Several missiles trailed fiery tails as they hurtled straight toward Ian.
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
The missiles struck an invisible wall just before reaching him, exploding in rapid succession. Massive fireballs erupted, swallowing Ian whole.
The explosions sent a shockwave surging outward, flames rolling across the snowfield. Even though Ian had teleported the others a safe distance away, Molly and the rest were still knocked to the ground by the sheer force of the blast.
Inside the official command base, the operations room fell silent. Everyone stared wide-eyed at the screen, barely daring to breathe.
"Is it... over?" someone whispered, their voice trembling.
Mr. Hank clenched his fists tightly, his knuckles white, his heart filled with regret.
"No... wait! Look!"
Someone suddenly pointed at the screen in disbelief.
The raging fireball that had just engulfed the area was shrinking—collapsing inward, as if being sucked back by some unseen force.
Those lying in the snow also noticed. They looked up just in time to see the fiery mass condense, smaller and smaller, until it became a glowing orb the size of a fist hovering in Ian's left palm.
The orb radiated dazzling light, like a miniature sun brimming with terrifying energy.
Under everyone's stunned gaze, Ian opened his mouth—and swallowed it whole.
Burp~
He let out a satisfied burp, as though he'd just finished a hearty meal.
Silence fell again.
Dead silence.
Everyone except Molly stood frozen, jaws hanging so wide they could've hit the floor.
He... ate it?
That was the energy of several missile explosions!
And he ate it?!
Was he even human?
Mr. Hank felt his worldview shatter into pieces. He rubbed his eyes, half convinced he was hallucinating.
In the operations room, officers stared at one another, shock and—yes—fear written plainly in their eyes.
"H-He's not actually an alien, is he...?" someone stammered.
Molly beamed at Ian. "As expected of you, Boss… truly amazing!"
Ian clapped his hands, reactivated the Ring of Swiftwolf's Rending Gale, and slowly lifted the group into the air toward the shelter.
Shelter, Helipad
The area once used for helicopters had been cleared. A crowd waited anxiously at the edge of the platform.
At the forefront stood an elderly man with graying hair in a decorated military uniform—the highest-ranking official of the shelter. Beside him were Mr. Hank and several uniformed researchers, their faces tense and uneasy.
"They're here!"
Someone shouted, and all heads turned upward.
A streak of light shot across the sky, descending rapidly. As it landed on the helipad, the brilliance faded, revealing Ian and his group.
"I apologize, I apologize! We misjudged the situation!"
The old officer hurried forward, bowing repeatedly.
"The situation was urgent—we thought it was an enemy attack! By the time we realized, the missiles were already in the air. Truly, our deepest apologies!"
Seeing their sincerity, Ian waved his hand magnanimously. "It's fine. You didn't know. Besides, I'm clearly unharmed, aren't I?"
Unharmed was an understatement—he was feeling fantastic. That whole stunt had been purely for show, and judging by their faces, it worked beautifully.
"Are you perhaps... a super-powered individual?" Mr. Hank stepped forward and asked.
"Ahem." Ian cleared his throat, ready for his next performance. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am not from your universe. I come from the Multiverse Alliance."
"Multiverse Alliance?"
Everyone exchanged blank, confused looks.
Ignoring their reactions, Ian continued confidently, "Our alliance exists to preserve peace and stability across the multiverse. Molly here has been chosen as our representative in your universe."
He glanced at her meaningfully, eyes full of—encouragement?
Molly was startled, then quickly realized, and nodded rapidly: "Yes, yes, yes! I am a new member of the Multiverse Alliance!"
Ian produced a Black Hole Ring and slipped it onto her finger. "This ring is the insignia of our organization, forged from the essence of black holes gathered across universes."
To substantiate his words, Ian flew to an open area and slightly activated the Black Hole Band on his own hand.
At once, a black sphere appeared—not colored black, but devoid of light itself. The surrounding space rippled and cracked like fragile glass.
Crack... crack...
"Wait! Don't! That's enough—we believe you!" the old commander shouted in alarm, terrified that one more second would erase the entire shelter.
Ian lowered his hand, smiling faintly. "I came here at Molly's request—to help you resolve your apocalyptic crisis."
As he spoke, he subtly released a wave of energy.
Invisible and formless, it nonetheless made everyone's hearts tremble.
Mr. Hank and the others turned even paler, their bodies trembling slightly.
"This... this pressure..."
The old officer swallowed with difficulty. Although he wasn't a super-powered individual, he could still feel the air thicken, and fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.
"Before negotiations begin," Ian said, "I'd like to meet the other two... reborn ones. I understand they're deeply tied to this world's fate."
"Reborn ones?" the old man echoed. "You mean... the one with spatial powers and the one with the farm bracelet?"
"Correct." Ian nodded. "According to our Multiverse Alliance's long-term observations, every world gives birth to unique individuals we call protagonists. I suspect they're the protagonists of this universe."
Of course, everything Ian had just said was completely fabricated. His main goal was to test if he could gain more Interdimensional Energy through these two potential protagonists.
"Protagonists?"
Again, puzzled faces all around.
But that didn't stop them from nodding in understanding.
"Understood. I'll arrange it right away," the old officer replied.
----
Conference Room
Ian, Molly, the commander, Mr. Hank, and the two reborn ones sat around a long table.
The first was a young man named Liam Hart, who wielded spatial powers. The second was a young woman named Lina Wells, who possessed the Farm Bracelet.
Both were key figures under government protection—crucial assets against the apocalypse.
"That's the situation," the commander said, summarizing Ian's request for them.
Liam and Lina exchanged a look, eyes wide with disbelief—and a flicker of excitement.
"The Multiverse Alliance... it's real? Not just a story?" Liam asked, unable to contain himself.
"Of course," Ian replied with a knowing smile. "Our organization is far more powerful than you can imagine."
"Then... could your alliance perhaps offer us some assistance?" Lina asked hesitantly.
"We can," Ian said smoothly. "However, in return, your universe must join the Multiverse Alliance and accept our jurisdiction."
"Jurisdiction?"
Their faces shifted uneasily.
"Don't worry," Ian reassured them. "We won't interfere with your internal affairs. Joining merely allows for cooperation in facing universal crises. You'll also be standing on the side of justice—fighting against the forces of evil."
"Crises? Justice? Evil?"
More confused looks.
"You'll understand in time," Ian said. "For now, all you need to do is make your choice."
"I... we agree to join!" the commander declared.
After all, it was just a verbal agreement. If Ian truly was from another universe, this was a good deal—and if not, they lost nothing.
[Ding! Interdimensional Energy +50%]
[Ding! Interdimensional Energy +50%]
[Ding! New Mod Unlocked]
Ian's heart leapt with joy.
As expected, those two really were this world's protagonists—and influencing them truly boosted his Interdimensional Energy.
"In that case, I'll take my leave," Ian said, rising from his seat. "Molly will handle the follow-up arrangements."
He drew several items from his Void Ring and handed them to her.
"Keep these for protection. And carry these little dolls with you—they're enhanced substitute totems."
"Wow! Thanks, Boss!" Molly said excitedly, admiring each piece.
There were glowing talismans, oddly shaped gemstones, and strange yellow-clad figurines—each radiating mysterious energy.
Indeed: Repair Talismans, Body Stones, and a handful of Totems of Undying.
"I'm off."
Ian winked at her, signaling to message him in the chat group later. Then, with a flicker of light, he vanished from the conference room.