Earth’s Doom Starts with… Me?

Chapter 4: New earth (4)

"Try me. You'll be the judge." I said while staring at him straight in the eyes.

He squinted his eyes and studied my face,"...What do you know that we don't?"

Hoo boy. I need to focus now, I can't mess this up.

I opened my lips, "the earth will face its doom in exactly 3 years from now."

His eyes twitched a little. Then silence followed. A silence so unbearable that I can hear my own heartbeat. Then a chuckle broke the silence.

"Ho ho. Earth, huh? It's been a long time since I've heard that word being said." he stroked his beard.

What does he mean by that? Why does he act like earth is something very alien? Is he really going crazy? Did he forget his pills?

"Young lady, tell me how do you know this." He smiled at me, menacingly.

"...Actually, I'm a prophet," I paused, "when I woke up, I really did not have any recollection, but the only things I knew were my name and the fact that the earth's doom is coming in 3 years."

Everyone looks visibly confused. I would be too, if I was in their shoes.

"Also, ever since someone hit me earlier," I glanced at Owen who looked away from me, "when I woke up I got another message."

"Let's hear it." The old man looked interested.

"Nope." I smiled.

"What!?" Jeanne and Owen both shouted in shock.

"Yeah, nope. Not gonna tell you. If I tell you right now, I won't really be useful anymore, right? Tee hee." Take that you senile old man.

"Ho ho ho! I like your spirit," he laughed, "you do know that we can force that information out of you, right?" his eyes glimmered red.

"You won't." I replied.

"Are you sure about that?"

"Yep. Because I have crucial information that you need, and I will get more as time passes by. If you torture me now or kill me now, you might lose out on important infos that will help you save this earth and everyone you care about." I hope he buys my story.

Silence followed again. This time a bit longer than before. Until the old man raised his finger and...

'THUD!'

I fell face-first onto the ground, with crushing pressure on top of me. The air around me suddenly felt different. It felt heavy, dark, and almost... deadly.

"Ughh..!" It was so intense that I can't even look up, and I was having trouble speaking and breathing.

"I've made my decision. You are to live and enroll in our Vanguard. I will have Owen monitor you at all times," he smiled at me while I was busy trying to breathe, "we will give you a chance. Do know that you're not in the clear yet. And if you ever prove to be a threat..."

His smile got bigger and twisted, "I can erase you in less that a second."

The heavy force got lifted and I coughed loudly, struggling to suck in air to fill up my lungs.

"Miss Chaerin! Are you alright?" Jeanne rushed to my side and helped me sit up.

"Jeanne, don't get swayed by your emotions. Owen, I trust you will make the right decision, that's why I'm leaving her to you." the old man grinned widely and finished a whole bottle of whisky. How can he drink that much and still be healthy at that age? And so snarky too, that old man.

"Well, see ya! I've got matters to attend to!" He said cheerfully and he pranced out of the room, followed with the man in a suit.

I glared at the two of them when Jeanne suddenly asked, "was that true, Miss Chaerin? Are you really a prophet?" she rubbed my back as I still try to stabilize my breathing.

"Well, I'm not sure if I should call myself a prophet... But that message wasn't a lie."

"I see... Well, that matter can be discussed later on. Right now, we should focus on helping you get accustomed to this place," she smiled, "honestly, I myself am pretty sure that you're a human just like us."

That was unexpected. She was the one doing double or triple authentication on me earlier...

"I did have my doubts... And I can't say I'm 100% sure too, but you did save one of my men. And I would like to think that someone who risked her life to save another, who's a stranger to her, might be worth trusting." she smiled.

It struck my heart a little bit upon hearing that. I know she doesn't fully trust me, but hearing someone saying that they are willing to trust me despite the risk... It feels new and... warm.

"Yes, general Jeanne is correct, you did save one of our men. For that I must thank you," Owen said to me while squatting in front of me, "you will me under my care from now on. Don't hate me, I'm just doing my job." he smiled for the first time at me.

"I'll be in your care." I smiled back.

...Now I kinda feel bad for lying about that information. There's no such thing as 'extra message'. I know jackshit about the earth's future. I don't even know much about my current situation.

"Oh yeah, should I hit you once more so that you can remember another info?" Owen asked.

"Don't you dare."

-----

The door creaked open as an old man with a beard walked in. Once he's inside the dimly lit room, the door behind him was closed by a man with a suit.

"...Do you believe what she said, headmaster?" the man asked with an unreadable expression.

