I Can Only Cultivate In A Game-Chapter 39: I Need To Get Out Of Here

Author's Note: Please read the Author's Note below

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The blaring city-wide alarms echoed across New Avalon, sending a wave of panic through the populace. The high-pitched wails reverberated off the skyscrapers, reminding everyone that something had gone terribly wrong.

The city's automated protection protocols kicked in immediately.

Every building structure across New Avalon began wrapping itself in a metallic, mana-infused outer layer, forming an impenetrable barrier around them.

The transformation was almost instantaneous.

Glass windows were covered by reinforced plating, doors sealed shut, and the entire skyline darkened as protective layers engulfed the tallest structures.

The once lively streets were now lined with hermetically sealed enclosures.

The message was clear:

No one was getting in. No one was getting out.

The city's defenses would only unlock once the emergency was over.

---

At the high school, chaos erupted among the students.

Calls were coming in and many of them picked up to speak to their families and ensure they were somewhere safe.

-"Dad don't worry, the Mana Defense officers will take care of it..."

-"Yes mom I'm fine... the school is sealing up as well."

Victor stood frozen as the walls of the school glowed with a faint blue hue before being encased in a mana-reinforced metal plating.

His pocket was vibrating but at the moment, his attention was elsewhere.

The classroom doors sealed themselves, windows turned opaque, and the entire school was locked down.

"We're stuck in here?!" someone shouted.

Miss Adler turned from her holo-screen with a grave expression.

"Everyone, remain calm!" she ordered. "Until further notice, we are to stay inside. No one leaves."

Danny gritted his teeth. "This is bad."

Max was already pulling up his phone. "Bro, I'm checking the news. What the hell is going on out there?"

Jake looked toward Victor. "You okay, man?"

Victor's heart was thumping rapidly.

His father was out there.

The holo-screen at the front of the class emitted a bright light and a breaking news broadcast began.

A fleet of news drones was flying above New Avalon, transmitting live footage to the public.

The students gathered around with their eyes locked on the screen.

The feed showed teams of Mana Defense Corps officers assembling throughout the city, setting up defensive perimeters.

The entire corps was mobilizing at full strength.

Mages stood ready as their hands glowed with elemental energy.

Berserkers stretched their enhanced muscles, ready to rip into whatever came their way.

Warriors stood in tight formations with modern-crafted swords in their grasp.

Assassins blended into the shadows, waiting for their moment.

Summoners were calling forth beasts of all kinds, forming a line of magical creatures prepared to charge into battle.

The citizens watching the broadcast gasped as they recognized some of the famous Mana Defense Officers among them.

These were the strongest protectors of the city—some of whom had legends built around them.

But as the pressure built up, a horrifying sight appeared on-screen.

From the streets up ahead, figures emerged.

They had massive bodies and walked with unbridled confidence as their very presence radiated heat.

Their skin was like molten rock, blackened and cracked, pulsing with lava-like veins running through them.

Their eyes glowed red, inhuman and fiery, burning like the embers of a dying star.

They were a bunch of Drakenars.

And they were here for war.

The moment the Drakenar stepped forward, the Mana Defense Corps launched into action.

A Berserker roared and his body bulked up as he charged while arching his arm backward. His fists collided with one of the reptilian creatures causing a loud *Thoom* to ring out.

A Warrior unsheathed his blade and engagee a Drakenar head-on causing sparks to fly as metal clashed against pitch black-like flesh.

A Mage lifted her staff, sending a wave of water magic crashing down, but the Drakenar absorbed the attack as steam rose from its molten body. It laughed in response before pouncing at her.

"Shit..." Victor muttered.

These things were strong.

The battle raged on, illuminating the sky with flashes of magic and fire.

For a moment, the students watched in awe.

Then—

A new alert came in.

The news feed updated, displaying a map of the city.

A large red X marked a location near the newly extended barrier.

The announcer's voice trembled as she spoke.

"Breaking news—reports have confirmed that a mining worker accidentally fell through a collapsed section of a cavern at the Molten Wastes Mining Site."

The students paid rapt attention as the news continued.

"It appears that beneath the mine, a hidden network of Drakenar tunnels was discovered—an area the Mana Defense Corps had never cleared. This Drakenar tribe had been living there this entire time—unnoticed, waiting."

The students gasped.

"You're kidding."

"They were under us this whole time?"

Danny clenched his fists. "No wonder they got into the city. They gained access after the barrier was extended."

Victor barely heard them.

His entire body had gone numb.

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'Dad is down there...'

"I need to get out of here."

The words slipped from his mouth before he could stop himself.

Jake turned. "Wait, what?"

Victor stood up abruptly causing his chair scrape against the floor.

Danny grabbed his arm. "Dude, where do you think you're going? The school is sealed off."

Victor's chest tightened.

"But my dad is out there."

Danny's eyes widened slightly.

"...Shit."

Max swallowed hard. "Victor, man... what can you even do? The city's in lockdown. You can't just walk out."

Myriad of thoughts ran through his mind.

He knew he was trapped here, but that didn't change the fact that his father was in danger.

And if there was even the slightest chance he could help—

He would take it.

No matter what it cost.

His pocket buzzed again and it was a call from his mom.

"Yes mom? Are you okay...? Chill, I'm fine I'm in school..."

-"That's a relief. Has the safety protocols around there kicked in?"

"Yes the school is sealed... how about over there?"

-"I'm safe. I was indoors when the emergency sirens started."

"Mom... but dad... he's..."

-"Don't think about that right now honey. Your dad will be alright. I know your father well enough, he will come out of this unharmed."

Victor contemplated telling his mother about his plans to head out but decided to keep quiet after she told him that she was just glad that he was safe.

She kept telling him everything would blow over soon but he could tell that she was only trying to stay strong.

Fortunately, Victor decided to hold off for now and see how things would pan out.