Chapter 4

Riley's message immediately enraged everyone in the group chat.

"Now isn't the time to worry about the inventory anymore!"

"Are you planning to use the resources as leverage against us by hoarding them for yourself?"

"Say something, Mr. Gideon!"

The argument in the group continued to escalate.

Just then, Frank suddenly tagged me. "Your safehouse is in the desert, Molly. There aren't a lot of metal objects there, so the damage should be less severe. Send your location to me. I'll teleport everyone there to weather this crisis."

Riley's temper exploded. "Why do you keep seeking her out, Mr. Gideon? Do you like her or something? I disagree! Anyone who dares look for Molly can kiss my resources goodbye forever!"

Frank's words were laced with helplessness when he replied, "Stop causing a fuss, Riley. Our lives are on the line here."

"Causing a fuss? Don't you need my unlimited storage space? Swear to me that you'll never contact Molly again. I'll let you enter my storage space to survive the disaster if you do."

Everyone's attention instantly returned to Riley after she made her declaration. Once again, they tossed me aside in favor of begging her for her resources.

I picked up my tablet and leaned against the couch, quietly watching the commotion unfold.

…

The scale of the magnet storm increased on the third day.

It was almost as if the sky had split apart as massive, black metal objects descended from the clouds. The apartment would shake slightly every time they crashed on the ground.

The roads had been reduced to a complete mess. Cars were stuck together thanks to the magnets, creating a twisted mountain of metal. The streetlights and barricades had collapsed and constantly emitted ear-piercing screeches.

I didn't need to stand on the balcony anymore. I just slowly absorbed the remaining water particles to gain energy, lying on the bed.

The people in the group chat had stopped arguing with one another. Their messages were colored with fear.

"The windows are covered with magnets! The glass is about to break soon!"

"The campsite's metal racks are gone… It's over…"

"The raid shelter's door is sealed tight because of the magnets. We can't open it!"

"The entire metal fence has collapsed!"

Someone tagged Frank and exclaimed, "Save us, Mr. Gideon! Teleport to us and take us away! Anywhere will do!"

Frank sent a string of ellipses in response.

His teleportation skill used up a lot of his energy. With the constant rain of metal objects outside, there was a chance that he might enter a danger zone every time he teleported. He didn't have the capacity to worry about anyone else.

Just then, Riley sent a message. Her tone was as stubborn and arrogant as ever as she asked, "Why are all of you panicking? Calm down. The extreme weather is on a rotation. The plant storm will start after this magnet one is over.

"How will you protect me if you can't keep your wits about you? Get your act together, everyone!"

Even Riley's biggest supporter had grown tired of her antics.

"You're the one who needs to wake up, Riley! There are only ruins left outside!"

"Still acting like a princess at this time? Do you have some loose screws in your head?"

"Aren't you hoarding a huge haul of resources? Hurry and distribute them to us now! We're not going to make it if you don't!"

"Why should I share my resources with trash like you?" Riley retorted. "Once the plants start raining down, you'll—"

Riley's words died on her tongue when a notification popped up on everyone's screens.

"All bans in the game have been lifted.

"Administrator Riley Johnson's rights have been revoked.

"Administrator Frank Gideon's rights have been revoked.

"Administrator William Green's rights have been revoked.

"The game has been renamed from 'War of the Plants' to 'Magnet Apocalypse'."