"Not really," the old man walked towards a huge painting on the side of the wall, "she may be lying, but... She has piqued my interest."

"What do you mean by that, sir?"

The headmaster said nothing and raised his hand. Suddenly, the painting's eyes glowed and the old man walked inside the painting, revealing a hidden tunnel.

"Gabriel, how long has it been since we've heard the word 'earth' being used?" The old man laughed a bit as he walked down the dark tunnel.

"...It has indeed been a while." Gabriel raised his glasses.

"Correct. Ever since 'that day', our ancestors have tried to bury the name 'earth', for it is not as it used to be now. Far different, I daresay," he continued, "that is why we refer to our nation's name, Alistair, instead of saying 'earth'. Maybe because they don't want to admit that 'earth' has changed for the worse, or maybe because they think the world outside of the barrier is no longer 'earth'."

They walked in silence for a bit more until they stumbled upon a big room.

"Whichever one it is, I don't care. I just want to make sure 'this' world is safe. Because for me, 'this earth' is more real than the 'past earth'," he smiled, "anyway, I think that girl do know something that we don't, but we shouldn't carelessly believe every message of her."

"Very well, sir." The man bowed his head.

"Now, Gabriel. Prepare an attack force to get the last remaining serpent soul. It is time."

-----

I grumbled as I sat myself among the soldiers sitting on the bench. It has been around 30 minutes now since I was forced to follow general Owen to the training ground. The Vanguard's training ground is actually quite big and open. It even has rows of stone benches for spectators to watch, although they make my butt hurt.

"Jeanne told me it should be his day off, why did that workaholic old man insist on training his soldiers?" I sighed as I feel my stomach starts to growl.

"Hahahah! General Owen is very passionate about his duty. I think he was quite shocked that our group encountered ice orcs in our last raid, those are quite rare. Oh, and he's on his thirties, I don't think he's an old man yet!" Dmitri laughed while he sat next to me. I wonder how this beary dude can always be so relaxed...

"I understand. I am also very passionate in my duty."

"What is your duty, Chae?"

"Being captured. I haven't even had a lunch break yet from my 'duty' since I woke up. Very passionate." I said sarcastically and laughed.

"Haha, you're right actually! Wanna grab some meal? The canteen is still open at this hour." He offered.

My eyes lit up, "yes! Let's go! Now!" Oh, what I would give for some unhealthy, juicy fried chicken. Hopefully they also got iced tea.

"Then let's--"

"NO." General Owen appeared behind them.

"Ge-general Owen..." Oops.

"I've told you before, Miss Chaerin. Always ask me permission before you go anywhere." He said with his arms crossed.

"Well, will you give me permission?" I looked up.

"No. You can't go."

"And that is exactly why I didn't ask," I sighed, "I don't even have any business here, I've been sitting here watching you train your soldiers for 30 minutes. Those 30 minutes could've been spent eating fried chicken thighs. Tsk tsk." I shook my head.

"Fine. I'll give you business."

"Eh? Uwoahh!?"

'THUD!'

That old man threw me to the training ground. I quickly regained my footing, and stared at him in a mix of bewilderment and disbelief.

"You-- what are you---"

"Everyone, clear the field." General Owen instructed the soldiers as they scattered around. They walked towards the benches while whispering to each other, some laughing, and some look concerned.

"Kim Minjun! Come up here!" Oh, a Korean name. It's the first one I've heard since coming here.

"Yessir~" An easygoing voice came from a tall young man with a black hair and dark brown eyes, just like mine.

General Owen handed him a spear, and Kim Minjun whistled, "thanks, sir!"

"Yoo Chaerin, Kim Minjun, you have one round to fight." Owen stepped back.

"EXCUSE ME?" I turned my head towards Owen and gave him a murderous look.

"Relax, newbie. It's just a daily sparring. Take it easy on me, will you?" Kim Minjun grinned from ear to ear.

Great. This guy is also nuts.

"The rules are as usual. Yoo Chaerin, since you are new, I'll explain the rules. Anything goes, just no killing, and fight until one of you gives up or until I stop the fight. Oh and for you, Yoo Chaerin, you're not allowed to tap out." Owen returned my glare.

I quickly turned to look at Kim Minjun who was standing a few meters in front of me while he stretched his legs.

[Stat points: (Kim Minjun)]

[Strength: 18]

[Intelligence: 10]

[Agility: 15]

[Physique: 15]

He finished his stretching and smiled widely at me, "by the way, nice to meet you~"

"Your battle starts... now!" Owen raised his hand.

...I'm dead.