The globally popular Catastrophe is a stress-relief game where players take control of calamities to destroy civilizations and bring about the end of the world.
One day, the game becomes reality, and the countdown to a living hell begins.
The System automatically selects players to represent their respective countries. They become the will of a catastrophe and enter the game, where at least one player must clear every catastrophe world within the time limit.
The player selected to represent Hua Country is Tang Yuan, a high school student who was previously an unknown bottom-ranked player on the leaderboard.
*
As the only player in the entire world to unlock the hidden "Savior" achievement, Tang Yuan opens his eyes to the sound of a System notification.
"Ding-dong! The Catastrophe System is now online. Player, destroy the world!"
Tang Yuan: But I refuse.
Turn into a zombie? He scavenges supplies and builds an impregnable fortress.
Turn into an insectoid? He takes command of the swarm and turns the insectoids into beneficial allies.
Turn into a robot? He rebuilds the rules and explores a path where all can thrive together.
Turn into a flood? He grows stronger and becomes an ark for civilization.
Turn into a giant octopus? He raises an ancient god and carves out a haven amid the chaos.
Tang Yuan really is the lowest-ranked player on the Catastrophe leaderboard.
But that is because he turned a stress-relief game into a casual strategy and management game about sheltering refugees and expanding cities.
*
"Hua Country is doomed."
At first, everyone held this pessimistic view.
But later, when disasters ran rampant across the world, Hua Country alone enjoyed good weather and peace throughout the land.
[Hidden rule: All the destruction players cause in the game will be faithfully reflected in reality.]
More and more people looked up at the boy. Though he had become the will of a catastrophe capable of destroying the world, he still steadfastly chose to save everything.
Like a beam of light in the endless night, a flame amid a vast snowstorm, he was humanity's last and only hope.
The whole world waited for the day they could greet their savior's triumphant return with applause and cheers.
Reader's notes:
* The protagonist is a high school student, not a pure saint (chaotic good). After becoming a catastrophe, he will not kill people of his own accord, but he will stand by and do nothing for those who do not deserve saving.
* Nontraditional quick transmigration, with multiple catastrophe worlds depending on the circumstances, in no fixed order.
* None of the players know the hidden rule exists beforehand.
* The protagonist is a savior both in and out of the game. The in-game story focuses on behind-the-scenes management and leveling up, while the real-world story features some livestreams and forum posts (there will not be too much infighting; the author loves peace).
Planned project, screenshot saved: 2022.7.18
Blurb revised: 2022.12.28
Theme: In darkness, keep your heart turned toward the light.
