The rusted iron railings twisted into postures of prayer beneath the lead-gray sky, while Puppet Nurses moved among the graves.
An inexplicable air of anxiety hung over the entire city. Even ordinary citizens sensed a hint of unease from the news.
According to 730's hints, more than one instance was connected to Hell, but all of them were S-rank or higher. With the Book of Creation destroyed, their origins could no longer be traced. Without knowing the true causes behind their formation, there was no way to solve them immediately.
Magic City in Hua Country had been invaded by the Love Triangle instance.
Free City in M Country had been invaded by the Vampire instance.
Geer City in E Country had been invaded by the Mirror instance.
The last instance, Mad Romance, had invaded F Country, the smallest country in the world and the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church.
If these invasions could not be stopped and brought under control, the NPCs would push farther into the Real World.
The world was interconnected. The cities invaded by instances were all internationally renowned, economically developed urban centers. Unsurprisingly, locking them down had created immense economic pressure and public backlash.
Juelu listened to news of stock market crashes and maritime traffic jams caused by closed ports. She took off her sunglasses and tossed them aside as she drove toward F Country, which had been locked down in its entirety.
Traffic police blocked the road ahead, with a long cordon keeping everyone out. Many tourists and pilgrims were stuck beyond the yellow line, shouting and arguing.
Without batting an eye, Juelu stepped on the gas and drove straight up to the yellow line, then rolled down her window and waited for a traffic officer to approach.
Beiwei sat in