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Rating:

Teen And Up Audiences

Archive Warning:

Graphic Depictions Of Violence

Category:

Gen

Fandom:

Parahumans Series - Wildbow

Relationship:

Alexander/City Building

Characters:

Rebecca Costa-Brown | AlexandriaDragon (Parahumans)Director James TaggEmily PiggotColin Wallis | Armsmaster | DefiantBastion (Parahumans)

Additional Tags:

Self-InsertCYOAEndbringerA man finds his hobbyThe rest of the world is terrifiedCausing major wars by accidentTeehee~Misunderstandings

Language:

English

Stats:

Published:2025-02-16Updated:2026-02-21Words:227,115Chapters:82/?Comments:549Kudos:1,451Bookmarks:362Hits:86,296

(End)Bringing You A New Home! (Endbringer SI)

10moorem

Chapter 26: Chapter 26: A Look Inside

Summary:

The people of New Jhinzhou chill and find religion. The PRT black ops very much doesn't chill.

Chapter Text

Chapter 26: A Look Inside

-Han POV-

Life as a freed prisoner was odd. Sometimes he felt like the world was moving too slow, the frantic pace and struggle of his time in the camps making his transition into normalcy jarring. It wasn't something to complain about, especially not after learning first hand the sort of problems complaining could cause, not the he thought merciful Yà lì shān dà would ever imprison him for mere words.

It didn't stop him from worrying though. The idea that everything nice that was currently occurring would be suddenly and violently ripped away was clearly irrational, but he simply couldn't help it.

Perhaps that was why he had joined the cult.

Oh, they didn't call themselves a cult. The Temple of Our Blessed Lady was how they preferred to be called. But it was a cult, there weren't nearly enough members in his eyes to be upgraded to a proper religion yet.

That was no great shame, it would simply take time.

Yà lì shān dà would eventually depart, something that still saddened many members of the faithful, and wherever she went her benevolence would be clear to all. No doubt there would be many converts in the coming days.

It was why those few that refused to join confused him.

There had been no grand revelation for Han himself, it was simply common sense. Yà lì shān dà was immensely powerful, supremely kind, had built for them a promised land and had supposedly once mentioned offhandedly that she didn't age.

That is just a straight up god.

Han knew a few rabble rousers of the 'clergy' wished to forcefully convert the non-believers, but thankfully cooler heads had prevailed. Clearly if Yà lì shān dà though them to be unworthy they never would have been allowed into this sacred city.

No, he was more concerned with the plan to liberate any further prisoners and bring them to New Jinzhou. They had not been chosen, by what right should they be allowed to take a single step upon their home?

He grunted as he lifted a wooden beam on his shoulder, marvelling at the ease of lifting it. The miraculous healing of their lady reversing the starvation and neglect of his physical vessel.

Han and another worker hefted the wood between them and carried it over to the skeletal form of an incomplete temple. He carefully laid down the length of wood, allowing others to help hold it steady as screws were inserted.

Building places of worship wasn't a skillset any of them truly knew, but a few were familiar with building houses and the Holy Spirit that ran through this city's networks provided the method and resources. The place of worship was being built near the outskirts of New Jinzhou, many would have liked it to be closer but practical considerations won out.

The temple they were building was simply too large to fit the crowded centre of the city, and to try to make room for it would require knocking down many of the buildings Yà lì shān dà had personally erected.

Which would be a blasphemy.

It was better this way, Han decided. From this city and the last everyone knew Yà lì shān dà had an appreciation of nature, it was the entire reason as to why they would be adding an extensive cloister to the temple. The other parts of the church would be similarly filled with vegetation, the designs he had seen included rows of flower filled vases and chandeliers of glowing vines taken from the city.

One could perhaps argue that they were going overboard the plants, and indeed many had. However, as shameful as it was, it was one of the few things they knew their Lady enjoyed.

When one thought of a god they typically imagined something loud and boisterous, unashamed and open in their pride regarding themselves. Yà lì shān dà was decidedly none of that.

She was quiet, reserved and intensely introverted. She gave her thoughts rarely and allowed her face to show little else.

They had attempted to ask her companion Lord Renji, but while he had divulged a few precious details even he knew little regarding their Lady. It was a realisation that seemed to unnerve the young Lord, so they decided not to ask again.

Han chuckled lightly. It was something that made writing the Holy Book extremely difficult. More than a few had privately bemoaned the fact that their sacred tome was less than thirty pages long. Most of which revolved around the creation of New Jinzhou, and regardless of how flowery the language you could only fill so many pages using that.

Perhaps if they hadn't chosen such a large book they would have more pages, but apparently a holy book was supposed to be 'impressive'.

There were currently a few following their lady as she traversed around the city, but it was hard to write anything down when the subject of their attention hardly ever said a word.

Hell, one of the few times a member of their faith had worked up the courage to ask her about her actions in Japan she had merely replied with:

"Appeared in Kyushu, stayed there a while and decided to rebuild the city and raise it from the waters."

Her reply had been said with the same level of enthusiasm regarding her own miracle as Han himself would have regarding grocery shopping.

The chuckling became a short bark of laughter. Many of his fellow workers looked at him in confusion, but he simply waved them off.

It was endearing in a way. To have a god who thought so little of her own actions, who didn't bask in her own accomplishments and demand endless praise. Nothing like the worthless lumps of flesh that had pushed him around in the camps.

Yes, perhaps others might be frustrated at their deity's laconic nature but Han himself found it reassuring. His Lady wasn't the type to lose herself in arrogance and see herself as above the world, even if -objectively- she was.

If she wasn't building she was surveying. If she wasn't surveying she was involved in a meeting regarding the city's future. If she wasn't in a meeting she was likely doing something else to better their lives.

Truly, a god worth worshipping.

-Fu Hong POV-

He signed another sheet, his pen flowing across the paper to form his signature.

As a former official he was well acquainted with matters of governance and politics, as well as the slow and tiring grind of bureaucracy. Before he had been framed for the ill deeds of his superior he had dreaded the mediocrity of filing papers and making spreadsheets. Now he all but through himself into the work.

The excitement he had foolishly wanted was no longer of much allure. He had had enough excitement in the camp for three lifetimes.

The glimmer of light caught his eye, and he turned and smiled sadly at a photo of his late wife and child. They had been killed during his arrest, apparently an accident but he knew better than to trust the words of the C.U.I.

His eyes lingered on each detail of the picture, The soft curve of Jian Hua's lips and the way the light caught her hair.

The photo was a result of something Yà lì shān dà created. Apparently she had heard a man weeping, lamenting on his lost friends and family and having nothing to remember them.

An hour later a factory designed to make modified 'brain dance' equipment was laid down and created. No fanfare, no planning or committee. Simply completed in an afternoon and swiftly forgotten by their creator.

But, for as small as it seemed to their shared benefactor, it had been an act of unparalleled kindness to those who had lost everything. For these devices allowed you to take a memory and digitise it.

Photos, videos and captured emotions regarding their loved ones did not erase the grief, for nothing could, but it dulled the edge. It allowed them to remember and take solace in the fact that they wouldn't forget the faces of their loved ones.

