The hollow disaster erupted so swiftly that even the Defense Force stationed there had no time to respond. It was said... this catastrophe had reached SS-rank.
Keqing's brows furrowed.
"Isn't S-rank supposed to be the highest level?"
Nicole quickly explained,
"This time's different. Because it's too close to Hollow Zero, the eruption immediately connected to it. In other words... that companion hollow is actually part of Hollow Zero. High-tier Ethereal from Hollow Zero can freely move in and out of it. Simply put, it's just like what happened more than ten years ago... Ugh, I'm dying of thirst. Billy, stop standing there—get me some water!"
Rather than a companion hollow, it was more like another way Hollow Zero was expanding.
In fact, this wasn't the first time it had happened. More than a decade ago, when Old Eridu fell, a similar event occurred. Hollow Zero expanded violently, devouring large sections of the old city.
Upon hearing that, Keqing immediately understood the gravity of the situation.
"I'll call Mr. Sam Li right now..."
Everyone at Scott Outpost was trapped. To deal with a void disaster of this scale, only the Geo Archon and the Adepti could intervene.
But before Keqing could even take out her phone, Nicole stopped her.
"No need. Sam Li's already gone there himself. He asked me to inform you... He also said this hollow disaster is Hollow Zero's counterattack. We can't let it succeed. He wants you to start preparing—there's a chance we'll have to strike Hollow Zero first."
At that, Keqing quickly said,
"Understood. I'll begin gathering all factions immediately."
Still uneasy about Scott Outpost, Keqing asked Ganyu to go there and assess the situation. Once she gave her instructions, Keqing led everyone out of the office to begin the mobilization.
...
As Keqing rallied the factions, on the opposite side of New Eridu, near Scott Outpost—this area had once been humanity's frontline defense against Hollow Zero, the strongest bastion of New Eridu.
Now, however, the entire outpost, along with its surrounding buildings and equipment, had been swallowed by the sudden void outbreak.
From afar, it was clear that the newly erupted hollow had fused with Hollow Zero, like a small void budding from the edge of a larger one.
To Keqing and the others, this scene was unfamiliar. But to the citizens of New Eridu, it was a nightmare—an omen of the city's fall.
Over a decade ago, the exact same thing had happened. Hollow Zero had expanded uncontrollably, devouring over half of Old Eridu and burying nearly half its citizens within the void.
As the catastrophe unfolded, news spread across New Eridu within minutes, sparking widespread panic.
The public forums descended into chaos:
"We're doomed! I told you not to provoke Hollow Zero! You had to 'suppress' it? Suppress what, exactly? Do you really think you can stand against it? Great, now it's pissed off..."
"This is exactly like what happened ten years ago. We're done for..."
"A bunch of useless cowards. If you won't help, at least stop with the sarcasm—it's disgusting..."
"We were going to fight Hollow Zero anyway. Of course it's angry! So what? We've got Adepti on our side..."
"I heard the immortals already went to Scott Outpost. If things go well, they'll have it suppressed soon..."
"Suppress my ass! It's already merged with Hollow Zero—it's literally part of it now. How could you suppress that?"
"Let's just hope they can rescue the people trapped in the outpost..."
"Why are you all still arguing here? Keep your eyes on the Scott Outpost! You wait here—I'm driving over to check things out myself..."
...
Not just the forums—every online platform was in chaos. Some mocked the situation, others voiced support for the counterattack. A few even risked their lives driving toward Scott Outpost, hoping to witness the Adepti's intervention...
At that same moment, inside Scott Outpost, the Defense Force led by Soldier 11 was locked in fierce combat with the Ethereal.
Staring at the endless swarm of blackened Ethereal, Soldier 11 showed no trace of fear.
"I'll hold them off! You activate the Hell's Eye Ether Cannon!"
Right now, that newly developed weapon was likely their only hope of pushing the Ethereal back.
Turning around, Soldier 11's gaze fell on the massive cannon beside the outpost—its barrel towering several dozen meters high. It was the Defense Force's ultimate weapon, built for this very moment.
Soon, the Ethereal surged forward again. Murmuring her combat mantra, Soldier 11 swung her blade, sending arcs of blazing flame that cut down the oncoming horde.
But she couldn't hold out much longer. It wouldn't be long before the high-tier Ethereal broke through.
Just then—a thunderous roar shattered the air. A crackling hiss followed as blinding light burst from the Hell's Eye rocket cannon.
In an instant, all the Ethereal in front were vaporized.
However... while the Ether ray cannon could annihilate ordinary and Notoriety-class Ethereal, it stood powerless before Destruction-class and higher.
Two colossal tentacles, each hundreds of meters long, descended from the sky. One lashed toward the Hell's Eye cannon; the other struck at Soldier 11.
But before she could react, two golden streaks of light flashed past—and the tentacles, suddenly lifeless, fell from the heavens.
A familiar voice sounded behind her.
"I'm here."
Soldier 11 spun around and saw Sam Li. She let out a long breath of relief. Sam Li had arrived. Scott Outpost was saved.
She quickly reported, "Multiple Destruction-level Ethereal have invaded..."
Sam Li said calmly, "Leave this to me. Take your people and evacuate."
Soldier 11 hesitated.
"But..."
Sam Li gave a faint smile.
"Don't worry. I'll handle all the Ethereal."
Truth be told, even he hadn't expected Hollow Zero to expand so violently now. Could it be sensing danger—trying to devour more life force to evolve?
Turning to the Adepti, Sam Li ordered, "Go assist them. Lead the humans to safety."
Moon Carver began, "But—"
Before he could finish, Sam Li stepped forward, his voice steady and resolute.
"Next... I shall summon the Planet Befall to subdue the ethereals."