The Extra's Odyssey

Aether caused great damage to Earth and the lives living on it when it first came. The First Great Disaster surpassed any and all kinds of natural disasters seen in the past.

Nevertheless, it also brought life.

Animals evolved, the genetic codes of survivors strengthened, life expectancy grew, biodiversity increased by many folds, and life was birthed and thrived at places where it was impossible before.

Antarctica. The only continent where humans couldn't live changed completely.

With this emerged 7 leaders, each belonging to one continent, to discuss matters revolving around the survival of humanity.

Although, 3 of the 7 continents had been left uninhabitable, thanks to the Second Great Disaster. The tradition of 7 world leaders continued.

The 7 Councilmen

They were the 7 leaders of Gia, the central government that was the unified humanity front to combat invading forces and ensure humanity's survival as its top priority.

It could be said their authority was second only to Pioneers and a few special individuals.

"Huntress, we hope that you know why you have been called here."

In a dark room spoke one of the 7 holograms with a young woman, seemingly in her early 20s, standing between them.

"I don't, actually. Can someone shed the light as to why I was called from the middle of my job?"

"What is this insolent way of speaking to the 7 couc-"

"It's alright, 2nd Councilman. I'll explain the matters to Huntress." The hologram of what seemed to be a buxom lady interrupted the 2nd Councilman and turned to Huntress.

"Recently, all the servers belonging to Gia were hacked-which is an immediate death sentence, mind you-and the hacker belongs to your unit, Huntress." The lady spoke in her characteristic sweet voice. "Not only that, the traitor seemed to have caused-or at least has hands in-what could very well spell the doom of humanity."

A massive hologram of a tree appeared in the background.

"Since you were busy doing 'your job', I'll believe that you know the possible consequences of Yggdrasil and jump directly to the newest findings."

Huntress clicked her tongue inwardly. She could tell that the councilmen had an objective in calling her despite the urgent situation, but it seemed she had to listen to their ramblings first.

"Ignoring the social and religious implications of Yggdrasil, the biggest issue is 'Impact'."

A new hologram popped up.

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Code Name: Impact

We have identified that the foreign object that appeared over the Indian Ocean is, in fact, not a tree, but a living being.

Its roots – as we are calling them – are burrowing themselves deeper into Earth. With the latest finding, it has been confirmed that the roots are moving towards Earth's core.

Moreover, Yggdrasil has already killed 1 Gamma-ranker, 5 Hatamoto-rankers, 345 Tesla-rankers, and countless Stage-1 awakeners.

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"This is troublesome." Gwen muttered to herself. "A Lieutenant General died."

Trees are generally categorized as living beings, but specifically adding that in the report did not bode well. The next lines proved her to be true.

"Frontlines are going to be affected badly."

Pioneers were tactical weapons of humanity that could change the tides of battles single-handedly. They needed to be in their top condition in case an emergency arises and thus rarely entered the battlefields.

The main fighting units consisted of Gamma-rankers and Hatamoto-rankers. From Tesla-rank, every awakener was an indispensable unit on frontlines. The casualty caused by Yggdrasil was by no means small.

Unfortunately, it was only the beginning of bad news.

The report on 'Impact' continued.

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The rapid rise in Aether levels is forcefully increasing Earth's Stage causing geography to undergo substantial changes.

The tectonic plates are shifting rapidly.

The latest reports suggest that the Continents are moving. In a few weeks at the latest, the continents will converge at the area with the highest concentration of Aether on Earth: Bermuda Island.

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"What the….?"

Her eyes shook at the implications this would bring.

"So you do understand, Huntress." The buxom lady gave a pretentious smile. "Earthquakes are the least of our problems. Three of the converging continents are overflowing with beasts, and the fact that the continents are converging at Bermuda Island, of all places, is more threatening."

"Bermuda Island is an artificial island created from the spears used by Magi Roy to close the Gate of Hell."

Huntress expression worsened when she understood the point councilman was trying to get at.

"Unlike other Gates –– Gate of Jungle, Gate of Brawl, and Gate of Inferno –– Spatial Interference devices cannot and have not been installed on Gate of Hell."

The Underworld was inside Bermuda island, not because it was fancy but because it was the first line of defense if the Gate of Hell ever reopens, the 2nd line of defense being Ward and the Families that live on the top of the island.

"Aether currents circulating over a planet move and intersect at the places where life exists. Law of Evolution. As Aether gathers at those places, it pushes the evolution of life further."

"There is a high chance of Gate of Hell's reopening thanks to the increase in Aether that is going to occur once the continents merge."

Taking a deep breath, the buxom lady spoke grimly.

"It is not wrong to say: If nothing is done, Earth is done for."

Huntress closed her eyes. Countless thoughts moved through her head within a few seconds, and she reopened them.

"Why have I been called here?"

The buxom lady smiled again. "Gia will be announcing the existence of Goliaths to the world. In other words…."

"We are the scapegoats of you Councilmen."

Clap–– Clap–– Clap––

"Hahahaha, I wouldn't call Goliaths scapegoats." The Councilmen guffawed. "Your Unit has served Gia unconditionally since the beginning, we would never do something like that. We are only revealing your existence. After all, all of this is indeed happening because of Techno, a member of your unit."

'This was why Techno's affiliation was written in Aegis' reports.' Huntress gnashed her teeth.

"Why? We did every task given to us no matter what it was, and now we are being discarded?"