Michael drove away from Starlight City, the map to Ravine City glowing on his console. His mind, however, was not on the road but on the implications of what he had seen.
The weapons in that inventory were not simple. If we possess such advanced arms, why is the Federation still struggling against the alien races? Are they holding back? Waiting for something?
The more he learned, the less he understood his family's grand design. He was certain a massive, orchestrated plan was unfolding, but its shape remained frustratingly elusive.
He shook his head with a sigh. "Even in this realm, I'm still groping in the dark. But I can feel a storm gathering. I need to accelerate my own plans."
His focus returned to the present as he navigated the expansive highway. The Federation had invested immense resources into connecting its cities, ensuring that even common citizens had a lifeline and a chance to escape if a city fell. The threat was constant; beast swarms, directed by smarter, higher-level mutants, could overrun urban centers, wreaking havoc on those without the power to fight back. Not everyone could be a warrior, and low-level warriors were often just cannon fodder against a true tide of monsters.
The thought made his search for Zia feel like finding a needle in a cosmic haystack. "With so many cities and her being only five years old now... it might be more difficult than I imagined."
He didn't stop, driving instead toward a region of the wilderness known for a high concentration of wild beasts. "Combat is the best crucible for the Nine-Stage Thunder Sword Body. I just need to temper my strength to make the practice worthwhile."
For the first time in years, he found a strange peace in the desolate landscape, the open road a welcome contrast to the suffocating politics of the city.
After two days of driving, Michael arrived at the outskirts of a military base. He stepped out of his vehicle, his spiritual sense immediately sweeping over the compound.
"The energy here is weak. Mostly lower-realm warriors." He scanned the personnel, noting groups of Warlords but sensing no auras at the Planetary Realm or above. "Either they're concealed, or this is just a minor outpost."
He proceeded to the gate where Federation soldiers were checking IDs—a measure of control that also served as a way to track and potentially rescue warriors who ventured into the danger zone.
A soldier gestured mechanically. "Scan your ID."
Michael complied. The soldier's eyes widened slightly as he read the data; a General Realm warrior was a significant figure to a common soldier. It highlighted the divided nature of their world: one for the ordinary masses who believed Planetary Realm was the peak, and another, hidden realm of true power where the wealthy and connected could buy their way to greater heights.
I was once just as oblivious, Michael thought, passing through the gate. They have no idea what awaits at the top. Even I am still discovering how advanced this world truly is.
He pushed the complicated thoughts aside as he entered the wilderness. "Enough speculation. The truth will reveal itself when my strength is enough to demand it."
Releasing his spiritual power, he began searching for a worthy opponent. He traveled deep, past the ruins of old cities now reclaimed by nature and beasts. About three hundred kilometers from the base, his senses tingled.
"Something's hiding ahead."
His gaze focused on a tunnel entrance. Deep within, he felt the presence of a leopard-like beast. Its energy signature gave him pause.
Planetary Realm? A beast of this level shouldn't be here alone. They congregate in powerful groups or on the battlefields. Why is it lurking in a ruin?
Curiosity piqued, Michael entered the tunnel. Within seconds, he stood before the massive creature.
The leopard, roused from its sleep by the human scent, opened its eyes and fixed its gaze on Michael. "Human," it growled, its voice a low rumble. Beasts gained the ability to speak upon reaching the Planetary Realm.
The beast's lips curled into a snarl. "A Warlord-level human. A fine meal. I've been growing bored waiting for orders. A feast will pass the time."
Michael's eyes sharpened. "Orders? Are you planning to attack a human base?"
The leopard let out a derisive laugh. "Hahaha... since you will be my snack, I will enlighten you. We will destroy your cities. We are simply waiting for the command. Now, prepare to die."
As the beast finished, a long-buried memory clicked into place in Michael's mind. The destruction of a small city... a five-year-old girl... a coordinated beast attack.
He looked at the leopard, and for the first time in a long while, a genuine, cold excitement flashed across his face.
"Finally," Michael whispered, his voice dropping to a deadly calm. "A clue."