Chapter 313: Shaken City
"We have just received information from our sources in Jersey City that there has been a terrorist attack in Hotel Durham! A bomb has gone off in the hotel," the anchor declared.
"Hmm? We are getting the information that another blast occurred, but this time at Hotel Fionas in the same city!"
" This seems to be a coordinated terrorist attack," the Anchor said.
"I would take you to our men at the spot. They’re bringing you the visuals of Hotel Durham from the top. You can see how terrible the blast was. Smoke can be seen everywhere!"
"We’ll show you the visuals of Hotel Fionas in just about a minute. Our second team is on their way to Hotel Fionas!" the Anchor said.
"Hotel Durham, isn’t this the place Shu booked a room for us? It looks terrible there," Ryder muttered as he looked at the visuals taken from the helicopter by the News Team.
"S-should we go back?" Alice suggested as she stood up.
Ryder was about to reply when the news channel started showing another headline, informing of another attack.
" This is just in, but the Third Seven-Star hotel in the city has suffered a blast as well. The whole city had been placed on red alert. All the borders of the city have been sealed! The President has just given the Orders to send the National Guards to help the city authority."
"We have received the Statement from the FBI Director of Operations! He said that he’s dispatching his teams to the city as well."
"This is terrible! A fourth blast has occurred, this time in a Club. According to the sources, it was one of the most famous clubs in the city that was always crowded!"
The News Anchor kept giving updates one after another. Ryder simply stood there blankly, looking at all the terrifying visuals.
"The Former Director of FBI joins the line with us to share with us his expertise about what the people of the city should be doing now! Mister Dion."
The News Anchor brought an Expert on the Channel. Ryder was surprised at how fast the news Channels were in bringing experts.
"Look, Jaily. According to the pattern I see here, it seems to be a large scale coordinated attack by a terrorist organization. We have seen Four Terrible Terrorist attacks in the city at the moment, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be more. I have a feeling that this is going to be a long night. So from your channel, I would like to tell all viewers not to go outside and stay where they are. Let the Government do its job. Keep yourself safe and as far away from harm’s way as you can," the Former FBI Director replied to the anchor.
"That’s right. We would also urge our viewers to stay indoors and not go out. This..."
The Anchor was saying the same thing when she stopped. She went blank for a few seconds before she said again.
" Three more blasts have occurred simultaneously. One of them was inside Hotel Elisium. The Second was at DXO Mall, and the Third happened to be inside the Police Station," The News Anchor said.
"Even Police Station?" Ryder muttered as he frowned. "These Terrorists... It doesn’t seem like they want anything. They just want to destroy," He muttered as he turned back.
Suddenly, his phone started ringing. He looked at the screen and noticed it was Shu calling.
"Hello?" He picked up the call.
"Oh, thank God you’re safe. I just heard the news of the blast in Hotel Durham. Are you still there? I’m sending my people to bring you back. That place is not safe anymore," Shu said as soon as he heard Ryder’s voice. He seemed to be somewhat relaxed to know that Ryder was safe.
"Don’t worry. I’m perfectly fine. Also, don’t bring anyone. I’m not inside Hotel Durham. I’m outside the city. We had a change in plan midway and decided to come to the Luxia hotel in the neighboring city. Since the borders are sealed, we can’t come back, but we’re safe. I’m more concerned about you, though," Ryder replied as he frowned.
"The whole city is under attack. Anything can happen. Tighten your security and stay safe. Don’t go out at any cost," he continued.
He turned back to glance at the news. His face turned blank as he saw the visuals on the channel. They were talking about a Bar suffering the same attack, but that was what made Ryder the most worried since it was a place he knew.
It was the Bar where Esmi’s base was.
"Ah, Shu! I’m going to have to call you later. Someone I know might have been affected by the blasts. I’ll check up on you later," Ryder said as he disconnected the call.
He dialed Esmi’s number as he stepped out of the room.
"The Number you’re trying to reach has been switched off."
He called again and again, but he got the same reply.
The more he heard this automated message, the more concerned Ryder became.
He dialed the number of Bastion instead to ask what the situation was.
Fortunately, the ring of Bastion’s phone was going on.
Soon, Bastion picked up the call.
"Ryder?" Bastion replied.
"Yeah, it’s me. I saw the news. There was a blast at your bar. I was concerned. How’s everyone? Is everyone safe?" Ryder asked in a concerned tone.
"Ah, not really. A lot of our people died in the blast. Fortunately, I was at home with my aunt. We’re also trying to find more information about it," Bastion replied.
"Ah, I am glad that the two of you are safe. Stay indoors and stay safe. I’ll take later," Ryder said before he disconnected the call.
"Those two are safe, and Shu is Safe as well. That’s good," he muttered as he stepped inside his room.
As soon as he stepped inside, his focus was attracted by the News Anchor’s Words.
"There have been Thirteen blasts throughout the city and three instances of Shooting. Looking at the situation in New Jersey, all the states have also sealed their borders. Every city is on High Alert. According to our sources, the President will deliver a speech in a few hours regarding these terrible attacks," the news anchor said in a solemn tone.
Ryder walked over and sat in front of Alice.
"Shu and Bastion are safe," he told Alice.
"My friends are safe too," Alice replied, nodding her head.
"That’s good," Ryder muttered as he nodded his head.
"Anyway, all the nearby cities are under lockdown. It looks like we won’t be able to leave tonight," He said.
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