John's eyes widened as he read the message on his communication tool: "WE NEED YOU AT THE CITY GATE IMMEDIATELY". Confusion etched on his face, he turned to Osa. "What's going on? What's happening at the city gate?"
Osa's expression was grim. "That's what I've been trying to tell you, John. The city is under attack. Those creatures I told you about? They're heading straight for us. We need to get everyone out of here, now."
John's skepticism was evident. "But... but this doesn't make sense. The chief guard would have alerted us if there was a threat. And what's with your eyes? And your hair... it's... it's red."
Osa's patience was wearing thin. "John, listen to me. There's no time to explain. We need to move, now. Trust me, please."
"What's going on?" John asked, his eyebrow raised in skepticism.
"Beasts are coming to our city, and there are many of them," Osa answered urgently.
John's expression turned from skepticism to disbelief. "Beasts? But there's nothing like that in this country."
"But I've seen them, John," Osa insisted. "They're like possessed hybrids, with the appearance of bats, but huge - about four meters tall. And the leader... it's over ten meters tall."
John's terror finally got the better of him, and he dashed out of the orphanage building. Outside, he was met with chaos - people running and pointing towards the city gate, trying to make sense of the commotion. Without hesitation, John joined the crowd, heading towards the gate to see what was happening.
Just as he was getting close, a strong hand grabbed his shoulder from behind. John spun around, startled, and was shocked to see Osa standing behind him, his grip firm.
John's eyes widened in astonishment as he tried to wriggle free, but Osa's grip was unyielding. It was as if Osa had transformed into an immovable boulder, rendering John's struggles futile. John's mind raced with wonder, trying to comprehend the extent of Osa's strength. How could Osa possibly overpower him like this? It was as if Osa had tapped into a hidden reserve of power, something that defied explanation. John's shock and disbelief could only manifest as a questioning gaze, his eyes locked onto Osa's, searching for answers.
"John, I know you have a lot of questions, but now is not the time," Osa urged, his eyes scanning the surroundings. "I promise to explain everything later, but we need to stay here. Those creatures are too numerous, they number in the hundreds."
John took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves. He was about to ask where the creatures came from when a greenish substance, like a bullet, flew past them and hit a car a few meters away. The vehicle instantly dissolved into a pool of molten metal, sending a wave of terror through John's body.
"What was that?!" John exclaimed, his voice shaking.
"It's their weapon," Osa replied grimly. "We need to get back inside, now."
Without hesitation, Osa pulled John back towards the orphanage building, as the sound of more greenish projectiles filled the air, destroying everything in their path.
Terrified by this unexpected development, John could only swallow back his questions and listen to Osa as they ran back into the building. They unexpectedly bumped into Mrs. Rose at the entrance, who was about to step out.
"Where are you going?" Osa asked, his breathing rapid.
"I'm going out to check what the commotion is about," Mrs. Rose answered, surprise etched on her face as she took in Osa's presence. "How did you get here? I thought you were supposed to be in the South District."
"I decided to come back home because of what happened there," Osa replied, his expression grave.
John cut in, his voice urgent and fearful. "Mrs. Rose, you can't leave this building! Tell everyone to come downstairs, now! I mean, with the kids!"
Mrs. Rose's expression changed from confusion to alarm. "What's going on, John? You're scaring me. What's happening outside?"
John's eyes darted towards Osa, then back to Mrs. Rose. "Just trust me, please. We need to get everyone to safety, now!"
"This city is under attack by strange creatures, hundreds of them!" John exclaimed, pleading with Mrs. Rose to gather everyone. "Please, we need to get everyone to safety!"
But Osa suddenly intervened, "I don't think it's a good idea to leave this building, John."
John's eyes widened in dread. "Why? What do you mean?"
Osa's expression turned grim. "Because there are more of those creatures in this district now. Some are even heading towards the South District."
John and Mrs. Rose exclaimed in unison, "What?!"
Osa continued, "We need to gather everyone and hide until they leave. If they're not sent, that is. If they are, our goal will be to survive until help arrives from the central capital."
John's frustration boiled over. "Sent? How can they be sent? And by who?" he asked, his voice laced with disbelief.
Osa's calm demeanor stood in contrast to John's growing anxiety. "Let's focus on getting everyone to safety, John.
Everything Osa knew, he had learned from Dean. Dean had also warned him that the creatures were heading towards the South District, and advised him to stay away. Now, Osa urgently asked Dean, "What should I do now?"
Dean's response was laced with regret. "I can't come out and help you, Osa. The Gods have already sensed my presence and are searching for me everywhere. I can sense a few of them on this planet. If I appear, they'll immediately lock onto my location."
Dean's circumstances were dire, but he continued to guide Osa. "Ask Mrs. Rose where the secret passage in the store room leads to," he instructed.
Osa turned to Mrs. Rose and asked, "Is there a secret passage in this building?"
Mrs. Rose hesitated before answering, "Yes, there is one in the store room."
"Where does it lead to?" Osa asked, his eyes locked onto Mrs. Rose.
"It leads to all parts of the city," Mrs. Rose replied, her voice steady. "The founders of this orphanage, who were hybrids, created those tunnels."
Without hesitation, Osa asked Mrs. Rose to lead everyone to the secret passage. Fortunately, the orphanage had a small population of only about fifty individuals, which made it easier to coordinate everyone. John's efficiency also helped, and they were able to gather everyone quickly.
Just as they were about to enter the tunnel, a loud bang shook the foundation of the four-story building. The sound was followed by a greenish substance that started corroding the roof, raining down inside the building. The sudden attack sent everyone into a panic.