It was this device that had thrown him out of his funk. Listening to the memory of his wife laugh, and remembering all the plans they had made for the future, Fu Hong knew he couldn't give up on himself. Jian Hua would never forgive him if he did.

So he applied to join the nascent government. His skills were in short supply and he quickly found himself bouncing between offices advising and offering consultation as the functions of government began to define themselves.

Some of his advice admittedly didn't apply. Fu Hong was well used to navigating corruption, and even reluctantly using it for his own benefit. However Taizong kept a watchful eye out to prevent such things from forming.

The city's V.I also invalidated parts of his knowledge, as parts of the bureaucracy could run automatically, only occasionally checked to ensure the intelligence hadn't made an error somewhere along the way.

Eventually everyone settled into their roles and he became less of a consultant and more of a full time employee.

Despite everything he found himself reluctantly pleased with the direction his life was going. The hours he was working were absurdly short compared to what he was used, because of the automation and the smaller holdings of the local government, and the pay was good.

Entertainment was a little lacking, but the internet had recently come back on, so at least there was that.

Most importantly he felt good to actually be doing something. His time in the C.U.I. felt like running in place in comparison, more effort for almost no result. Here he was shaping policies and seeing tangible effects from his efforts.

He didn't believe that Yà lì shān dà was a goddess, like so many others. Far more likely she was a parahuman of unusual strength and kindness. He didn't blame anyone who believed in her however. There were certainly worse gods, and it definitely helped give the city a sense of national identity. Plus, at the very least, the big blue parahuman lady didn't seem like they were the type to abuse another's faith.

His eyes left the portrait of his wife and returned to his paperwork, a short and to the point piece regarding zoning laws. He saw no issue with it as it stood and so signed it and added it to the pile.

Fu Hong smiled, eager to see the coming days with his own eyes.

-Chubster POV-

"WAS IT SUPPOSED TO TAKE THIS LONG?" Chubster yelled over the rushing winds as he hurtled downwards, the straps of his backpack clinging to him harshly.

The teleporter falling at his side said nothing, but her face betrayed her nervousness.

For whatever reason teleporters like Strider were unable to access Jinzhou, as well as a small area surrounding the land. It had been theorised to be some manner of tinkertech defence, or possibly a shaker effect.

Instead they had decided to teleport directly above the zone inhibiting teleportation, the few drones they had sent ahead confirming there was nothing actively hostile awaiting them. Ben had encountered plenty of defences that neglected attacks coming from above, far more than there should be given the average cape's propensity to attack from rooftops and other high places.

However that was clearly not the case here as now -it seemed- they were facing their first roadblock, for despite falling for well over ten minutes they appeared to be no closer to the city they saw faintly beneath them.

Ben had encountered plenty of spatial effects during the span of his career, and none of them were good news. The fact that this one seemed purely defensive and benign was nothing but pure luck. If this was the sort of defensives they were set to go up against...

"Shuffle, get us out of here. We'll try again a different way.

Shuffle nodded, the black bandanna covering their face whipping around wildly.

A moment passed.

And then another.

"Shuffle? I said get us out of here?!"

But Shuffle's eyes were wide, almost bulging out of their skull. Ben noticed -with slight fear- that they appeared to be having a panic attack mid-air. Even the others were looking at her in alarm at this point.

He reached out to grab her by the shoulder.

"Shuffle! Shuffle, Look at me! What's wrong?"

Shuffle shook in his grasp, her wide and terrified eyes coming to meet his.

"I can't!"

The words were like liquid cold. Ben felt himself stiffen, as a chill gripped his heart.

"Shuffle," He said, lips dry and desperately hoping it wasn't what he though it was, "What can't you do?"

Her reply would confirm his worst fears.

"I can't teleport! We're stuck! I'm stuck!"

Shuffle's words were manic in their intensity and Ben almost lost his grip from her thrashing.

For a long while there was only the roaring of wind and the gibbering of Shuffle, as the rest of the team fell in silence.

"Well, fuck" Wayfarer said.

Ben hated that he agreed.

AN: Surprise! New chapter has come early! I've changed my schedule from one chapter a week to one every four days, I felt my previous pace was a bit too relaxed. I'll give this change of pace a try and see how I feel.

So here's a little look into life at New Jinzhou through the eyes of a member of the cult dedicated to Alexander and a paper pusher. Things are going well and the citizens are finding their feet, whether it be through religion or something else.

The PRT black ops squad is here, and they're currently stuck. Funny thing about the defence Alexander set up: teleporters can transport themselves inside but stop at the point of no return. So if a teleporter ports in and then takes a step then he won't be able to teleport. Unfortunately for Chubster's squad they chose to come at it from above, so gravity dragged them past that line.

Still they won't be falling forever. They'll eventually land in a few hours. I'm sure the city will welcome them with open arms!

Thanks for reading, please leave a comment!

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Entire Work ← Previous Chapter Next Chapter → Chapter Index Comments Share Download

Work Header

Rating:

Teen And Up Audiences

Archive Warning:

Graphic Depictions Of Violence

Category:

Gen

Fandom:

Parahumans Series - Wildbow

Relationship:

Alexander/City Building

Characters:

Rebecca Costa-Brown | AlexandriaDragon (Parahumans)Director James TaggEmily PiggotColin Wallis | Armsmaster | DefiantBastion (Parahumans)

Additional Tags:

Self-InsertCYOAEndbringerA man finds his hobbyThe rest of the world is terrifiedCausing major wars by accidentTeehee~Misunderstandings

Language:

English

Stats:

Published:2025-02-16Updated:2026-02-21Words:227,115Chapters:82/?Comments:549Kudos:1,451Bookmarks:362Hits:86,296

(End)Bringing You A New Home! (Endbringer SI)

10moorem

Chapter 27: Chapter 27: Farewells

Summary:

Alexander fucks off from China and the going away party gets crashed by a bunch of jerks!

Chapter Text

Chapter 27: Farewells

-Alexander POV-

I blearily blinked as I adjusted to the glare of the lights.

I promptly gave up and rolled back over.

"Five more minutes Renji," I whined.

It was funny. Despite becoming an engine of destruction and chaos my mind was still very human, with all the foibles. My mind may be trapped in a quantum crystalline mesh capable of simulating every atom on Earth in real time, but I still felt groggy and uncomfortable every time I woke up.

Hell I didn't even need to sleep, even if I still chose to do so anyway. I was more than capable of going months or years without rest.

But I enjoyed it. It was one of the few times I felt like myself.

"My liege, you are the one who arranged for us to leave at this time. The entire city is waiting for you," Renji stated, like the traitor against sleep that he is.

Wait, what was that last part?

"Renji, did you just say the entire city is waiting for me?" How did that happen? Sure people knew I would be leaving soon, but how did they know the exact time?

"Indeed, Taizong arranged for a celebratory farewell in your honour. It wouldn't do for the ever benevolent Yà lì shān dà to skulk off alone," Renji placidly said but the slightest twitch at the corner of his mouth betrayed his mirth.

