Apocalypse: System of lotteries



The deck was stained as the octopus-faced being spewed ink. Ming's revolving chainsaw hung in the air. This ink... could it be useful in the future? Perhaps as a dye or ink substitute?

It seemed to hold some potential value, and Ming was not one to waste anything valuable.

The onlookers aboard the vessel hesitated upon seeing Ming cease his attack. Why didn't he deliver the final blow? Was he showing mercy? Could it be an octopus to produce ink had earned it a reprieve?

Ming turned to the Black-haired Pig Demon. "Do you want this octopus? Perhaps as a servant?"

The Black-haired Pig Demon approached, lifting the octopus-faced being by its tentacles. "Why not? It could be useful to vent frustration once in a while. After all, it seems resilient."

"Just ensure you don't waste the ink when you do."

"Understood."

"Alright, everyone, return to your duties. Red Horse, come and hang these dried fish back up."

At Ming's command, the crew dispersed, returning to their stations. The decision not to kill the octopus-faced being was simple: it was too weak. Ming could not have such a frail creature among his ranks. Moreover, harboring resentment was not solely his responsibility.

He hoped that the Black-haired Pig Demon would evolve a talent similar to Raoul's, which could bypass certain boss-level restrictions. This would free up a puppet slot and give him a subordinate like Raoul or Frank, who wouldn't occupy a critical slot.

As for the octopus-faced being, Ming knew from a young age never to blindly trust others, especially when the other party wasn't human and was known to renege on promises. The evolution he sought depended on specific conditions.

Moments later, as the octopus-faced being spewed ink upfront, the Black-haired Pig Demon used it to pen messages:

[Care for the dried fish, it's everyone's duty.]

[Every fish in the sea, the boss painstakingly dries.]

[Cause destruction, and the boss will slay without hesitation.]

[...]

Octopus Face twisted its tentacles, visibly irritated at the Black-haired Pig Demon. "You were supposed to write a warning, not poetry! Do you think my ink is unlimited?"

Red Horse Knight, busy hanging dried fish nearby, quickly kicked Octopus Face when Ming wasn't looking. The creature let out a pained yelp and spat out more ink. "Why did you kick me?"

Red Horse Knight feigned innocence. "I was just helping you produce more ink. Did I do something wrong?"

The Black-haired Pig Demon glared at Red Horse Knight. "Red, don't get involved."

The knight stepped back, replying formally, "Please don't call me 'Red.' Thank you."

As night fell, Ming stood in the command room of the aircraft carrier, examining the fighter jets on deck. The good news was that the aircraft were operational. The bad news? They were powered by spiritual energy.

From Octopus Face, Ming learned that many humans were trapped on a mountain range. The plan was to bombard and storm the mountain, capturing the humans to serve the sea god.

Ming, curious, turned to the siren beside him. "Becoming servants of the sea god means they must live underwater, right? Explain more. Don't hold back."

The siren answered, "Once they submit to the great... Poseidon, they undergo transformations. Some become Naga-like sea creatures, some look like Octopus Face, and others mutate differently. It largely depends on their fate."

Ming shifted his gaze to see the Black-haired Pig Demon drying fresh fish and writing slogans on the deck. "Why force them underwater? It's not even aesthetically pleasing to have everyone look like Octopus Face."

The siren replied, "Because the ocean isn't just Poseidon's domain."

Ming rested in the captain's quarters as the fleet continued its voyage, which, to his surprise, was quite comfortable. A private room with a single bed.

Ding~ Title earned: 49001.

Ding~ Broken bowl, one item.

Ming immediately retrieved it. After days of sailing, the moment he most anticipated was now.

Item viewed: A Tattered Diary.

[February 10: Today's work proved challenging. Perhaps it's the emptiness inside? Is this the sensation of a broken heart? It feels like a void, unfillable and overwhelming.]

[February 15: I've used work to numb the pain, toiling day and night. I aim to let my job consume my heart. To pause means confronting that emptiness.]

[February 28: Today was unforgettable, highlighting the world's cruel inequities. Someone else's mistake weighed upon my shoulders. Is true fairness that elusive?]

[March 1: I can't bear this life any longer. Yet, for the sake of survival and money, I endure. ]

[March 3: Today, I saw the harsh truth. My efforts seem futile. I've chosen to leave to explore the world. Yes, I yearn to travel, to escape. I want to visit a place close to the heavens.]

[March 5: Today, I didn't ask for leave. I've released myself, embarking on this journey without formal notice. It isn't truancy; it's a return to freedom.]

[March 15: Alas, my motorcycle's tire burst in a lonely place. After replacing the tire, the man claimed there was an engine issue. I asked him to fix it. Then, he cited an electrical fault. I persisted. But facing those three intimidating men, I felt I had no choice. I hoped this journey would bring peace. Yet, it only amplified my despair. What had I done in my past life to deserve such torment?]

[March 28: Amidst the boundless wilderness, I watched as both A and B drained their last ounce of energy. I lay silently... never to rise, never to struggle again... Farewell... world... farewell...]

"..."

Ming closed the diary and set it beside him on the bed. Lying back, he stared at the ceiling. Was this it? Was this how one's life just... ended?

Sleep evaded Ming as he pondered. Janice had passed, and both A and B were drained of power. What then had become of this world?

Damn!

[Your Da Vinci, resting against your chest, whispered, "Ming, it's time to sleep. You've spent so many nights studying. Surely, there are no more tests now?"]

[Your Foodie chirped softly, "Ming, shall I sing you a lullaby?"]

[Napoleon, your pet, glanced at Foodie, "Stop chirping. It's too noisy!"]

[Your Merlin, nestled at your neck, murmured, "A new potion to aid sleep."]

"ZZZZZZZ~"