BXBX NOVEL Chapter 361: The Change of the Situation
However, individuals heavily suspicious of the Curtained World faced a different fate. They were subjected to the spell\'s effects, forcibly altering their minds. Those unable to resist found their perceptions manipulated, joining the ranks of the ignorant masses regarding the Curtained World.
For those able to resist, their options were grim. They faced either death or, if fortunate enough to have the protection of a mage, sparing. Alternatively, if they awakened a dormant magic vein within them, they were welcomed into the sanctuary of the Hightower.
All of these events and processes were relayed to Daniel by Envy, who visited him urgently at the Mori Clan Castle in the morning following the previous night\'s chaos.
The moment Daniel heard the news, he felt like he was about to have an aneurysm. The effects of the Grand Alteration spell were profound, capable of subtly altering the fabric of reality itself, albeit within reasonable bounds.
While it couldn\'t conjure something from nothing, the spell could manipulate circumstances to provide a plausible explanation for any anomalies caused by individuals from the Curtained World.
Currently, Daniel sat in the guest room alongside Koyuki and Envy, glued to the news broadcast. They were eager to uncover what had been changed by the spell, particularly regarding the demon invasion and the existence of the hell gate. Daniel doubted that such significant events could be easily concealed.
It was fortunate that the castle boasted a high-end satellite signal receiver, capable of capturing transmissions from around the globe. Daniel had even taken the initiative to enhance its capabilities, ensuring it could pick up signals from virtually anywhere on Earth.
The news broadcast they were tuned into hailed from an American channel headquartered in San Francisco. Renowned for its broad viewership and global influence, this channel was considered a reliable source of information by many around the world.
On the screen, the camera pan over the expansive grounds of the refugee camp, a stark contrast to the once-lively public gathering square not far from the island bridge. Where joyous festivities once filled the air, now stood rows of newly printed tents, their sleek surfaces a testament to modern technology.
These shelters, crafted by nano printers, shimmered under the sun\'s rays, providing a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos.
Amidst the orderly rows of tents, metallic scarabs scurried about, their tiny forms bustling with purpose. These constructor microbots, resembling miniature insects, worked tirelessly to assemble the temporary shelters and also maintain and repair them, their synchronized movements a marvel of engineering ingenuity.
Despite the urgency of their task, a sense of order pervaded the camp. Volunteers moved efficiently among the tents, offering aid and assistance to those in need. Community spaces, erected with the help of the constructor microbots, provided a semblance of normalcy amidst the upheaval.
Yet, beneath the facade of efficiency lay an undercurrent of uncertainty. The refugees, their faces etched with worry, grappled with the reality of their displacement. Each tent, each makeshift shelter, served as a tangible reminder of the upheaval that had befallen them, a stark symbol of the fragility of human existence in the face of adversity.
A solemn air enveloped the reporter as she stood before one of the refugee camps in Sector Alpha City, ready to deliver the latest updates.
"I\'m Sarah Green, reporting from Sector Alpha City, the groundbreaking city-state owned by the Astral Tech Corporation. This refugee camp, generously sponsored by the corporation, showcases the innovative use of technology," Sarah began, directing attention to the sturdy tents behind her, constructed with Astral Tech\'s cutting-edge scarab microbots.
"As you can see, these temporary shelters owe their existence to Astral Tech\'s renowned technological marvel—the scarab microbot—a versatile construction tool," she explained, allowing the camera to capture the scarabs in action before continuing.
"The influx of refugees is a direct result of the recent bio-weapon outbreak in the Tessia Kingdom. Originating beneath the royal palace and royal square, the virus has transformed millions into zombie-like creatures, with some evolving into more menacing forms," Sarah elaborated, her demeanor reflecting the gravity of the situation.
"As the crisis unfolds, refugees continue to stream through the border checkpoints at the island bridge, seeking refuge in Sector Alpha City," she remarked, the scene shifting to the crowded checkpoint, illustrating the mass migration from Tessia.
"Preliminary estimates from Sector Alpha City\'s official data suggest that the refugee count may exceed 10 million, driven by widespread fear of the virus and contaminated water in neighboring regions.
There is currently no information regarding the fate of the Tessia Kingdom\'s royal family," Sarah reported, her words accompanied by aerial footage showcasing the devastation wrought upon the royal palace and surrounding cityscape.