Taizong! Renji! What the fuck?!

I groaned into my comically large bed, the vibrations sending ripples through the bedding.

"Do I have to?"

"No, but I believe it would be good for you to go."

I stare at him, baffled as to why he would think that.

Renji sighed. "The people of this city could use all of the celebrations they can, and you should get used to the attention while you still can."

I rolled onto my back, expression taut as I considered his words. As much as I didn't want to think about it he was right. Sooner or later what I am will become widely known and the eyes of the world will be upon me. Not wilting into a mess at the first sign of attention surpassing the triple digits would undoubtedly be helpful.

…I also didn't want to leave this city on a sorrowful note either.

Decision made, I hopped off the bed.

The following few hours was a procession through the city. Buntings hung from the crystalline towers I had wrought. Colourful confetti streamed down the air, thrown by those watching from above. An orchestra followed our procession, their number small but their passion self-evident.

I waved to the crowd, having grown more comfortable after the first twenty minutes

I once more looked back at the highest tower. There, upon an elegant crystal growth hung a flag, the new flag of a new nation. The base of the flag was a deep blood red, and even I could tell that was meant to symbolise the bloodshed and pain of their past. The rest of the flag, however, was different, it was a pure sky blue and at the centre of the flag was a white point cradled by six hands.

I was at once a humbling, terrifying and proud sight for me. I still didn't completely believe my eyes every time I saw it. It was proof -tangible proof- that I had done right by these people, that my actions were worthy of praise.

I'm fairly certain that if I wasn't an Endbringer I would have started balling the first time I laid eyes upon it.

Japan had been… well, it had been a quiet shame of mine. I had been so sure, so happy I could return something lost to the lives of those who needed it. I was so certain that I didn't even bother to check afterwards, feeling that it would be too masturbatory to listen in on the cheers and praise such an action should have heralded.

But that's not what happened.

Foreign interests had begun circling Japan while internal tensions boiled to the point of all out war in the streets. Japan wasn't in a good place, it hadn't been for a very long time and I had inadvertently made things worse. The prime minister had been made to resign in disgrace, his cabinet was at a standstill jockeying for power and there seemed to be absolutely no political will to retake Kyushu.

Once I had realised my error I had stepped in to rectify the worst consequences of my mistakes. I had prevented the invasion of Japan and given the C.U.I. enough problems that they wouldn't be able to focus on Japan for quite a while. Hopefully that would be enough time for the PRT to make another push.

I had worked to prevent another such disaster here. I was my neglect and ignorance that had caused Japan's current woes, so I decided to be more hands on for Jinzhou. I had spoken with those I had decided would populate my city. I created leaders, wise men, warriors and more to guard and build them up.

All the while I agonised over my decisions, the guilt of what happened to New Fukuoka was a lodestone around my soul.

But that flag…it eased that weight.

I hadn't fucked everything up again.

And so my smile became less plastic. I laughed more freely and made the most of my remaining time here.

Eventually my path lead back to the hole I had burst from, abandoned tents and temporary housing still littering the area. I looked down into the darkness of the tunnel and then back towards the people of New Jinzhou.

I thought about simply leaving then, unceremoniously and without pomp.

But no, that wasn't the right answer was it?

I grinned "People of New Jinzhou, my work is complete!"

The cheers of the crowd answered me.

"However, your work is just beginning! The journey to reach a brighter tomorrow is never ending, but it must be walked regardless! It will take diligence, thought and action!"

My words were drunk in by the crowd. There were no clever arguments that Taizong might have accomplished but I was sincere and genuinely hopeful for their future, and on some level I knew they understood that.

I knew my words would ripple onwards, whatever I said here would matter.

So what should I tell them to strive for?

Greatness? Nah, overrated.

Freedom? That kind of went without saying.

No, I already knew what they should ultimately pursue. What anyone should.

"Your lives have been hard. Those who would dare call themselves your masters would say that hardship is a virtue, and suffering a necessity. But that is simply the lie all tyrants tell. Suffering and hardships are failings to be alleviated. Happiness of oneself and others is the highest virtue. I may be leaving now, but I will return and when I do I hope to see the shadows of your past cast off for a better future!" My words reverberate through the air, and caught upon rapturous ears.

I turn before I could catch their reactions, but the deafening cry of the crowd make it obvious.

I turn to look down at Renji. "Ready to go?"

"Always," he smiles back.

My grin softens into a true smile, and then we descend back down into the tunnel, ready to begin our journey once more.

-Taizong POV-

The roar of the crowd echoes long after his creator has left. Alcohol flows freely as stands are hastily placed to service the impromptu party taking place near the forest.

he takes a sip of wine, smiling at the young girl who had served him. The girl turned a beet red and scampered off to collect empty glasses.

He bit into a skewer of meat, humming appreciatively as the salty sauce blends and complements the smoky meat.

"Happiness, eh?" Liu Min said, thoughtfully staring into his own glass. "Not exactly something ideal to galvanise the people against the C.U.I."

"Yà lì shān dà wasn't thinking of such a thing in the first place. They simply thought It would be best for the people themselves if they pursued it," Taizong shrugged.

Unlike his subordinate he had no issues with his creators proclamation. Quite the opposite, really. Yes another national ideal might have better served for the war against the C.U.I., but few would be better in the long term. The war was simply a stepping stone to achieve a more prosperous Jinzhou, after all.

Then again, it's not surprising that Liu Min didn't see that. His eyes were ever fixed against the Chinese Imperials, not what came after them.

"In any case, do not worry about the problems of tomorrow. Instead simply drink and be merry, for tomorrow we go to war!"

Was it coincidence that their first military action was planned for the day after his creator left?

Obviously not.

He simply knew his creator was the caring sort. Someone who would have preferred no bloodshed, if it was at all possible. Taizong thus sought to preserve their peace of mind.

"Happiness for oneself and others…" he muttered. Liu Min glanced at him quizzically but he waved the man off.

Others might have missed it but Taizong hadn't. It was a cry for mercy. To allow the nation of China the means to pursue their own happiness once the rot was excised. There would be no mercy for those whose happiness infringed upon another's, but his creator wished for them not to pursue vengeance at all costs.

Taizong would consider it.

The one known to Jinzhou as Yà lì shān dà did not create him with absolute loyalty towards them, after all. Instead he was absolutely loyal to the nation he was meant to serve. If an action did right by New Jinzhou then it was good. If an action caused harm to New Jinzhou then it was evil.

His creator likely only wanted a leader that did right by his people, but Taizong suspected they didn't fully think through the implications of what exactly that meant.

Still, he agreed that having a population full of vengeful monsters wouldn't be beneficial, so he would try to take an even hand when it came to the people of China. He would be as merciful as he could afford to be.

The nation would still be broken up, of course.

Many would still die.

But he would not use all of the strategies he had envisioned, those would be kept close to the chest unless they became needed.

Taizong stood. Such brooding thoughts didn't belong. He instead chose to spend his time mingling with his beloved people.

"AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

He froze as his ears picked up a shrill screech, he couldn't quite pick up where it was coming from but it was getting closer and closer.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!"

