Chapter 664: Chaos Unleashed in Flame City

On the wall, various computer feeds were rapidly switching, though there wasn’t time to explain.

Everyone around the conference table stared blankly at the screens.

Screen 8: The impoverished district of South City

In the wide shot, only panicked crowds could be seen. Every now and then, someone would suddenly collapse and quietly die. But once the surveillance mode kicked in, a massive tentacle would emerge from underground, ensnare a person, and plant a seed that sprouted new tentacles, reaching out to more people.

This area was once highly susceptible to spreading chaos, until a group of mysterious figures in black armed uniforms appeared, wielding plasma guns. They quickly formed a circle, interrupted the spread, annihilated the tentacles, and then vanished from view.

Screen 9: The Day Church Assembly

A procession of priests and believers queued for the restroom — even brawls broke out over access.

Screen 10: Flame City’s Main Road

Countless residents, who should have been diligently performing sacrificial duties — and even some churchgoers — were now clutching bags and sprinting through the streets in a money-grab frenzy.

Screen 11…

Screen 12…

…

…

Even the Hell Designer gradually fell silent.

He was a man bold enough to design hell, and in the eyes of Flame City’s top brass, a profoundly enigmatic expert of Mental Alteration. With just a glance at subtle details, he could deduce an opponent’s ability type and offer rapid, targeted analysis. Yet now, many aspects still eluded him.

For instance, what kind of ability was afflicting that group scrambling for the restroom?

And what was the explanation behind the street-wide cash grab?

“They’re merely the loose ends left over from the Hell Regiment’s purge…”

As a series of images flashed by, the Hell Designer—who hadn’t even bothered to check the footage behind—finally spoke in a low tone. Holding the notes his secretary had just made, he said, “My primary focus was that mysterious man whose identity remains unknown. He’s likely the leader of these invaders and, as I suspected, the most deranged of them all…”

“The others? We barely had time to attend to them—they slipped through.”

“Of course, in hindsight, those who slipped through also possess notable capabilities, causing us considerable trouble…”

“Or rather…”

He paused, his gaze turning oddly as he added, “The trouble they cause is quite significant…”

“Mainly because some of them operate like madmen…”

“…”

“Then you…”

Several high-ranking executives nervously turned to look at him.

Caught up in the chaos, no one paid any mind.

Many of them already harbored a deep sense of dread about the plan; witnessing someone attempt to stop it only amplified that fear.

Especially since, in their eyes, Flame City was practically smoking, a den for lunatics.

Not to mention the one who barreled into the Nuclear Power Station in a tank, unleashing havoc — utterly terrifying…

…

…

“Nothing to worry about…”

The Hell Designer chuckled, “Such minor setbacks were expected, weren’t they?”

“Besides, their strength only underscores why I needed to eliminate that mysterious man in the first place.”

“Haven’t you noticed?”

“These people are indeed frightening, but their actions are as disorderly as a jumbled mess. Each one acts purely on their own whim, probably because they lack leadership and can’t effectively thwart our plans.”

“It appears that chaos reigns everywhere.”

“Yet this level of disorder poses little threat to our overall plan…”

“…”

The Flame City executives around the table shrank back in silent deference at his confident smile.

“So, we take them down one by one…”

The Hell Designer casually flicked his finger. Someone handed him a phone; he pressed the speaker button, dialed a number, and ordered, “The countermeasures have been transmitted to the terminals. Ground forces, move out immediately to stop them…”

“…”

“…”

As soon as the order was given, countless iron doors sprang open across Flame City. Military vehicles and commanders wearing bizarre masks emerged, their presence exuding the unmistakable aura of armed force as they raced toward various city sectors.

“Also, to avoid any further complications, have them prepared as well…”

He then glanced at the screen on the wall. One feed, however, remained pitch black.

Even he paused to consider before signaling his secretary. A phone call was placed.

After a brief moment, the black screen trembled slightly and then came to life with an image.

It revealed the center of Flame City: a high-tech sports arena topped with a grayish-white, folded dome.

