Chapter 22: Into the Lawless Lands

Chapter 22: Chapter 22: Into the Lawless Lands

After what happened.The entire country was screaming.

*"THE FUTURE OF SAN MAGNOLIA IS IN JEOPARDY"*

*"IF THIS CONTINUES, WHAT’S THE POINT OF GOOD DEEDERS?"*

*"A 13 YEAR OLD TOPPLED ANGEL??"*

Headlines. News. Comments where everywhere.

Morgan Liues and the purple-haired boy were now the most wanted faces in the nation.

On national TV, Dr. Varn sat stiff in a suit. Agnes stood behind him like a shadow completely motionless.

"Nice to have you today, Commissioner," the reporter said. Smiling. "How’s Angel recovering from his previous battle?"

"Angel is recovering," Varn said. "And the Safety Commission will do whatever it takes to find that boy."

"You better," the reporter said. Her smile didn’t reach her eyes. Her voice was sharp too

"There were a lot of casualties. And to think a mere 13-year-old boy toppled our strongest Good Deeder... I’m afraid I no longer trust the Commission. Or your hero rankings."

Varn’s brows furrowed. He forced a smile.

"The Safety Commission will take full responsibility—"

"Taking responsibility doesn’t bring back the dead," the reporter cut in. Still smiling.

"One of our viewers wrote that."

Agnes’ hand twitched violently, the shape of her scythe was starting to form. But Varn raised his hand, gesturing her to stop

But After the interview, it got worse.

People started digging.

Morgan Liues. Son of Liues Martell.

The Martell name, who where the owners of the Starry Group. And to think the son of such a prestigious family became a calamity? No hell the The public would not let it slide.

And just like Morgan vanished...

So did Liues.

So did Angel.

Gone from society.

No one knew who Agnes was. But everyone whispered about her.

The Berserker Calamity of Chaos.

---

In an old, rotting hut far from the city in the woods.

Three elderly men sat on wooden chairs.

Liues stood before them. Like a child.

The eldest amongst them, who is in the middle chair slammed his cane.

"What do you have to say for yourself? Huh?"

"This is a disgrace."

" Grand Father—"

"I told you not to marry that woman! I told you!"

Martell’s voice shook the walls. "I built this family on respect for decades! Liues, don’t you dare break that respect!"

"I’m sorry, Grand Father..."

"We will take matters into our own hands," the Martell said. "Morgan must die."

Liues raised his head. He wanted to argue, but it was really pointless so he just bent his head again.

"Yes, Father..."

He turned and walked out.

---

Dr. Varn walked down a long hallway. Agnes beside him.

At the end, a door pulsed with low, humming energy. When they opened it.

Inside, Angel lay on a white bed.

His holy aura was gone, one of his wings cut off.

Naked, covered only by his uninjured feathers. He was Breathing ragged. Like a dying animal.

His eyes barely open.

"Oh, Angel... what have you done to yourself?" Varn knelt beside him.

"I have to break the vacuum..." Angel whispered. "I have to achieve the Sixth Wave first."

"But you’re far too injured. You’re completely out of mana."

"I’ve never been pushed to my limits before..." Angel coughed. "This is the best opportunity. But I need more mana..."

"We’ll see that you get it," Varn said softly. "But for now, don’t push yourself.

You’re the baby of the Safety Commission. We can’t afford to lose you."

Angel managed a weak smile. Then his eyes closed.

---

Amidst trees. Dirt and wild animals.

A purple smoke screen flared.

BLERGH!!

Morgan hit the ground vomiting blood.

His white, ash-like hair was slowly turning green at the roots.

[ FIFTH WAVE: REAPER MODE - DEMO FINISHED ]

He was too dizzy to read the system. He just lay there.

The purple-haired boy stood up, steadying himself.

"We need to get out of here."

Then he turned and saw Morgan.

Tears cutting down his dirty face. Sobbing.

"M... mom. Devil. Eleven. Juda. Shei.

I’m so sorry."

Morgan slammed his fist into the ground.

"I’m sooo—"

"Morgan," Luke said. "We don’t have time. The Uncleans are coming out. Heroes are searching for us."

"How... how do you know me?"

"Now’s not the time for questions."

"I’m not going with you unless you tell me something!"

Luke sighed. He looked at Morgan.

"My name is Luke. A born Calamity.

And you’ll get used to this, I promise.

But it really doesn’t get any better.

Now... we have to go."

They weren’t far from the city walls.

Giant ad screens lit up the dystopian skyline.

Morgan’s face. Luke’s face.

BOUNTY POSTED.

Morgan’s heart sank.

"There’s nowhere to go... look at the bounty. No one will take us in."

"We’re not staying here," Luke said.

"We’re going to the Lawless Lands."

"What?" Morgan stared. Genuinely shocked.