The sound grew steadily louder, and now even his people were beginning to look around in confusion. Taizong contemplated pulling out his sword, but thought better of it.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!"

The sound intensified, and finally he could tell it was coming from above!

His neck snapped upwards as his eyes honed in on a group of brightly dressed individuals falling from the sky. One by one they pulled cords attached to backpacks and parachutes spilled from them.

Taizong cursed in an ancient dialect of Chinese.

"MEN! TO ME! WE ARE TO CAPTURE THESE OUTSIDERS SWIFTLY! ALLOW NO HARM TO COME TO OUR PEOPLE!"

The militia hastily complied, some stumbling with slight drunkenness he noted with alarm.

Whoever this was had chosen the perfect time to strike, but Taizong would show them the folly of threatening his people, all previous thoughts of mercy washed away in the surety of his wrath.

AN: Alexander has officially left China! I'll be taking a few chapters to explore the aftermath and various factions. May briefly return to Japan for a chapter to see how they're holding up. Maybe.

Alexander: "I'm helping!"

Me: Holding a dozen Chekhov's guns "You sure are pal!"

In other news the PRT Black Ops have finally arrived, just in time to interrupt Taizong's happy times. Alexander left much happier than when he arrived and Taizong is planning uber war crimes if he has to. Truly, everything is going well - nothing to see here.

Taizong: "It's a thought experiment, I swear!"

Thank you for reading, please leave a comment on where you think Alexander might be going next!

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Work Header

Rating:

Teen And Up Audiences

Archive Warning:

Graphic Depictions Of Violence

Category:

Gen

Fandom:

Parahumans Series - Wildbow

Relationship:

Alexander/City Building

Characters:

Rebecca Costa-Brown | AlexandriaDragon (Parahumans)Director James TaggEmily PiggotColin Wallis | Armsmaster | DefiantBastion (Parahumans)

Additional Tags:

Self-InsertCYOAEndbringerA man finds his hobbyThe rest of the world is terrifiedCausing major wars by accidentTeehee~Misunderstandings

Language:

English

Stats:

Published:2025-02-16Updated:2026-02-21Words:227,115Chapters:82/?Comments:549Kudos:1,451Bookmarks:362Hits:86,296

(End)Bringing You A New Home! (Endbringer SI)

10moorem

Chapter 28: Chapter 28: Lockstep

Summary:

Taizong takes a stroll through the city, and maybe traumatises Shuffle. Meanwhile Alexander and Renji are just guys being pals.

Chapter Text

Chapter 28: Lockstep

-Chubster POV-

Ben groaned, the movement making his chained hands flare in pain. The cuffs were so tight around his wrists they threatened to rub his skin raw.

The operation was kapoot. Failed. Fucked before it had even started. The barrier surrounding the city did not merely protect the residents, it smothered their powers. Their equipment had been on the fritz the moment they began falling, and eventually began insisting that their position was deep underground. With no way to use their powers or call for help they had been stuck falling for well over a day.

And then -when they finally passed through that barrier- they were taken captive almost immediately!

The Trump effect preventing parahumans from accessing their powers clearly didn't work on the residents, as he had seen a finely dressed man conjure weapons from nothing and even boost the strength of the soldiers under his command! Compare that to them, powerless and disoriented from falling for literal hours, and it was no contest.

They had been forced to the floor and shackled by the wrists, Shade had even been tackled by three of the men wen he attempted to run.

Needless to say; Ben was not having a good time right now.

A sharp tug on his arm hefted him up and he was spun around before being made to walk forwards.

Ben looked around. They had landed in a lightly forested area, the trees widely placed enough for sunlight to touch the grass floor. Perhaps it would have been serene if not for all the discarded food and drink littering the floor.

It was less a calm forest, and more something resembling one of those parties he often attended in his college years. Actually, it was almost exactly like that. The tables on the far side of the clearing were full of colourful food and drink, the smell wafting across the forest.

A shove cut through his thoughts as he was forced to face forwards again.

But now he saw where he was heading. In front of him was two members of his team being made to kneel in front of a single man. Sure enough, once he reached the man he was made to kneel.

It was the parahuman from before. Their leader.

As he had thought before, the man was finely dressed. But that descriptor didn't do it justice. A decadent blue and gold robe of silk cascaded down his form like a waterfall, regal and powerful all at once. Upon his brow was a fine black and red hat that seemed to envelop his head in the same way a crown would. And there -upon his chest- was the finely woven image of a blue dragon.

'Emperor' the thought came, unbidden.

It was an odd realisation to have while chained and being made to kneel, but the more he looked at the man the less he could deny it. The imperious expression on his face as he looked down upon them, the way his guards looked to him in awe and adoration, even the way he subtly shifted his weight seemed to speak of hidden power.

A master effect? If so it was far subtler than any he had faced before.

One thing was for certain, this man was high up on the totem pole. Could he be one of the architects they had been looking for? Had he helped to build this city?

"Well-" the silken smooth voice of the man echoed across the now silent clearing "-I certainly didn't expect our festivities to be interrupted by a group of jesters. That was quite the trick you pulled, what a shame you decided to arrive uninvited."

The words were light, even warm. But Ben had been around enough people in power to hear the subtle sharpness to his tone. Despite his words, he was not pleased.

"It was-" Ben started, having to swallow for the sake of his suddenly dry throat –"not our intention to interrupt this celebration. We were simply curious about the sudden appearance of this city," Ben finished. He couldn't deny having entered the city without permission, they had been caught red-handed after all.

"And yet, interrupt us you did," the man retorted simply. Then the man looked around and sighed.

"This is not the place for this," The silken robed man said and turned to his guards. "If they haven't used their powers yet, then they are likely unable to do so. Yà lì shān dà's protection is holding strong."

Yà lì shān dà? The name was unfamiliar to Ben, but the man seemed to imply that this person was responsible for the Trump effect. Another of the city builders perhaps?

"We can repurpose one of the empty buildings to hold them for the time being, Bring them with me."

And once again Ben was harshly hauled to his feet, much to the aching protest of his tired body.

Then they began to march, and not too quickly either. The richly robed man seemed to find delight in taking the scenic route, stopping every so often to observe a flower. Ben very much lacked the same joy at the moment.

Fuck, how was he going to get back to Charlie?

Eventually the treeline thinned and the roads became less soil and more tarmac. There in the distance he saw a city. Ben had seen it before, photos of glimmering towers arching towards the sky. Seeing them in person was an entirely different experience.

He had seen skyscrapers before. He had travelled throughout the US and even beyond it. He had witnessed the rebuilding of New York and the construction of buildings that made a human sense of scale shudder in disbelief.

These towers put those to shame. Even craning his neck upwards he couldn't see the top, and in their shadow Ben suddenly felt very small. The glimmering edifices of metal and glass cast their shadows on him like the cruel iron bars of a cell.

Because they may as well be.

As Ben brooded over his current circumstances a member of his team seemed to gather their courage and spoke up.

"Um-" the shy voice of Shuffle began "-what will you do to us?"

