And Then, The World Ended

Chapter 24 Doomsday Part II

The clock strikes midnight, the tension is at its peak. But then, nothing. Cheers of relief arise, and the atmosphere in the megadome shifts from fear to elation. Everyone thinks the worst is over.

But then, just one minute later, the lights go out. The emergency lighting kicks in almost instantly, but the brief moment of darkness triggers a new wave of panic.

"What's happening now?" Noah's voice quivers as he squeezes Hayes' hand.

Suddenly, the electricity is back on, and the bunker seems unaffected. People rush to the screens that show the exterior. They are met with a chilling scene. Hanami's men, who had been stationed outside the bunker, are running for their lives, faces of terror. The camera shakes frantically, and then, it too, starts to run.

"What are they doing...?" Sophie's question hangs in the air as the group stares, transfixed, at the screen.

On another monitor, a live feed of Seoul's skyline captures the city's demise. It crumbles under the force of a powerful earthquake. Clouds of ash and dust rise, shrouding the screen in darkness. The image is stark, and yet, ironically, those in the bunker don't feel a thing.

Mr. Hayes, his voice steady, addresses the growing fear. "This bunker is three hundred meters deep. It's built on revolutionary tech. We're essentially hovering in the center of a large hole, protected from any shockwaves."

Noah, still processing the magnitude of the catastrophe, whispers, "Seoul... it's gone."

Hayes squeezes his hand. "We're safe here. Remember what I told you about my father? This place was built to withstand global catastrophes. We're like a ship at sea, floating safely while the storm rages outside."

The group stands, unified in their silence, watching the aftermath of the unseen disaster. It's a surreal moment, witnessing the destruction of a city while remaining untouched.

"How is that possible?" Sophie's voice trembles. "We didn't feel the earthquake at all."

Mr. Hayes nods. "It's a combination of advanced engineering and hover-stabilization technology. The subterranean bunker possessed the capacity to endure virtually anything. When billionaires and brilliant minds collaborated, they birthed innovations beyond the realm of modern imagination."

Jordan, his eyes glued to the screen, asks, "What about the people outside? Are there other bunkers?"

"There are," Mr. Hayes replies. "Not as many as we'd like, but the government has several emergency shelters throughout the country. They should be able to protect a significant number of people."

Hayes turns to Noah, his eyes shining with unshed tears. "We're the lucky ones. We have to remember that."

Noah nods, his throat tight. He knows their relief could be short-lived, and the true scale of the disaster is yet to unfold. But for now, he holds onto the warmth of Hayes' hand, grateful for their shared survival.

As the initial shock begins to wear off, the group slowly returns to their previous activities, though with a new somberness. The atmosphere in the bunker is subdued, despite their safety.

In a quiet corner, Noah wraps his arms around himself, remembering the monolithic destruction from the screens. He takes a shaky breath, his eyes scanning the room full of strangers who, just like him, have found temporary refuge.

Hayes appears at his side, a steady presence. "You okay?"

Noah nods, though his hands are still shaking. "Just trying to process everything. It all feels so..."