When the cracks first appeared in the sky, it wasn’t just the ordinary public who were alarmed.
The ones most on edge were the supernaturals—especially those familiar with cracks.
Immediately, both branches of the Supers Association in Woodstone City contacted each other to discuss the matter.
However, just as the news about the situation being linked to demonic supernaturals was confirmed (thanks in part to Michael’s efforts), their communication was abruptly cut off due to a lack of signal.
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Given the advanced technology of the current age, the sudden loss of network signals made little sense.
However, it didn’t take a genius to figure out what was happening.
The situation was clearly orchestrated by the demonic supernaturals.
As for why the demonic supernaturals would want to cut off the Supers Association’s ability to communicate with the outside world, the answer was painfully obvious.
The chaotic energy that was blanketing the sky made it clear—they wanted to isolate the city.
From the few Level 4 cracks they could sense, the two strongest people in Woodstone City—aside from Brian—knew this wasn’t a matter they or their branch could handle alone.
They needed reinforcements.
Unfortunately, that was precisely what the demonic supernaturals were determined to prevent.
With no way to rely on technology to call for help, the two Master Rank cultivators—a knight and a mage, each with the ability to fly—set out to leave the city.
They didn’t get far.
Their path was intercepted by several Rank 4 demonic cultivators.
The battle that ensued was fierce, and the two Masters would have fallen if not for the other strong members of their association branch rushing to back them up in time.
Even then, it became evident that the demonic supernaturals were well-prepared for this confrontation.
The constant reinforcements from the demonic side proved their intent. They were more than ready for this fight.
As for summoning the next strongest person in Woodstone City, it became clear why the strongest of the demonic supernaturals hadn’t also personally joined the fray—they were keeping the city’s own strongest defender occupied.
Helpless, the Supers Association could only continue to fight.
Eventually, the appearance of a Level 5 crack shifted the tide of the battle.
The demonic supernaturals, having accomplished their goals, began to retreat.
But just as the supernaturals thought the ordeal was over, the griffins that soared in the sky had other ideas.
These winged beasts weren’t about to let anyone escape so easily, and another battle erupted—this time between humans and monsters instead of humans and demonic cultivators.
Meanwhile, in the Supers Association branchMichael was familiar with, Deputy Manager Leo stood with an irritated expression as he questioned a trembling staff member before him.
“What are the other cities saying?”
“T-they… they…”
“They what?!” Deputy Manager Leo’s patience was nearing its end, but the staff member’s next words hit him like a bucket of cold water.
“Sir, I’ve contacted the two cities closest to us, but they’re also facing similar challenges…”
“So, what you’re trying to say is… cracks have appeared in their areas as well?”
“Yes, sir. However, there doesn’t seem to be any sign of a Level 5 crack on their side.”
“We’re doomed.”
Deputy Manager Leo didn’t bother hiding his despair as he muttered those words aloud, uncaring that someone was standing right next to him.
For the first time in as long as he could remember, the late-stage Rank Three knight felt fear once more.
What he didn’t say aloud was that, even though the other cities didn’t have a Level 5 crack on their side, they were likely just as doomed as Woodstone City.
Their overall strength wasn’t significantly better, after all.
With several Level 4 cracks in their regions, if reinforcements from nearby cities didn’t arrive soon, it was uncertain how much they could save of their own territories.
However, Deputy Manager Leo had his own immediate concerns to focus on.
Though retired from the battlefield, Leo wasn’t someone who lost his composure easily—old habits died hard. And it wasn’t as if all hope was lost.
So what if there was a Level 5 crack—or even more than one? They had someone with a similar level of power in Woodstone City.
It was cruel to rely on one individual to handle such a daunting situation, but Deputy Manager Leo couldn’t think of a better alternative at the moment.
Besides, the cracks didn’t seem like they were going to break open immediately, so technically, they still had time to request aid.
King Rank cultivators weren’t easy to mobilize, and in the current situation, they would need more than just one or two. Still, Leo clung to hope, praying for a miracle.
If they could get word to the Federation in time without encountering further obstacles, a King Rank expert who could traverse realms wouldn’t take long to arrive.
With that sliver of hope in mind, Deputy Manager Leo prepared himself.
He was about to instruct the staff in front of him to contact some key individuals, while also considering if there was a way to reach that man—someone far stronger than his rank suggested—when he heard a familiar voice beside him.
Before he could react, his surroundings were engulfed in blue flames, coating everything within sight.
“Brief me on everything that’s happened,” the voice commanded.
“Master Brian!”
“No… no, this energy…”
******
Michael stared at his panel with a smile tugging at his lips.
He tried his best to suppress any sense of satisfaction from the chaos around him, but the joy of leveling up was impossible to ignore.
“Level 20.”
This was Michael’s current level.
In just a few hours, he had surged from level 15 to level 20.
No, that wasn’t even the full story—he had only recently advanced to Rank 1. If he accounted for that, he had essentially jumped from level 10 to 20 in a matter of hours.
However, Michael knew his rapid growth was likely nearing its peak.
“200,000 experience points to level up to 21,” he muttered, his brow furrowing slightly.
He wasn’t certain he could manage another level.
Not because the city lacked monsters to hunt, but because his self-imposed time limit was almost up.
Any minute now, he would be forced to make a decision.
However, these thoughts were interrupted as the sky above suddenly brightened.