Qingshan and Crow exchanged a glance.
Crow drew his Thorn Sword and said, "I'll neutralize this small town."
Specks of fiery light swirled around the Thorn Sword. When Crow pointed it forward, they immediately gathered at the tip of the blade and transformed into a Fire Bird that flew away.
Like a shooting star, the Fire Bird plunged into the middle of the town and vanished in an instant.
A moment of silence.
Boom—
Amid a violent explosion, a pillar of fire covering the entire town shot straight into the sky.
A fierce wind blasted in every direction, snapping many trees in half.
Gu Qingshan raised an arm to shield his face, letting the gale buffet him as he gazed at the intense blaze.
"It's useless. I once did this to a village, but the apocalypse still appeared when it was supposed to," Gu Qingshan said.
Crow sheathed his sword and mused, "By your account, the advance party never figured out this apocalypse. What a bunch of idiots."
Gu Qingshan sighed softly. "Something about this is strange. I've encountered several apocalypses by now, but I still don't understand what's going on."
Just then, the flames died down.
The entire town had been leveled.
Standing before the ruins, Crow pondered. "Come to think of it, I haven't encountered an apocalypse since arriving in this world. Actually, I've taken on plenty of missions to fight apocalypses over the years. I'd love to see what one is like."