The dome was gradually contracting, piece by piece.

Brilliant lights burst from within, dazzlingly bright — nearly rivaling the glow of the Red Moon above.

Inside the arena sat over ten thousand individuals clad in white robes.

Men and women sat quietly.

Their postures were those of devout prayer, eyes closed in silent meditation.

Upon closer look, one could even see the air around them twisting strangely.

Beneath them, refracted prismatic light made them appear half in reality and half in a dream.

…

…

“Can you see it?”

Unable to contain his amusement, the Hell Designer burst into laughter, pointing at the screen with pride, “This is our core.”

“This is our pride.”

“And the greatest masterpiece of my life…”

“Forged through countless years of unwavering devotion from our most faithful believers.”

“Now, countless invaders and spies are most likely scouring this city for our Gate of Hell…”

“But they’ll never expect…”

“…”

“Thud…”

Many who saw the arena’s image couldn’t help but swallow hard.

Even those who witnessed it instinctively felt a trace of fear, unable to face the sight head-on.

“That…”

In the stifling atmosphere, someone trembled and whispered, “Is this really just the beginning?”

“Are we meant to wait until our opponents have wrecked all our plans, then theatrically reveal their trump cards like villains?”

The Hell Designer sneered, casting a cool glance at them as he murmured, “That’s not my style.”

“Even so, we still want to know…”

After a pause, someone cautiously asked, “You once guaranteed absolute safety—what did you mean by that?”

“…”

Riding the wave of his own enthusiasm, the Hell Designer turned to the speaker, frowning slightly.

Not only was the speaker looking at him, but nearly everyone around the conference table was watching, each bearing a strangely varied expression. Unable to hold back, they said, “Forgive us; you’re the one who designed this entire system and orchestrated every plan. But while you chase perfection in design, we believe that ensuring safety comes first. So, can you…”

The Hell Designer recognized their apprehensions.

After a brief silence, he suddenly smiled and said, “I understand.”

“You are businessmen.”

“Businessmen relentlessly pursue profit, yet go to great lengths to minimize risk.”

“In uncertain times, waiting around with me is truly excruciating…”

“But since that’s the case, here’s a little boost of confidence for you…”

“…”

He continued slowly, picking up a remote control. His finger hesitated in the air before he pressed a button.

“Tch!”

He aimed squarely at the center of the long conference table.

As his finger pressed down, a black steel plate on the table retracted, revealing a large glass cabinet in its middle. Instantly, everyone craned their necks to look. Inside, the cabinet was divided into three compartments, each housing a pale-skinned person sitting silently.

They were all slight in build, and remarkably, their facial features were identical.

Yet, their demeanors differed: one exuded countless blood vessels and muscle tissue, sitting motionless with closed eyes while the tissue thumped continuously against the glass walls.

In the middle, one man held a glass cup.

Oddly, the cup in his hand alternated between displaying an apple and its original form.

The last one, clad in a black suit and wearing a top hat, simply hugged his knees and sat quietly inside the cabinet.

…

…

“These… they are clones of True Hometown’s Guide…”

The surrounding Flame City executives couldn’t help but gasp at the sight of the three figures.

“Yes.”

The Hell Designer nodded slightly, “They are clones of the Guide from True Hometown.”

“Flame City’s greatest strength lies in its robust funding and near-limitless research capabilities. Cloning isn’t difficult—though perfectly replicating that Guide and preserving some of his abilities is extremely challenging. But fortunately, we have been blessed by God, and our plan has succeeded.”

“…”

As he spoke, his eyes lit up:

“Whenever others mention Flame City, they instinctively let their guard down because they know we lack a Mental Overlord.”

“But they have no idea—we possess something far more powerful than any Mental Overlord…”

“With our resources, Flame City can even piece together a fantasy realm.”

He shook his head lightly, “Too bad that the Main Body disagrees…”

“Otherwise, our plan would have already been executed flawlessly, completely impervious to external interference!”