End of Days Game: I'm the Only One Who Can See the Hidden Cues

When Jeremy and Ritchie arrived at the outskirts of Valley City, the sun had yet to rise. The soldiers stationed along the defensive lines on both sides of the city were still on high alert.

As soon as they spotted Jeremy and Ritchie, the soldiers immediately braced themselves for a potential confrontation.

"Who are you two? Don't come any closer! If you keep moving forward, don't blame us for being harsh!" one of the soldiers shouted loudly at Jeremy and Ritchie.

Though the soldier could clearly tell that Jeremy and Ritchie were both human, the arrival of the Apocalypse Game had led to the rise of creatures capable of assuming human forms.

Jeremy and Ritchie didn't take another step forward. While they could easily defeat the soldiers they encountered, both of them knew that once they engaged in combat, the situation would spiral out of control, and there would be no way to salvage it.

"We're humans! And we're also Apocalypse Game players! We came here just to seek temporary refuge! We were originally heading to the capital, but on the way, we ran into some extremely powerful monsters," Jeremy explained as he stepped forward, pulling out his identification.

Before they left Moonlight City, Liam had specifically given Jeremy an identification pass. This pass not only confirmed that Jeremy was a player in the Apocalypse Game, but also validated that he had permission from Moonlight City to be traveling.

Since the sun hadn't yet risen, the soldiers defending Valley City couldn't immediately make out the details on the identification Jeremy presented. They sent one of their men to inspect it more closely.

The soldier took a good look at the identification and then turned back to report, "Confirmed! The pass he holds is indeed issued by Moonlight City, and he is definitely an Apocalypse Game player."

Upon hearing this, the soldiers on the defense line exchanged words for a moment before the gates to the city slowly opened.

Finally, Jeremy and Ritchie were allowed to enter Valley City.

Once they passed through the gates, they were greeted by the true sight of Valley City.

Protected by the defensive positions along the canyon's edges, Valley City was still bustling and vibrant. The city's urban area had remained completely intact, unaffected by the chaos brought on by the Apocalypse Game.

What's more, due to the unique geography of Hale Valley itself, there were no instances, or other game-related anomalies, within the urban area of Valley City.

Seeing the thriving city, Jeremy couldn't help but let out a deep sigh.

"If every city could be as fortunate as Valley City, that would be great."Nôv(el)B\\jnn

"Valley City wasn't as lucky as you might think. When the apocalypse game first arrived, Valley City also faced attacks from monsters. The soldiers within the city fought with all their might to drive the monsters back."

A major approached Jeremy and, with a smile, spoke to him.

Jeremy felt that this major seemed very familiar, but he couldn't quite remember who he was.

"Don't you remember me? Back in the capital, we fought side by side. We even entered the same instance. It was in that instance that you saved me."

The major smiled as he spoke.

Although Jeremy didn't recall him, it wasn't something that bothered him too much. After all, from the major's perspective, Jeremy's strength far surpassed his own. Jeremy had undoubtedly experienced much more than he had, so it made sense that he wouldn't remember him.

Jeremy felt a bit embarrassed.

"I still don't remember you. Could you give me a hint?" Jeremy asked, apologetically.

"Actually, there's no need to apologize. Although we fought side by side, I never told you my name. You can just call me Joseph, or Major Joseph."

Joseph introduced himself. "I'm a level 47 apocalypse game player. In about half a month, I should be able to level up to 50, and at that point, I'll be able to unlock my Awakening Instance."

Jeremy smiled and nodded.

Joseph's strength wasn't particularly remarkable, but he was certainly capable of keeping up with the first tier. After all, players as strong as Jeremy and Ritchie were in the minority.

"Why are you here?" Joseph asked, his curiosity evident. "I thought you were in the capital. The situation in the capital is dire, so someone like you should be staying there."

Joseph directly asked the question that had been on his mind since he first recognized Jeremy. He had kept quiet at first, but now, he couldn't help but inquire.

Joseph was puzzled by Jeremy's presence in Valley City.

Jeremy carefully explained the events he and Ritchie had gone through. However, he only mentioned their battle with the Moon Messenger; he obviously wouldn't bring up the conflict with Kean.

After hearing the explanation, Major Joseph let out a sigh of relief.

"Good thing you were able to explain yourself clearly. If you hadn't, I might've had no choice but to throw you into the Valley City prison. Recently, we've been dealing with a lot of monsters disguised as humans. It's gotten to the point where I can't even trust other humans who arrive at night."

Joseph said, reflecting on the situation.

Upon hearing this, Jeremy and Ritchie exchanged confused looks.

They had never encountered such monsters before.

"So, Valley City has faced many monsters disguised as humans? We've never come across anything like that elsewhere."

"Yes! I don't know why you two haven't encountered them. I've only worked with you once, and that was the only mission I had in the capital. After completing that mission, I returned to Valley City. Though there are no instances within Valley City itself, there are always humanoid monsters roaming around the outskirts. These humanoid creatures have posed a significant threat to Valley City.

At first, we had no idea how to deal with these creatures. But now that you're here, I feel like we can finally eliminate all the roaming humanoid monsters outside Valley City."

Major Joseph's idea was simple. He believed that since Jeremy had arrived, it was only natural for him to help Valley City deal with the threat.

Jeremy hesitated slightly.

He and Ritchie had planned to get to the capital as quickly as possible. There were many matters awaiting them there. If they delayed in Valley City, they might not be able to complete their plans.

Clues related to the permafrost ice were hard to come by.

Jeremy's face showed a hint of indecision.

Major Joseph noticed this and switched to a gentler tone.

"If you're unwilling to help us, that's perfectly fine. After all, this is a problem that Valley City is facing on its own. If you want to leave, you can do so now. However, if you'd like to rest in Valley City for a while, I can arrange accommodation for you. There are plenty of vacant inns here."

Major Joseph spoke with genuine sincerity.

Jeremy didn't immediately agree; he felt that he needed some time to think things over.

"My companion and I have encountered some dangers, and we do need to rest. We'll stay in Valley City for at least two days, and during that time, I'll consider your proposal carefully. If we believe that working with you will help eliminate the monsters threatening Valley City quickly, we will, of course, be willing to offer our help."

Jeremy's response made Major Joseph very pleased. He nodded eagerly.

"Alright then, I'll prepare a place for you to rest immediately. You can take these two days to think things over. I'm sure you'll decide to stay and help me."

With that, Major Joseph led his subordinates to escort Jeremy and Ritchie into the urban area of Valley City.

As they moved through the streets of Valley City, both Jeremy and Ritchie were amazed by the city's prosperity. The urban area of Valley City was even more bustling than the capital.

Although the capital had more impressive buildings and a large number of influential figures, those influential people were constantly at risk.

In contrast, the ordinary people in Valley City seemed to live very peaceful lives. They appeared to be completely unaffected by any threats.

"The ordinary citizens don't know about the danger posed by the humanoid monsters," Major Joseph explained. "Valley City is home to a lot of military-industrial enterprises. After the apocalypse game began, the weapons produced by these companies became crucial to humanity's survival.

That's why we've kept the threat of the humanoid monsters in Valley City under wraps. But if these humanoid monsters continue to multiply, sooner or later, the ordinary people will find out."

Jeremy and Ritchie naturally understood Major Joseph's explanation.

It wasn't a good thing for ordinary people to know too much, especially after the apocalypse game began.

In reality, ordinary people could only rely on the protection of apocalypse game players. All they could do was produce weapons in the military factories.

It was far better to allow these ordinary citizens to live in peace, without the burden of knowing too much.