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

Although Jeremy felt that there was something odd about Major Joseph's shadow, he didn't directly bring it up.

Jeremy believed that everyone inevitably carried some secrets.

As long as a person's secrets didn't affect him, Jeremy had no inclination to probe into them.

Lowering his voice, Jeremy spoke to Ritchie, "Have you noticed anything unusual about Major Joseph?"

Ritchie looked up in surprise at the question.

"What do you mean? Are you saying Major Joseph's actions are strange?" Ritchie asked cautiously, scanning their surroundings in a low voice.

"That's not exactly what I mean," Jeremy replied just as softly. "I just think there's something off about his shadow."

"You are quite familiar with shadows. If there really was an issue with Major Joseph's shadow, you would have noticed it, right? Since you haven't, it likely means there's nothing wrong with it. Maybe I'm just overthinking things," Jeremy muttered to himself.

Ritchie didn't offer any response.

Instead, he furrowed his brows and began to think.

Ritchie hadn't noticed any problems with Major Joseph's shadow.

However, that didn't mean Ritchie believed Major Joseph was entirely without issue.

Even though Ritchie possessed shadow manipulation abilities, using them effectively required him to maintain a high level of mental focus.

The first time he encountered Major Joseph, Ritchie had been utterly exhausted.

In that state, it had been impossible for him to concentrate properly.

The second time he met Major Joseph, both Ritchie and Jeremy had received a shocking piece of news—the Moon Envoys were preparing a massive assault on Valley City.

The gravity of that revelation had left Ritchie deeply unsettled.

Consequently, he hadn't been able to focus his mind on observing Major Joseph either.

After arriving at the defensive perimeter outside Valley City, Ritchie's attention had been entirely occupied with the preparations for the fortifications. Naturally, he had no opportunity to scrutinize Major Joseph's shadow.

Jeremy noticed Ritchie's momentary hesitation.

But now wasn't the time for prolonged discussion.

Both Jeremy and Ritchie needed to be fully prepared for the impending battle.

Even if Major Joseph did have some secrets, Ritchie and Jeremy could only wait until after the battle to investigate them.

While Ritchie and Jeremy prepared for the upcoming fight, the vehicle carrying Major Joseph finally arrived at Valley City's City Hall.

The mayor, who had already been briefed over the phone, hurried to the entrance to greet Major Joseph.

"What's going on here? Since the apocalypse game descended, Valley City has never encountered such a large number of monsters. Are all these creatures here because of those two intruders?"

The mayor sounded slightly irritated, immediately shifting the blame onto Jeremy and Ritchie.

Although he was trying to deflect responsibility, his guess was, in fact, correct.

The monsters outside Valley City had indeed been brought by Jeremy and Ritchie.

However, Major Joseph was unaware of this, and it was clear that he sided with Jeremy and Ritchie.

"Mr. Mayor," Major Joseph quickly countered, "I don't think your assumption holds any weight. Jeremy and Ritchie were simply passing through Valley City on their way to the capital. How could they possibly attract such a large number of monsters?

"Besides, do you think they could have escaped unscathed from so many creatures? These monsters are extremely high-level.

"Even if Jeremy and Ritchie are awakened apocalypse game players, it's impossible for them to confront such a horde of high-level monsters."

Major Joseph's reasoning was sound, leaving the mayor with no immediate rebuttal.

However, this only made the mayor even more agitated.

"Then what do you suggest we do? If even those two can't handle the monsters, do you really think adding your forces will make a difference?

"Are you trying to tell me that we should evacuate everyone? Should we just give up on Valley City, a major metropolis, without a fight?

"The military headquarters and the federal leadership would never allow it! You know full well that our duty here is to ensure Valley City's survival!"

By the time the mayor finished speaking, his voice had risen to a near roar.

At that moment, an elderly voice spoke from behind the mayor.

"Stop arguing! Fighting here won't do anything to solve the crisis we're facing," an elderly man with snow-white hair said as he walked out of City Hall.

