yellowbook

The apocalypse is not the end — it is a game. And only the elect can play along.

Every week, a few chosen ones are placed in a twisted mirror of reality — a world on the brink of annihilation. Here, players must survive a new cataclysmic disaster, armed with only one randomly selected ability.

Ethan Cross never asked to be a player. But when he is drawn into the Apocalypse Game, his first draw changes everything:

"the Eye of Death" - an SSS-ranked ability that shows him visions of his own death.

While others fight blindly, Ethan outwits fate itself and replays his own demise until he finds the perfect path to victory.

"Congratulations! You have overcome the disaster of [Puppet Kingdom] and obtained the [Severing Seven]: [The Severing Seven]!"

"Congratulations! You've eliminated the threat of [Abyssal Horror] and received [S-Rank Ability: [Abyssal Horror]: [S-Rank Skill: Scales of Judgment]!"

"Congratulations! You have shattered the paradox of [Time Reversal] and unlocked the [SSS Rank Skill: Sword of Destruction]: [SSS Rank Skill: Sword of Annihilation]!"

Other players: "Bro, we’re still learning the rules, how can you clear dungeons already?"

Apocalypse Control Bureau: "Mr. Cross, your survival is crucial to the future of humanity! STOP THROWING YOURSELF INTO DANGER!"

Reality Hacker: Apocalypse Loop

"Understood. Send your people," Ethan said, his voice rough as he ended the call with Ray.

The brief hope of escaping Apocalypse Online slipped away.

Mom worked at the dye factory. Those chemicals...

Yet a heavy relief washed over him. Without the game, he would be powerless against leukemia. Now, at least, he had a chance.

"I choose NOT to quit Apocalypse Online!"

The host possesses SSS-grade skill [Eyes of the Doomed].

All SSS-grade players are CHOSEN ONES. Exit prohibited.

Full access granted to Personal Store/Skills/Items.

SSS SKILL: [Eyes of the Doomed] (1 use/7 days IRL)

Ethan stared. "You rigged game!" he yelled at the sky.

All that worrying over a decision that he never got to make.

His vision turned red as the world vanished.

"...Heaviest rainfall since 2006..." droned the TV weather alert.

Future-Ethan slapped the remote off.

"Taking lunch to your mom," Dad called, grabbing a thermos. "Eat while it's hot."

"Be there soon!" Future-Ethan stretched on the couch before saying, "Wonder what this apocalypse's theme is. Dad seems normal... better meet Wang and John."

So this is the start of Apocalypse #2? Present-Ethan thought. Why show me the beginning unless... Do I die right away?

That weather report made his skin crawl. Heavy rains? In Jiangcheng? Usually ordinary—but here, it screamed disaster.

Global flood? Build an ark? Stockpile supplies on Everest?

Future-Ethan called John to set up a meeting at the fortress.

Wang Zi Chen and a spiky-haired guy with neon-yellow highlights waited with John.

Tao Mu? Present-Ethan guessed. The teammate who had died in ten minutes last time.

"Catch the news?" John turned on a wall-sized monitor.

Future-Ethan nodded. "The storm warning."

"Bingo." John played a clip of a coastal city being destroyed—trees snapping like twigs, the "Ping An Insurance" sign breaking off its building to crush cars below.

Wang stared. "Natural disaster apocalypse?"

"Worse." John switched to a drone photo: a luxury cruise ship... and something huge lurking beneath it.

The Flood That Wasn't