The man leading them looked back, an eyebrow raised in mock interest.

"Didn't I already say? You will be held under lock and key, though I'm guessing you want to know what will happen to you during your time here?"

Shuffle nodded.

"There won't be enhanced interrogation, if that's what you're worried about. We have far more reliable means of obtaining what we want."

The cool relief of the confirmation that there would be no torture was quickly wiped away by the last part of the man's sentence.

Shuffle seemed to pale at that too, but quickly rallied. "Ah-um, okay. What about after? Will you ransom us back to our country or…?"

Her voice trailed off, sounding both terribly unsure and nervous.

The man seemed to ponder that question, allowing the silence to envelop their group.

"I suppose it depends. If I believe it to be advantageous I might. At the very least I'll see what your country is willing to offer for your safe return. Though if they don't meet my standards I'm afraid your stay will have to be extended indefinitely."

The words chilled Ben, but it did worse for Shuffle.

Ben had come to know his team well. He had read through all of the files and had come to know each of them on a personal level. Such a thing was needed when you had to dive into some of the most dangerous missions available to the PRT. Because of that Ben was aware of Shuffle's trigger.

Movers typically triggered from a need to escape, to flee. Shuffle was no different. The marks left by her parents overbearing and abusive tendencies were still present and informed every action she made.

Shuffle seemed to sag, losing strength in her legs for a moment. Then with a wild screech she reached up to claw at the guard holding her. The man backstepped out of the way, surprised at the sudden hostility of what had been a compliant prisoner only a second ago.

Shuffle clawed at her cuffs, bending and twisting her arms to try to shake them off, to no avail. This only made her struggle harder against them.

Her guard finally regained his composure and went to restrain the girl once more, but was stopped by the upturned hand of their leader.

The guards appeared confused, but once more stepped back. But Ben was no longer looking at the guard. Instead he was looking at the silken robed man in growing horror.

The man was watching Shuffle. His gaze was curious, almost expectant. As if he was waiting for something that made sense only to his own inscrutable mind.

The seconds dragged on and Shuffles breathing became more and more erratic. She began to sway slightly and her dazed and bloodshot eyes fluttered mindlessly across the street before she collapsed unconscious.

The leader smiled at that, and Ben knew with a growing ember of hate in his heart that he had allowed that to happen as some sort of test. Ben didn't know what that test was but the result had clearly pleased the monster before him.

"Alright, that's enough wasting time. Make sure to carry her safely gentlemen."

And like that the man turned around and continued on his way. Utterly nonchalant.

-Alexander POV-

"Secret tunnel! Secret tunnel! Through the mountains! Secret secret secret Tunnel!"

Look, I only knew so many digging songs and Avatar was peak.

I continued to sing (badly) as I waited for the oven to cook my meal to perfection. I had experimented with trying to cook with my powers. But apparently figuring out the exact speed to vibrate atoms to perfectly cook meals was tricky.

The steam explosions were my proof.

Today I was cooking a tortilla with sauced beef inside. Was that remotely Indian? Who knows!

Renji and I had tried to stick to Indian dishes on our trip, but had quickly started doing our own thing once inspiration hit.

Back when I was human I was quite the fan of steak pies. A perfect meal to have with a side of chips, in my opinion! Now I was wondering if replacing the crispy crust of the pie with a tortilla would improve the dish or not.

After a few more minutes, my alarm rang and I raced to pull the two tortillas from the oven.

Blowing on them gently for a few seconds I nod to myself and place them on a plate.

Carrying both of them into the next room was a breeze with my six hands, it was one of the few things I appreciated about my new body. Things were so much easier when you had triple the amount of hands you usually did, with the caveat that they sometimes got in each other's way.

"Oh Renji! Guess who's done with the tortillas?," I asked, adding a slight melodic tilt to my voice.

The raised fist protruding from the back of the couch showed his silent support.

Way to keep up your cool silent persona even while opening up Renji!

Renji leaned up from the couch and took the offered plate.

The samurai examined the tortilla curiously, eyes roaming across its surface for any flaw. Finally he shrugged at took a bite.

I watched as he seemed to take the flavour in.

"Not bad, though I think you undercooked it a little."

"Eh? Seriously? I added the correct time for it to cook," I said. Perhaps that website had been misleading me?

Renji took a few more bites before he spoke. "Did you remember to pre-heat the oven?"

Ah.

Um.

"Oops?"

Renji nodded, appearing to the world -or rather the dark tunnel we were in- like an enlightened monk teaching a student their own folly.

"It's still good though," Renji said and then took another bite.

I nodded, still slightly disappointed as I took my first bite of the tortilla.

…

Nah, the pie is definitely better.

AN: I have returned! In this chapter Taizong captures a team of American superheroes, traumatises one of them, instils a budding hatred in another and stops to smell the roses. If you couldn't tell from the chapter itself Taizong took the opportunity to see if second triggers could occur with new Jinzhou. He knew it was unlikely but shards can occasionally pull some bullshit so he wanted to find out anyway. Poor Shuffle, I created an OC only for them to suffer. I am a cruel and capricious god. They'll likely be locked up for a while, but there is the possibility of them being released in the future.

In other news Alexnder and Renji are taste testing whatever wacky food they think up. It's been going well so far, need to add some fluff before the traumatic Endbringer fight of India!

And yes, Steak pies are good. I am using my author privilege to push my food preferences on all o you! I have gone mad with food related mania.

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Rebecca Costa-Brown | AlexandriaDragon (Parahumans)Director James TaggEmily PiggotColin Wallis | Armsmaster | DefiantBastion (Parahumans)

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Self-InsertCYOAEndbringerA man finds his hobbyThe rest of the world is terrifiedCausing major wars by accidentTeehee~Misunderstandings

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Published:2025-02-16Updated:2026-02-21Words:227,115Chapters:82/?Comments:549Kudos:1,451Bookmarks:362Hits:86,296

(End)Bringing You A New Home! (Endbringer SI)

10moorem

Chapter 29: Chapter 29: Information Outbreak

Summary:

Giving the people internet was a mistake.

Chapter Text

Chapter 29: Information Outbreak

As Alexander continued on his self-imposed pilgrimage the ripple effects of his decisions spread outwards. It is perhaps ironic that one of the most far-reaching outcomes of New Jinzhou came from the seemingly small decision to allow access to the internet.

From this the V.I in charge of many of the functions of New Jinzhou was allowed to sow the seeds of chaos throughout China. These seeds had yet to bloom fully, but even the machinations of a hyper-advanced computer paled in comparison to what was about to occur. For the planning of the V.I was only localised, it did not seek to upend the global status quo.

Which is exactly what happened when someone got the bright idea to post on PHO.

The fool.

■

Welcome to the Parahumans Online message boards.

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You are viewing:

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■

♦ Topic: Hi, I'm back

In: Boards ► Global ►

Blackened Turtle Snake (Original Poster)

Posted On Jul 31st 2010:

Greetings to the world!

It has been many months since I have been able to access this site. Alas my government discovered that I was accessing foreign media -against their laws- and I was sent to a 'Correctional Facility'.