The elderly man was the Speaker of the City Council.

Although he had long sought to wrest more power from both the mayor and Major Joseph, on the surface, he still aimed to maintain a harmonious relationship between the three of them.

The mayor snorted coldly but chose to remain silent.

Major Joseph quickly spoke up.

"You're absolutely right. In our current situation, we need unity more than ever! Valley City is under a grave threat, and we must stand together to confront it. I came here to discuss our strategy with you."

"In that case, let's move inside quickly. According to the intelligence you've provided, those monsters are only a few hours away from Valley City," the Speaker said in a measured tone.

The three of them soon entered the main hall of City Hall.

The mayor, his expression still somewhat hostile, turned to Major Joseph and asked, "What resources do you need? I'll send all my men to assist you. Whatever you need to defeat those monsters, just say the word, and I'll make it happen."

The Speaker of the City Council immediately chimed in as well.

"The City Council will provide its support too. As long as we can keep the monsters outside the city walls, we will spare no effort."n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

It was evident that neither of them fully grasped the severity of the situation.

They seemed to believe that the monsters were simply strong but still within the realm of being repelled.

Major Joseph let out a bitter smile and said, "I came here to request that you call for reinforcements from the capital. We need more powerful apocalypse game players if we're to ensure Valley City's safety. Alternatively, if you can summon more soldiers, that would also help."

As soon as Major Joseph finished speaking, both the mayor and the Speaker hesitated, their expressions shifting to uncertainty.

The mayor, barely containing his anger, looked as if he might erupt at any moment.

The mayor stood up abruptly and berated Major Joseph.

"If I could bring in stronger apocalypse game players from the capital, do you think I'd still be wasting my time here with you? Don't you realize that after the capital was put in danger, all high-level apocalypse game players were summoned there?

"And as for soldiers—don't even think about it! Military headquarters has already deployed nearly all its elite forces to the capital! Do you think a mere mayor like me can influence the decisions of military headquarters?"

It was obvious that the mayor's words were driven by frustration.

What he said contributed nothing toward solving the current crisis.

The Speaker of the City Council coughed twice, drawing attention to himself.

"What you're saying might be true, but now is not the time for arguing," he said firmly before turning his gaze to Major Joseph.

"The mayor isn't wrong. We have no way of securing more external support. Can't you manage to repel those monsters with the resources we already have?

"We're not asking you to eliminate all of them. You just need to drive them back. That doesn't seem like an impossible task, does it?"

Major Joseph's expression grew even more grim.

"That task is incredibly difficult, but I'll do everything I can. That's precisely why I sought Jeremy and Ritchie's help. With their assistance, there's about a fifty percent chance of success."

Joseph's answer left both the mayor and the Speaker visibly stunned.

"Only a fifty percent chance of success?" The mayor frowned deeply and pressed further. "Why is the chance of success so low? Didn't you tell us before that Jeremy and Ritchie are incredibly powerful apocalypse game players? Are they really unable to handle the monsters we're facing?"

The Speaker said nothing, choosing instead to wait for Major Joseph's response.

Major Joseph nodded.

"Jeremy and Ritchie are indeed very powerful. However, the threat we're facing this time in Valley City is equally immense. A single monster can be easily defeated.

But the crisis Valley City is facing isn't caused by just one monster. Based on the intelligence gathered by the reconnaissance team, it's estimated that there are as many as 20 high-level monsters outside Valley City.

When faced with 20 high-level monsters, even experts like Jeremy and Ritchie won't be able to handle them alone. At best, I can barely hold the line alongside them.

That's why I previously urged you to call for additional reinforcements from the capital! You need to act now. If you delay any longer, it may be too late to save Valley City."

After saying this, Major Joseph turned and left without waiting for a response.

He hadn't expected much from the mayor or the Speaker of the City Council in the first place.

All he hoped for was that they would mobilize the resources and influence at their disposal.