"To address the growing humanitarian crisis, environmental control teams and UN scientists have mobilized to support local authorities. However, shortages of food and essential supplies persist, exacerbated by disrupted trade routes from the mainland," she continued, the camera shifting to capture the bustling activity at the nearby emergency supply depot.
"Relief efforts are underway, with Astral Tech Corporation taking the lead in providing aid to ensure the welfare of the displaced," Sarah concluded before turning her attention to a nearby refugee, poised to capture first hand testimonies of the unfolding tragedy.
"Now, let\'s hear from some of the refugees themselves," she stated, preparing to approach a group of displaced individuals for their perspectives on the ongoing crisis.
Reporter: "Excuse me, sir, may I ask you a few questions about your journey here?"
Refugee 1: "Of course, anything to help. We\'ve been through so much."
Reporter: "Can you tell us about your experience fleeing from the Tessia Kingdom?"
Refugee 1: "It was chaos. People running everywhere, trying to escape the horrors unleashed by that bio-weapon. We were lucky to make it out alive."
Reporter: "And how has life been in the refugee camp here in Sector Alpha City?"
Refugee 1: "It\'s been tough, but we\'re grateful for the shelter and aid provided. Without it, we\'d be lost."
—
Reporter: "Excuse me, sir, may I ask you a few questions about your journey here?"
Refugee 2: "Yeah, go ahead, but don\'t expect me to sugarcoat anything."
Reporter: "Can you tell us about your experience fleeing from the Tessia Kingdom?"
Refugee 2: "Fleeing? More like escaping from that hellhole! Those royal bastards unleashed that bio-weapon on their own people, and we paid the price."
Reporter: "And how has life been in the refugee camp here in Sector Alpha City?"
Refugee 2: "Don\'t even get me started on this so-called \'shelter.\' It\'s just a Band-Aid on a gaping wound. And who do we have to thank for all this misery? Astral Tech! Their damn soldiers were the ones who bombed the lab and destroyed our capital."
—
Reporter: "Ma\'am, may I speak with you for a moment?"
Refugee 3: "Fine, but make it quick."
Reporter: "What compelled you to leave your home and seek refuge here?"
Refugee 3: "We had no choice. Those Astral Tech mercenaries came storming in, guns blazing, destroying everything in their path. We had to run for our lives."
Reporter: "And how do you feel about the assistance you\'ve received in the camp?"
Refugee 3: "Assistance? Ha! More like crumbs thrown to us by the same company that caused all this devastation. They\'re just trying to cover their tracks."
—
Upon hearing the last response, the reporter\'s smile turns bitter before swiftly making her way towards a volunteer this time.
Reporter: "Sir, could you share your thoughts on the recent war and Astral Tech\'s involvement?"
Volunteer 1: "Well, it\'s a complicated situation. On one hand, I understand the need to protect our city from the threat posed by the Tessia Kingdom. Those creatures and the virus could have spread here if action wasn\'t taken. But on the other hand, the military action was drastic, and it led to this influx of refugees. We need to find a balance between security and compassion."
Reporter: "And how do you feel about integrating the refugees into our city?"
Volunteer 1: "It\'s a tough call. Some of them are just innocent people fleeing a disaster, like the guy over there." The volunteer points toward one of the refugees who feel resentment and continue.
"They deserve a chance to rebuild their lives. But we also need to be cautious. We can\'t ignore the potential risks of bringing in so many unknown individuals. It\'s a delicate situation that requires careful consideration."
Reporter: "Thank you for sharing your perspective. Your insight is valuable during these challenging times."
The reporter continued to interview some of the city residents before concluding, "As of right now, we don\'t know how the UN will respond to the actions of the Tessia Kingdom. Will they condemn Astral Tech or the Tessia Kingdom for their reckless experimentation with bio weapons? Please stay tuned to SFN Channel as we bring you the latest updates!" With that, the program shifted to advertisements.
"I\'ve fallen and I can\'t get u..." Daniel quickly changed the channel, only to find similar news reports on several channels.
He felt like he was on the verge of an aneurysm. The truth about the Hightower\'s involvement with the Hellgate, demons, and magic had been replaced by talk of a so-called bio weapon. As for the UN, Daniel couldn\'t shake the feeling that they might be acting on orders from the Hightower to cause trouble for him.