For those who have been unable to guess as much already I was a citizen of the C.U.I.

I say was because that is no longer the case!

Myself and many others from the C.U.I.'s many prisons were rescued during the chaos currently unfolding in China. We have been granted food, shelter and dignity that is severely lacking in our previous country.

I'm not sure how much information you sorry lot on the internet have been given, but TLDR: Jinzhou is now independent from the C.U.I. (like a decent portion of China at the moment) and has been given a makeover (very much unlike the rest of China)!

[IMAGE1] [IMAGE2] [IMAGE3]

So as you can all see we're doing fine. Just thought I should let you all know I'm not dead and doing fine.

(Showing page 1 of 792)

►Bagrat (Veteran Member) (The Guy in the Know)

Replied On Jul 31st 2010:

Wat.

It's good to see you're doing fine, but I think you're leaving a lot of information out!

And understating things, because that is NOT a makeover!

►Charraptor

Replied On Jul 31st 2010:

@Blackened Turtle Snake

Oh my God you're alive! You weren't responding to my PM's for months! The C.U.I had you?!

►ChristmasCracker

Replied On Jul 31st 2010:

...So is it just me or does some of that city look eerily similar to New Fukuoka?

►Miss Mercury (Protectorate Employee)

Replied On Jul 31st 2010:

@Blackened Turtle Snake

I have to agree with Bagrat, any further information you are willing to give would be most welcome given the current confusion and chaos that's happening in China.

Who was the person who rescued you? Are they still present? What is the current stance of Jinzhou?

►Aloha

Replied On Jul 31st 2010:

Ah, and here comes the PRT.

Anyone else find it both funny and sad that one of the best leads they've gotten about the architects happens to come from PHO?

►Ekul

Replied On Jul 31st 2010:

@Aloha

It is a little funny, yeah.

So The Architects seriously went to China? I'd ask if they had a death wish, but the current chaos unfolding right after they arrive is a bit... convenient.

►Blackened Turtle Snake (Original Poster)

Replied On Jul 31st 2010:

Woah. Didn't expect so much attention. It's only been a minute since I posted!

@Charraptor

Yeah, it wasn't pleasant. It's good to see you Char. I'll likely be returning to my old stomping grounds soon enough.

@Miss Mercury

Nah, they're not present anymore, and the only 'stance' I'm aware of is that we're against the C.U.I.

As for the one who rescued us, their name is apparently Yà lì shān dà? I didn't really get to meet them, only saw them from a distance. I'd show you a photo but the factories dedicated to making phones only started up yesterday, so I don't have a picture of them.

Actually I think I have an idea. Hold on a moment.

►Noveltry

Replied On Jul 31st 2010:

Yeah, no shit you're against the C.U.I.

Anyone sensible is.

►Nondeceptive

Replied On Jul 31st 2010:

Wait, did @Blackened Turtle Snake only mention one person? And he didn't even give us a description?

Come on dude! Give us the deets!

►Blackened Turtle Snake (Original Poster)

Replied On Jul 31st 2010:

Okay, managed to grab a picture of some artwork they've been making of her.

[LINK]

That's Yà lì shān dà.

@Nondeceptive

I think there was one other perosn with her? But I haven't heard about anyone else.

►Rictus

Replied On Jul 31st 2010:

Huh, a Monster Cape?

That's not what I expected, don't most of them get found pretty quickly since they go looking for their missing memories? Does anybody know who this is?

►HornyOnMain

Replied On Jul 31st 2010:

@Blackened Turtle Snake

Would.

►Feychick

Replied On Jul 31st 2010:

@Rictus

She doesn't seem familiar, which is weird because she seems very memorable.

►Sothoth

Replied On Jul 31st 2010:

Actually @Blackened Turtle Snake should you even be telling us this over the internet?

I'm sure your current government is better than your last but sharing possible secrets doesn't seem like a smart idea.

►Mac's Dual Rocket Propelled Grenades

Replied On Jul 31st 2010:

Nah, ignore him.

Keep posting.

You'll totally earn internet fame, trust me bro!

►Space Zombie

Replied On Jul 31st 2010:

@Sothoth

Ah shit, I didn't even think of that.

@Blackened Turtle Snake

Are you still with us?

►Chilldrizzle

Replied On Jul 31st 2010:

My man just got out of prison.

Now he's heading right back in.

►Groupies

Replied On Jul 31st 2010:

Well at least we got more information on The Architects?

It seems like they've refined their work a lot, because there's a massive difference between New Fukuoka and this!

►Procto the Unfortunate Tinker (Not a tinker)

Replied On Jul 31st 2010:

@Groupies

Definitely not refined. That sort of thing takes more than a few weeks. It's more likely that they simply chose a different style.

It's likely still the same tech 'under the hood', so to speak.

►ArmsFan

Replied On Jul 31st 2010:

Yeah, OP is definitely gone. black bagged by his government for not knowing when to keep his mouth shut.

End of Page. 1, 2, 3 ... 790, 791, 792

■

Across the world intelligence agencies updated their profiles on The Architects. The presence of a Case-53 was noted. Some confusion came up when they failed to find even a hint of their past, but reasoned that The Architects had likely snatched her up before she could be identified by any other group of interest.

The images were metaphorically taken apart, and compared to existing information on New Jinzhou. Thinkers were once more useless, but oddly the effect lingered long after the group had apparently left.

Most importantly this leak of information had exposed a chink in New Jinzhou's armour. A critical flaw which could be used to gain further information. Or so they thought.

Numerous cyber attacks were rebuffed with as much effort as a man would swat an insect. The hope that Tinkers would provide an edge only lead to further disappointment as their virus' and digital worms seemed to dissolve once they reached the servers of New Jinzhou.

So they would be forced to go back to the drawing board. Information had been gathered, and they now knew what to look out for in the future. But with the leak thoroughly plugged that was all they were likely to get anytime soon.

-One POV-

The report he had been given was disappointing, expected perhaps but still disappointing.

Oh well.

"Go round up some men and women to replace the soldiers we just lost. Have 37 begin the manufacturing of their weapons and armour." The man who had delivered the report scurried off at that, eager to carry out his orders.

Truthfully he hadn't expected his men to accomplish much. He simply wanted to gain information and to send a message.

He hasn't forgotten about Jinzhou, and they would eventually bow at his feet.

The confirmation of a barrier was of no surprise, but going off the recordings it was spatial in nature.

Tricky.

The presence of that dragon was also concerning. There was no information on it anywhere. A new trigger? Possibly, but all triggers are usually processed and sent to the Yangban extremely quickly. So either this individual triggered just before they were rescued or they came with The Architect.

The odds of the former were unlikely -to say the least- so he had to assume the latter.

The dragon had already been forced outside the walls once. Could he repeat the circumstances that lead to that, and set up an ambush to capture the parahuman?

If so he might be able to gain information on that naïve fool who built that city once he broke their pet.

It was a possibility, though undoubtedly achieving that would be easier said than done.

