Winds of Change

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A colossal holographic screen hung high above Lucas, casting an eerie crimson glow that painted eerie shadows upon the dense forest surrounding him.

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[Time Limit: 6 hours!]

[Please enjoy your time here!]

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Lucas's heart raced as he stared at this ominous sight. It had been ages since he found himself unexpectedly transported to a dungeon, and now it was happening again. With cautious steps, he began to explore his surroundings. The forest that enveloped him was a mesmerizing tapestry of emerald leaves and ancient trees, their branches intertwined.

"Where am I?" he whispered, his voice frail.

He gasped as he examined himself. His scars and wounds had vanished, replaced by flawless skin. His grimy, blood-soaked attire had been replaced by a sleek tuxedo. Even his unruly hair was now slicked back, leaving him baffled.

Lucas gingerly touched his own face to confirm this transformation. "This is really weird..."

In the midst of this confusing forest, whispers, and uncertain voices suddenly broke the silence. Lucas glanced at the others, who had also found themselves in this unexpected and strange place. Their faces displayed a mix of confusion, just like his own.

A woman with vibrant red hair expressed her bewilderment, tinged with both amazement and fear. "What's going on? Where are we?"

Another man, dressed in a sharp suit similar to Lucas's, stroked his chin as he observed the forest surrounding them. "I don't know, but it's definitely unusual."

The forest itself rustled gently in the breeze, and birds added their voices to the bewildered chorus. Before them stood a grand three-story mansion, a stark contrast to the wild wilderness. A red carpet stretched out like a royal welcome leading to the mansion's entrance.

Lucas scanned the scene for any sign of familiarity. 'Where's Lucy?' he wondered aloud with concern. Her whereabouts remained a mystery, forcing him to follow the advancing crowd.

The mansion's interior mirrored the opulence outside. It boasted luxurious furniture, intricate murals, and a magnificent chandelier. Soft footsteps on plush carpets blended with hushed conversations as the group ventured deeper.

Lucas couldn't help but marvel at the surroundings. As he walked, he approached a group of people nearby. "Has anyone been here before?" he asked, hope in his voice amidst the uncertainty.

A woman shook her head, wide-eyed and filled with wonder—an unusual sight for Lucas. "No, it's my first time," she replied, her voice trembling. "I was just at my base a moment ago."

"Same here. It seems we're all from Earth," another man added, his blonde hair framing his face.

As they strolled through the mansion's ornate corridors, Lucas found himself captivated by the intricate details adorning the walls. Golden-framed paintings adorned the walls, and above them, a chandelier cast a warm, flickering glow. Its radiant dance painted the polished marble floors in an ethereal light.

Their journey led them to a particularly grand room where the double doors swung open with an air of grandeur, revealing a lavish dining hall. Four long tables stretched elegantly before them, adorned with crystal goblets and gleaming silverware. The air was heavy with the tantalizing scent of a sumptuous feast.

Lucas's stomach let out an audible growl, and he exchanged knowing glances with his newfound companions. Hunger and curiosity waged a silent battle within him.

At that moment, a butler, impeccably dressed in a tailcoat, materialized at the head of the table. His voice, smooth and reassuring, cut through the air. "Ladies and gentlemen, please have a seat. Dinner is served. You all are valued guests."

With an air of mystique, the butler transformed into wisps of smoke, vanishing into thin air. The group exchanged perplexed looks once more, but the allure of the feast proved irresistible. They hesitated for a moment before taking their places at the table.

Lucas found himself seated among others at one of the four long rows of dining tables. He scanned the room, searching for any sign of Lucy, fully aware that she was probably among the Tier 1 mutant humans. His curiosity about her whereabouts gnawed at him.

As he settled into his seat, the woman and the man who had engaged him in conversation earlier took place beside him.

"Nice to meet you," the woman introduced herself with a warm smile. "My name is Jessica."

The man next to Lucas also extended a hand, his voice filled with camaraderie. "Man, it's been such a long time since I've seen another human being. Nice to meet you too. My name is Christopher. And you are?" He gestured to Lucas.

"My name is Lucas," he replied, his tone even as he surveyed the dining room. Some guests engaged in lively conversations, while others had already started devouring the delicacies laid before them.

Inside, the mansion seemed to stretch further than its exterior hinted at, leaving Lucas pondering the secrets hidden within its three stories. For now, he surrendered to temptation, savoring each bite of the succulent chicken, the flavors dancing exquisitely upon his palate.

