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

In the time that followed, Valley City appeared to have returned to a state of calm. However, the influential figures within the city were all engaged in a series of activities behind the scenes.

The day of the banquet, as previously arranged between Jeremy and the mayor of Valley City, soon arrived. On the morning of that day, Jeremy and Ritchie received custom-tailored suits delivered to their hotel by the mayor's staff. Continue reading at empire

"The mayor said that if you're going to attend the banquet, you need to have the proper attire. That's why he personally sent over these custom-made suits for you," the hotel attendant said with a smile, addressing both Jeremy and Ritchie.

Jeremy nodded and took the suits into the room.

"The mayor invited us to the banquet, so he shouldn't be making any demands about our clothes! Doesn't he have too much on his plate?" Ritchie frowned as he looked at the custom-made suits.

"Stop complaining! Are you planning to show up in some weird outfit when everyone else will be in suits?" Jeremy didn't seem to mind the situation. He was simply changing into the attire.

Ritchie sighed, then began changing as well.

Once both of them were dressed, soldiers sent by Major Joseph arrived at the hotel's entrance. These soldiers were there to provide protection for Jeremy and Ritchie.

Under the protection of the soldiers, the two of them made their way to City Hall.

The banquet was set to take place at City Hall, and all the major figures of Valley City were expected to attend.

"I really don't get it," Ritchie whispered to Jeremy as they walked. "Our strength is much greater than anyone else's in Valley City. Why did Major Joseph send soldiers to protect us? Isn't that a bit unnecessary?"

Ritchie felt that the whole situation was over the top.

But Jeremy had a different perspective.

"Everyone else has soldiers protecting them. If we don't have any, it would look like we aren't respected. Stop complaining! Since we've decided to attend this banquet, let's just get through it smoothly," Jeremy replied, hoping Ritchie would take the situation more seriously.

Jeremy was sure that something unexpected might happen at the banquet, and he wanted Ritchie to stay focused.

Ritchie nodded and stopped complaining.

As they arrived at the entrance of City Hall, the mayor of Valley City walked out to greet them.

The mayor was dressed in a luxurious, high-end suit, and with a smile, he addressed Ritchie and Jeremy, saying, "You are my most distinguished guests! Your arrival means that the banquet is about to begin! Please, come with me!"

With that, the mayor led Jeremy and Ritchie into the banquet hall of City Hall.

As soon as they entered, both Jeremy and Ritchie were stunned by the sight before them. The decorations in the banquet hall were even more extravagant than some banquet halls in the capital.

"Since the arrival of the apocalypse game, we haven't been able to decorate the banquet hall as lavishly as before. Although we've done our best to prepare the hall in your honor, in my opinion, it still feels a bit lacking in luxury," the mayor said apologetically, addressing Jeremy and Ritchie.

Ritchie stared at the mayor in disbelief. "What did you say? You think the banquet hall is lacking in luxury?" He couldn't believe his ears.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

Ritchie had never seen such a luxurious banquet hall, not even in Moonlight City. Even before the apocalypse game began, he had never encountered anything like it.

While Jeremy was equally surprised, he didn't react the same way as Ritchie. He quickly composed himself.

"You've done more than enough! In my opinion, this is the most luxurious banquet hall I've ever seen!" Jeremy said, offering reassurance.

The mayor's smile grew even brighter upon hearing this.

"I'm glad you're satisfied! The banquet is about to start! Please follow me! As your position is the most esteemed, your seats will, of course, be the most distinguished as well."

The mayor led Jeremy and Ritchie to the center of the banquet hall. Their seats were placed directly next to his.

Around them were the most prominent figures in Valley City, including the Speaker of the City Council and Major Joseph. Other guests included members of the City Council and various well-known personalities from Valley City.

Jeremy and Ritchie exchanged greetings with Major Joseph.

Although Major Joseph was smiling, there was a certain nervousness about him. He seemed quite tense.