Before he could more fully consider that idea a man burst through the door, hurried but trying desperately to retain his composure. The slight sweat on his brow betrayed his nervousness.

"Sir! One of the Yangban's conversion bases has been hit! They appear to have taken the parahuman captive and escaped!"

"Truly? And who was so bold to do that?," He asked the man, displeasure dripping from his lips like a poison.

The man gulped nervously. "Unknown sir, but we've retrieved the recordings from the base. Most of the electricals were fried, but the backup tinkertech Blackbox managed to retain the information," The man reported.

Indeed, One could see the sleek black box in his hand. He motioned to an aid, and they swiftly took the box from the nervous man's hands and began sifting through the data.

The attack began at 6:00 on the dot. The flash of a teleport was the only warning the guards within the base got before they were gunned down. The glare on the screen died down enough for One to see the intruders on the screen.

Power armour. They were wearing power armour, robust enough that the returning fire from guards who had heard the commotion didn't even dent their plates. The same could not be said of the intruders shots, whose searing electrical discharge cooked the men alive in seconds.

The rest of the footage was much the same. The intruders scoured the rooms, killed the guards that tried to stop them and moved on.

It was only once they encountered parahumans that their tactics changed. Those defending parahumans were not cooked alive, merely rendered unconscious by the now lessened voltage of the enemies weapons. Those unconscious parahumans would then be loaded unto some kind of machine and teleported out.

Those parahumans with a brute rating, or were otherwise harder to knock out, were dealt with by more esoteric weapons. Lasers, plasma explosives and some kind of containment foam which seemed far more metallic than the sort used by the corrupt PRT.

Eventually they had thoroughly combed the base after losing only two of their own. The set down a cylindrical device and teleported out. The device whirred to life a few seconds later and the video cut out.

No doubt that was the EMP that had fried the electricals in order to cover their tracks.

Or try to anyway, because he had a sneaking suspicion as to where they came from.

High tech soldiers showing up just after a high tech city was set up? That was a bit obvious.

And so One smiled, because he had found it. A weakness. A way to find leverage.

He now knew that they wouldn't simply stay behind their impregnable wall. He knew what they wanted, to free more of his citizens in some fruitless moralistic crusade.

And all of that meant he could adapt and plan around them. No doubt if they were so confident in capturing the parahumans they thought they had some way to remove his hold over them. So sleeper agents were unlikely to work.

But his work didn't require people, not truly. A scrap of paper, a word spoken, a memory remembered were all things he could use. It would take time, and likely many bases raided. But those soldiers who braved the outside world could be twisted subtly according to his will.

And so One leaned back as his advisors argued, and smiled.

AN: Heyo! Here's another chapter, a few interesting things happened in it. First of all the world gained an idea of what Alexander looks like. Of course the picture isn't to scale so the world currently assumes he's a Case-53 instead of an Endbringer. Of course once Taizong got word of what was happening he began running interference. He'll likely start having the V.I start screening people's messages for anything incriminating so the people of Jinzhou will still be able to post eventually. They just can't blab about secrets.

Yes, this does mean that Alexander's cult is going to start spreading the good word, but most people are going to think they're just speaking nonsense and hyperbole rather than speaking literally regarding Alexander's feats. This will change after India though, as people will quickly realise that they're worshipping an actual Endbringer. They'll still ignore parts of what they're saying (mainly Alexander having good intentions) but they'll take other parts (Alexander's capabilities) very seriously.

Also One returns, and is plotting to find a way to break into New Jinzhou by subverting the soldiers who choose to fight against the C.U.I since they'll be the ones most susceptible to his influence. Needless to say Sanzang is going to quickly learn to hate One. Thankfully that hate will be mutual.

Please leave a comment, I depend on random strangers for my validation.

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Rebecca Costa-Brown | AlexandriaDragon (Parahumans)Director James TaggEmily PiggotColin Wallis | Armsmaster | DefiantBastion (Parahumans)

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Self-InsertCYOAEndbringerA man finds his hobbyThe rest of the world is terrifiedCausing major wars by accidentTeehee~Misunderstandings

Language:

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Published:2025-02-16Updated:2026-02-21Words:227,115Chapters:82/?Comments:549Kudos:1,451Bookmarks:362Hits:86,296

(End)Bringing You A New Home! (Endbringer SI)

10moorem

Chapter 30: Chapter 30: Conflict Deepens

Summary:

Warcrimes! Glorious Warcrimes!

Chapter Text

Chapter 30: Conflict Develops

NEWS: August 1st, 2010

Troops and military vehicles enter North Korea

CNN

CNN has witnessed, through a livestream, vehicles and soldiers entering North Korea through the Korean DMZ.

This video was taken on the 29th of July at 5:13 am local time.

Following the attack on Beijing South Korean forces had marshalled their forces at the border, these forces included: soldiers, vehicles, tanks, missiles, artillery pieces, supplies and more.

President Byeol Park spoke this Saturday regarding the invasion:

"We (South Korea) have always condemned the despotic rule of the Kim family. Syngman Rhee, our first president, agreed to abide the armistice but refused to sign it. In the years that followed North Korea has repeatedly announced it's refusal to abide by this armistice. First: in 1994, then in 1996, followed by 2003, 2006 and finally just last year in 2009. This repeated aggression has lead the South Korean Government to believe abiding by this armistice is no longer in our best interests."

This declaration of war has led to both widespread concern from some countries and support from others. Russia, in particular, voice their support for the action of South Korea.

Reporters and other witnesses have reported hearing the sound of explosions from the early morning of the invasion that has yet to let up.

Concerns of human rights violations have been raised, but as of yet no sufficient evidence has been provided.

-Eun-Ji POV-

The rocking of the building threatened to tear me off my feet as I raced down the stairs.

Little Eun-Jung was held desperately in my hands as I skidded across the floor, leaping to the next set of stairs.

Had to get out. The building felt like it would collapse at any moment.

Eun-Ji had been the daughter of a single father, their mother having recently passed away. He had been an important man, always a steady rock in Eun-Ji's life. The entire reason they had been here was because of their father's work.

Then the explosions had started, strong enough to rock the ground.

It had been chaos. People running about, trampling each other. Then pieces of the ceiling has started coming down. And her father-

Eun-Ji staggered slightly. The memory making her gorge rise. The taste of vomit was thick in her throat.

She swallowed it down again.

Eun-Jung was crying, she could barely hear it over the rumble of the building.

God, it was so loud she couldn't hear anything else.

The ground rocked again, and she only barely managed to hold on to the railing. The sound of Eun-Jung's cries rang in her ears. She slowly rocked her in her hands, humming in an attempt to soothe her. But it was no use, her rocking only betrayed the shivers in her own arms and her humming was broken up by sobs.

Once it stopped rocking she started moving again.

The time it took to reach the exit seemed to drag on. Her heart beat in her chest, even faster than her gasping breath.

Then she reached it, and flung it open.

Dusty air greeted her, smoky and acrid.

She gagged, covering her mouth with her hand in an effort to stop the foul air from intruding upon her lungs.

