LOGINThorgan's abilities, however, had a much broader range of application. Because he could draw materials directly from the environment, his power also consumed less energy.By contrast, Bianca could create a frozen environment even in the absence of ice or snow.As a result, the icehouse she constructed was sturdier than Thorgan's. If she wished, it could even withstand small-caliber artillery fire.Inside the icehouse, several people warmed themselves by a fire. Once their body temperatures recovered, they would head back out to harass Cyrus again.After an entire day of effort, they had managed to leave only shallow marks on the outer wall. They had made no real progress.Florian, however, remained extremely patient. As he warmed himself by the fire, he casually took out some cured meat from Willowford Town and grilled it, restoring everyone's strength.Between tending the meat, with the fire crackling and the rich aroma of fat and smoke in the air, he began recounting stories fr
Cyrus crunched on his nuts and said casually, "Those few are the elite of the West Ridge Base. It's no surprise they're that strong."He glanced at the women beside him. "See? The outside world is dangerous. There are freakishly powerful ability users out there. So let's not wander off carelessly in the future. Staying here with food, heat, and comfort—this is the good life."The women nodded. Over the past few days, constant gunfire and explosions outside had kept them on edge.Scarlett asked, "Even if we know their plan, we can't go out. How will we know how far they've dug?"Cyrus smiled and turned to Barbara, who sat nearby with quiet poise. "Babs, why don't you explain?"Barbara shot her cousin a quick look, lifted her chin slightly, and replied, "Sound travels faster through solids than through air. Since they're digging underground, the vibrations will be even more noticeable."All we need is a receiving device. With that, I can analyze their construction progress on the c
Under Florian's command, the entire ACE unit and the residents of Willowford Town mobilized.Florian, Ilyana, and Damian led the assault on the bunker. They had already confirmed that the spatial ability did not actively absorb living bodies, so they planned to rely on brute force to open a breach.In reality, the assault was a performance. Its purpose was to mislead Cyrus. If they were going to act, they had to make it convincing.They redeployed large numbers of special operations soldiers to provide various forms of long-range fire support. Aside from the absence of high-yield explosives, the offensive appeared fierce and relentless.If Cyrus had not received advance intelligence from an insider, he might have believed they had truly lost their minds.Meanwhile, on the river embankment about a mile from the bunker, armed special operations soldiers supervised the people of Willowford Town as they began excavation work.Every villager arrived with tools, yet no one knew the tru
Cyrus replied in a lazy, almost teasing tone.Cyrus: [You're right, Ms. Brandt. But if I destroy their tunnel too quickly, wouldn't that expose you?]Cyrus: [You said it yourself. Everyone in Willowford Town has had their communication devices confiscated. The only people who can still contact the outside world are you and the West Ridge Special Forces team.]Cyrus: [So the moment something goes wrong, who do you think they'll suspect first?]He crossed his arms, a faintly mocking smile playing on his lips."I can't sacrifice you just to save a bunch of villagers, can I?" He let out a theatrical sigh, then offered a suggestion as if it were perfectly reasonable.Cyrus: [How about this? I'll give you some advice. Go talk to Captain Winterhelm properly and try to convince him to abandon the plan. Or better yet, fight him and force him to agree. At least that's somewhat realistic. Even if you fail, he probably won't kill you outright. That's far safer than being exposed as a mole. D
Florian had been wary of everyone in Willowford Town, even Thorgan. The one person he never suspected was a traitor within his own Special Forces team.When Ilyana entered the West Ridge Base, her background had undergone a thorough investigation. On paper, she had never crossed paths with Cyrus.That brief encounter at Greenvich Academy had left no digital trace. That single oversight doomed his meticulously crafted plan. It did not last a day before it leaked.Back in her room, Ilyana immediately sent Cyrus the intel.Ilyana: [The Special Forces unit plans to dig a tunnel and detonate explosives beneath your bunker. They've mobilized the entire town. The construction site is far from your position, so you won't spot it easily. But if you pay close attention, you'll notice signs.]…When Cyrus read the message, he paused."Underground demolition, huh?"He had considered the possibility himself. But it would take time. Given how heavily reinforced the underground structure was,
Two other powerful ability users stood present, along with dozens of elite soldiers. If she made a move now, she would be walking straight into her own execution.Sensing the tension, Bianca stepped forward. As another woman on the team, she gently looped an arm through Ilyana's.Bianca said softly, "We don't have a choice. Cyrus controls enough supplies to sustain thousands. Those resources are critical to West Ridge."This is the apocalypse. Only a minority will survive. Instead of pitying everyone else, protect yourself and the people closest to you. For example, your students."At the mention of her students, Ilyana forced herself to calm down. Clashing with Florian now would help no one, least of all them.Seeing her expression soften, Bianca continued, her smile reassuring, "We're only asking them to dig tunnels, not charge into gunfire. If they all froze or dropped dead, where would we get our labor? Relax. We're not running a sweatshop."Ilyana inhaled slowly, then exhale
That night, Cyrus slept in Zoey's room. With two women, he had to spread things evenly. Balance had to be maintained as all things survived on balance.Zoey lay curled against his chest, staring up at him with wide eyes. "Cyrus, do you love me more, or her?"Cyrus smiled and patted her head. "Don'
Cyrus spoke calmly. "Mr. Lusk, that joke is not funny. Do you really think a small-time manager like me has that kind of ability?"Dorian snorted. "Cyrus, I have lived long enough to see more than you can imagine. Do you think I would say this without proof?"He continued in a flat tone. "Through
Thorgan sat before his computer, his voice trembling with excitement. "I found it!"He pushed his glasses up his nose as his chubby body rocked from side to side.Cyrus was not skilled with computers. When he sent those messages, he had used no encryption at all. Tracing the IP addresses proved ef
This fight gave Cyrus a great deal to think about. It marked his first real clash with another awakened individual, and the experience clarified how his abilities functioned under real combat conditions.'When I get back, I need to train properly,' he thought. 'The future will belong to people with







