Chapter 128: Ashes and Absence
Deep beneath the Earth Domain, nestled in ancient foundations that hadn’t seen use since their creation, the bunkers rumbled with restrained breath.
Carved into the bedrock and reinforced with powerful enchantments, these structures had been constructed during the early rise of the Earth Clan—designed not as homes but as last-resort sanctuaries. For decades, they’d remained untouched, forgotten by most. But not anymore.
Now, more than 80% of the continent’s civilian population huddled inside them—mothers clutching their children, elders gripping prayer beads, and families trying to stay calm as the world above trembled.
It had been Thutmose’s order. When he realized the tides of battle would shift into something far more destructive, he issued the command to all lesser and intermediate clans: Evacuate the civilians. Move them into the bunkers immediately. There’s no more time to debate.
And for once, no one questioned him.
Twenty percent of the continent’s population remained above—those powerful enough to hold weapons and stand against the never-ending beast tide. But the rest had only one job: survive.
The bunkers were divided by region, each housing tens of thousands, if not more. Advanced-ranked guards patrolled every corridor, silent and cold-eyed. At every checkpoint, an elite-ranked leader stood ready, ensuring no disorder broke the fragile order.
On the first day, silence reigned. Fear was a stronger chain than iron.
But silence did not last forever.
In one of the eastern bunkers, an argument had flared up—a man furious over rationed water, convinced he was being denied his share. He had shouted, pushed one of the volunteers, and reached for the knife hidden under his shirt.
He didn’t finish the motion.