"Joseph looks a little off. Why does he seem so nervous?" Ritchie noticed Major Joseph's unusual behavior and immediately turned to Jeremy to ask.

Jeremy shook his head.

Jeremy still believed that they would face some sort of danger during the banquet, so he didn't pay too much attention to the others around him.

Jeremy and Ritchie kept their conversation very quiet, making sure that no one could overhear them.

Just as they finished their private discussion, the mayor of Valley City stepped forward and took the microphone.

"Everyone, please quiet down!"

The crowd in the banquet hall quickly fell silent. All eyes turned to the mayor, knowing that he was about to announce the official start of the banquet.

"Valley City recently faced a tremendous crisis. If it hadn't been for the help of these two heroes standing beside me, Valley City would have surely been destroyed by the terrible monsters. This banquet is being held specially for these two heroes! Before we begin, I ask you all to join me in giving a warm round of applause for these two heroes!"

The two heroes the mayor referred to were, of course, Jeremy and Ritchie.

Under the mayor's lead, everyone in the banquet hall began to clap and cheer.

Jeremy and Ritchie could only stand up with smiles on their faces. Both of them felt a little awkward. They knew that they hadn't fully defeated the Moon Envoy.

But the ordinary people of Valley City didn't know that.

The applause and cheers lasted for a long time, until the mayor of Valley City gestured for everyone to stop. Only then did the sound of clapping and cheering begin to fade.

"In organizing this banquet, the city government has spared no effort! During this process, we also received help from others! Let us also give a round of applause to those who assisted us!"

The people the mayor was referring to were, of course, the members of the City Council.

After saying all the polite words, the mayor of Valley City solemnly declared, "The banquet officially begins! Please, enjoy the food!"

Once the banquet officially started, the mayor did not immediately approach Jeremy and Ritchie. Instead, he chose to chat with others first.

Taking advantage of this moment, Major Joseph approached Jeremy and Ritchie.

"How do you feel?" Major Joseph asked with a smile, addressing the two of them.

Jeremy and Ritchie both felt slightly awkward. They didn't respond immediately.

After a moment of hesitation, Jeremy spoke up. "I didn't expect the mayor to actually throw this banquet just for Ritchie and me! I think it's a bit unnecessary. We did save Valley City, but I don't think we need to be thanked this much. After all, we're players of the apocalypse game, and protecting ordinary people from the threat of monsters is part of our duty."

Jeremy's response made Major Joseph reflect more deeply. His admiration for Jeremy grew even more.

Ritchie, eager to express his agreement, nodded quickly after Jeremy finished speaking. "I feel the same way."

After hearing their answers, Major Joseph spoke in a slightly mysterious tone, "I think you both need to be cautious. There are people in Valley City who have a very strong animosity toward you."

Joseph's words didn't surprise Jeremy and Ritchie. Their expressions remained unchanged.

"Did you already know about this?" Major Joseph asked, clearly taken aback.

"Of course," Jeremy replied matter-of-factly. "Although we saved Valley City, that doesn't mean everyone will be grateful. There will always be some who see us as a thorn in their side. Maybe the mayor himself isn't really that grateful. Perhaps he just wants to keep us in Valley City with this banquet, ensuring the city's safety so he doesn't have to worry as much."

Jeremy had already guessed the true motive behind the mayor's actions.

Major Joseph gave a wry smile.

"Things aren't as simple as you think. Some people in Valley City have connections with powerful figures from Capital!" Major Joseph once again cautioned Jeremy and Ritchie.

Jeremy and Ritchie immediately understood what he meant.

So, Jeremy quickly responded, "I understand! Both Ritchie and I are fully prepared. Even if the worst-case scenario happens, we'll be ready to handle it."

Jeremy's tone was firm as he spoke, which reassured Major Joseph. He no longer seemed as worried as before.

"I'm glad to hear that! If things really take a turn for the worse, I'll definitely help you out. Because you saved Valley City, I will repay you for that!"

Major Joseph made a solemn promise.