Her eyes narrowed, trying to pierce the kicked up dust and smoke. She couldn't stay here, whoever was doing this would find her and then she'd end up dead or worse. She hugged the wall, making sure to cover her little sister's mouth with her blanket as she did.

The little coughs she was making weren't encouraging.

Eventually she left the cloud of dust and burning petroleum, and could see her surroundings for the first time since she left the building.

The holes were the first things she noticed. Massive and impossible to miss. They seemed to be everywhere. On the road, piercing through buildings, driving themselves through cars. The rubble and damage left in their wake was just as omnipresent. It littered the floors and almost tripped her up several times

And the fires. The terrible fires…

They were somehow worse than everything else put together. They lit the surrounding buildings with an eerie red glow and belch blackened smoke into the air.

It was like hell had come to earth.

That thought, more than anything, got her moving faster.

Yet, she knew she couldn't keep going.

The artillery barrage had passed her, the strikes were now ahead of her. Whatever invading force was here they were behind her and moving swiftly.

If she kept going they would catch her.

Her only option was to hide.

She looked around, the effort making her head spin. There wasn't much.

The dumpsters were an option, and if she was alone she may have chosen them. But Eun-Jung was fussy. She would start crying if she was placed in there.

Eun-Ji felt like crying herself.

So she instead stumbled towards an overturned car, and cursed when found the door was locked. That meant she would have to go through the shattered window, and the thought of climbing over those broken shards made her grimace.

She ducked her head, examining the interior of the car.

The glass was everywhere, even the chairs -now upside down- hadn't been spared. They glistened like razors amidst the black of the cars black roof. But most distressingly was the body hanging limply from the seat belt. Blood -thick and red- poured from his mouth and congealed upon the floor.

She shuddered and hesitantly reached her hand, searching for a pulse.

There was none.

Face pale, she instead reached for the release of the seat belt. With a quick press the body tumbled lifelessly to the floor, the ragdoll collapse of the man making Eun-Ji feel coldly sick.

Nevertheless she dragged the body towards her and climbed on top.

Eun-Jung wordlessly cred out as she was placed atop the man.

"I know sister. I know," Eun-Ji commiserated. The inside of the dark was dark and damp with blood. The scent of iron and smoke blended heavily.

She took a deep breath and began dragging the body along the roof of the car using her foot to provide the momentum. It was difficult. The weight of both the man and the two girls riding him made every inch of movement feel like a mile. The almost imperceptible sound of wet rips -from the body being dragged along shards of glass- and more viscous red covering the car only made the effort worse.

But eventually the had made it to the centre of the car. They would be no chance of being spotted, provided nobody stuck their head down to check.

It was a cold comfort.

Eun-Ji rocked her sister, whose cries had quieted to incoherent murmurs.

Finally she couldn't take it anymore.

The tears flowed freely down her chest as shudders wracked her body. Just yesterday she had been a normal girl! She had a father and a good life! Now it was all gone!

Eun-Jung shifted in her arms, taking a finger in her tiny hand.

…Almost all gone.

A shift of stone quieted her sobs and a chill went down her spine.

There was something wrong.

She didn't know how she knew, but she didn't question it. Some antediluvian instinct was clawing at her brain, begging her to run – to escape.

And then came the footsteps.

THUNK THUNK THUNK

Heavy and metallic, they almost didn't sound like the steps of a man at all.

THUNK THUNK THUNK

They were coming closer now. Eun-Ji froze up at that realisation. Even little Eun-Jung had stopped squirming, her small mind also picking up on the danger.

THUNK SQUISH THUNK

It was almost close enough to see, but the angle of her sight wouldn't allow her.

THUNK THUNK THUNK

And then it stopped, just out of reach of her sight.

Eun-Ji's breaths came shorter now, her heart pounded in her ears.

It knew she was there.

The urge to look was almost overwhelming, almost perverse in the sheer need.

She shifted as slowly as she could, craning her neck.

She caught only the barest glimpse of a metallic boot covered in gore before it stepped away.

THUNK THUNK THUNK

The noise of the boots started to grow distant. It was moving away from them.

Eun-Ji almost let out a sigh of relief, but didn't dare.

THUNK THUNK THUNK

Finally the sound became imperceptible and disappeared, but the girl waited for another ten minutes before daring to move, shivering and sobbing once again.

Desperately thankful that she was alive.

-General Joon POV-

"All resistance eliminated from the designated area. Only civilians present."

"Understood. Move to the next zone of deployment," He replied.

"Confirmed."

General Joon sighed as he leaned back. The parahuman assets they had been lent from the KPD had been useful so far. But many of them were little better than hounds let off their leashes.

It was no secret to any government agency that parahumans were broken messes. Back in the early days -when parahumans first started to emerge- there was a push to integrate the superpowered individuals into the existing structures.

It was a complete disaster.

Parahumans were neurotic wrecks who could be set off by almost anything and were always horrifically dangerous. No parahumans didn't adapt well to existing structures. Structures had to be built around them.

Much like the Americans South Korea had handed control of it's parahumans to a separate, and newly founded, agency designed to handle those unstable maniacs.

Unlike the American's PRT the KPD was not designed to help integrate parahumans, or to help put civilians at ease around them. The closeness of the C.U.I. and the Night of Screams made that an impossibility. Instead the KPD acted as a separate military division of sorts.

Typically they focused on domestic issues. Criminal organisations, terrorist parahumans, insurgents, etc.

But for the very first time they were being used to great effect to devastate resistance in North Korea. They were effective at it. Perhaps too effective.

Their neighbouring country had few parahumans despite the horrible conditions they live in. The reason for this was the C.U.I. They took great pleasure in taking any parahuman they found in their vassal state.

Usually this wouldn't matter, as that same country would typically help defend North Korea if it was ever invaded.

But with the recent attack on their capital, the invasion from Russia and the current civil war China was in no position to lend any aid.

It should be perfect.

'Except those fucking parahumans keep killing too many people!"

General Joon fumed silently in his seat.

Admittedly the parahumans weren't the only ones. His own soldiers were also overly enthusiastic and not too concerned with surrenders after the recent waves of suicide bombers.

But the parahumans put the regular soldiers to shame in their brutality.

The man he had just spoken to, a tinker specialised in power armour, was one of the most conscientious of the parahumans sent in, and he was still a silent butcher who showed very little remorse and only spared civilians. Never surrendering soldiers.

Yes, the comparison between parahumans and wild dogs was an apt one.

General Joon was just thankful no proof of this had been allowed to circulate, ironically because of the parahumans leaving nothing behind to allow for such proof.

His phone rang, and he sighed as he wondered what fresh new horror awaited him.

AN: Personally a little iffy on this chapter, not my best work. Thankfully the next chapter is much better (and is much longer too).

In other news, the war continues! Uhh, South Korea may be getting a little too war crimey. Maybe someone should stop them.

Next chapter will be the start of the Endbringer battle, and oh boy is it a doozy! Look forwards to that!

I hope you're excited for it, because I sure am! So much juicy drama and horror to be had

Thank you for reading. Please leave a comment!

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Chapter 891 - 26-30