Amid the pleasant clinking of silverware, Christopher's voice interrupted the silence. "Lucas, what country are you from? Are you Asian?" he asked while Lucas was engrossed in his meal.

"I'm from the Country of Palm Tree. It's quite small, so I doubt any of you have heard of it. What about you?" Lucas inquired, genuinely curious.

"Oh, you're right; I'm not familiar with that. I'm from the Bald Eagle Country. I assume you've heard of it?" Christopher replied with a grin. It was a famous nation, after all.

Jessica chimed in when gestured towards her. "I'm from the Country of Red Rose."

Compared to his companions, Lucas remained silent, realizing he was the only Asian among them. He couldn't help but reflect on how dramatically his day had shifted from healing a bullet wound in the morning to now sitting at a grand dinner table, dressed in a tuxedo, surrounded by a diverse group of individuals in a mansion that resembled something out of a fairytale.

At this moment, the chandelier's radiant light illuminated the room, casting an enchanting glow.

The grand hall was alive with animated chatter as guests in elaborate attire filled the opulent space. Their voices buzzed with anticipation, forming a harmonious cacophony that hinted at the event's significance. Suddenly, a sharp "Ting, Ting" pierced through the room, slicing through the chatter like a blade through silk. And brought about an abrupt silence.

Conversations dwindled to hushed murmurs as all eyes turned toward the source of the sound. A man, tall and elegant, moved with confident grace toward the center table. His hand, tightly gripping a crystal glass, sparkled in the ambient light. With a dramatic flourish, he shattered the glass shards tinkling melodically upon the marble floor. The room fell into stunned silence, and every gaze was riveted upon him.

Draped in pristine white, his attire adorned with intricate gold embroidery, he was a striking figure. Cascading blonde hair framed piercing blue eyes, and his imposing height of nearly two meters demanded attention. But it was more than just his appearance; there was something indefinable about him—an aura of command that even Lucas couldn't deny.

The man began to speak, his voice resonating like the deep notes of a cello, seeming to emanate from the very heart of the room.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he began, each word laden with significance, "I'm sure you are all acutely aware of the unique privilege we share as the chosen ones of this world. Every individual here possesses power and authority, carefully handpicked by the enigmatic system. In fact, I dare say that among us, nearly all are lords within our respective domains, the unquestioned champions within our regions."

A wave of collective understanding swept through the crowd, a unified recognition of their unique status as the elite—courageous guardians who stood resolute against the ceaseless onslaught of zombies and grotesque mutations, while the rest quivered and fell prey to the ominous destiny that loomed before them.

Lucas, like the others, was held captive by the speaker's words. They resonated deep within his soul, underscoring the profound truth of their extraordinary destinies. They had been plucked from obscurity, their paths converging within the opulent confines of this mansion, while the outside world grappled with the desperate struggle for survival.

As the charismatic speaker continued, his voice took on a mounting urgency. "Do you all feel it, too? The weight of your secrets, the knowledge of hidden locations, concealed achievements, and even the coveted, rare hidden classes that others can only dare to dream of."

The room held its collective breath, captivated by the man's words. His eyes scanned the audience, meeting theirs with an intensity that seemed to pierce their very souls. He stepped forward, gesturing emphatically as he continued, "But as these mutations intensify, survival becomes an ever-mounting challenge."

Some in the crowd exchanged nervous glances, their expressions reflecting the gravity of the situation. The speaker's voice grew even more resolute, each word resonating with authority.

"For this," he continued, "I suggest we create a secret society among ourselves, the elite, to combat the mutation of the world." His words hung in the air like a shroud, a palpable sense of anticipation filling the room as the audience pondered the implications of his proposal.

Lucas felt a flicker of skepticism, the fervor of the man's words verging on the zeal of a fervent believer. The concept of forming a group held merit, yet the notion of a secret society seemed grandiose and excessive.

The sensation was not lost on anyone in the room. The man's words appeared to possess a magic all their own, one that transcended language barriers and nationalities, as if every syllable carried a universal resonance. It was as though his conviction stood as an irrefutable truth that required no translation, resonating with every individual present.

Unperturbed by the murmurs and hushed discussions about him, the man continued, his voice shifting from urgency to unwavering resolve.

"Within this society, I propose that I take the lead, for I am the Hero."