In the end, Michael decided not to head back home.
After gathering his nearby undead and dismissing them into the Netherworld, he made his way to the Supers Association.
The three looming level 5 cracks in the sky didn’t seem likely to erupt anytime soon, so Michael wanted to use this brief window to gather as much information as possible before making his next move.
Currently, the only person in the entire city who might have the answers he sought was Brian.
From the threatening aura Michael could vaguely sense from Brian, even after his own Advancement, and from the fact that during his last call with the Association, the staff mentioned needing someone of higher authority and heading to Brian, it was clear to Michael that Brian wasn’t just a regular figure within the Supers Association.
Perhaps even within the Federation as a whole, Brian’s position was far from ordinary.
Michael decided to try his luck and see if he could learn more about the current situation.
There were a lot of things he wanted to understand if time allowed.
The status of the demonic supernaturals, the Association’s plans for handling the level 5 cracks, and details about the demon remains the demonic Cultivators had used before the chaos began.
Though it was a stretch to call Brian an acquaintance, they were at least familiar with each other.
Michael didn’t think he’d be turned away outright.
As he sped toward the Association, Michael hoped nothing had happened to Brian and that he’d still be present there.
Even while moving at high speed, Michael couldn’t help but take in the destruction surrounding him.
The city was in ruins.
Ruins.
That was all Michael could see, aside from the scattered bodies of both monsters and humans.
Despite his growing numbness to such scenes, Michael found himself frowning.
The demonic supernaturals had truly dealt a devastating blow to humanity this time.
Michael couldn’t help but wonder how the Federation would address the public after such widespread destruction.
This level of devastation was far too massive to conceal.
With the Federation already beginning to release information about supernaturals, a part of Michael suspected this event might force them to reveal even more.
It didn’t take long for Michael to arrive at the Association.
There was no fighting at the moment, but the area was bustling with activity.
With his heightened senses, Michael could tell most of the people around were supernaturals.
Some were tending to corpses and the injured, while others stood motionless or moved about in a daze.
Only the heavens knew what was going through their minds.
Michael spared them a quick glance before making his way into the Association building alongside a group of rushing supernaturals.
Interestingly, from snippets of conversation he overheard, Michael learned that if he’d been closer to the Association during the earlier battle, he could have received a free weapon and some potions.
Even now, injured supernaturals could apply for treatment, and the process didn’t seem too difficult.
Fortunately, Michael didn’t need any of this.
As for the free equipment he had missed, he figured it wasn’t much of a loss.
Accepting it would have meant he had chosen to be near the Association instead of ensuring his family’s safety.
Besides, what kind of equipment could the Association realistically hand out in bulk, considering the scarcity of magical items?
Even now, the Association still owed him 12 hammers and 13 sets of armor.
At most, the free weapons and armor would probably be slightly better than the first spear he had used.
Once inside, Michael scanned the counters, trying to spot a familiar face.
Unfortunately, Grace was nowhere to be seen.
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Knowing she wasn’t there, he strode toward the trade center, hoping Brian might be there.
Though he wanted to move faster, the crowded building made any sudden movements risky.
Running or flashing through the crowd could lead to accidental collisions, and there was no urgent reason to rush for such close distance.
It didn’t take long for Michael to reach the trade center, but as he had half-expected, Brian wasn’t there.
Instead, an unfamiliar face stood behind the counter, addressing several people at once.
Disappointment flickered across Michael’s face as he frowned.
Just as he was about to turn and leave, a familiar voice echoed in his mind.
“What are you looking for, boy?”
Michael stiffened, alarmed by the sudden voice in his mind.
Soon, he quickly calmed down when he recognized it.
“Teacher Brian?”
“Yes.”
“What… what is this?”
“Just a slightly advanced form of communication. This is only my second time using it, though. The first person I tried it on almost died. Seems like my control has improved this time.”
Michael froze, his good mood vanishing as a chill ran down his spine.
“Uh… can you tell me where you are now? I have something I want to ask.”
“Sure. Leave the Association building. I’m outside. I sensed a familiar aura, so I knew you were here.”
“Alright.”
Michael complied, heading out of the Association building.
As much as he wanted to yell at Brian to get his damned voice out of his mind, he held back.
There were more important things to focus on.
Once outside, Michael scanned the area but couldn’t see any sign of Brian.
“Teacher Brian?” he called out mentally, trying to replicate the connection.
Fortunately, the call seemed to work.
“I’m coming,” Brian replied, his tone casual. “Just testing to see if this method would work. Ah, yes. Come here.”
Michael frowned at the cryptic response, his confusion growing.
Before he could question it further, his surroundings shifted in an instant.
One moment, he was standing outside the Association.
The next.
He found himself high in the sky, the city far below him.
A familiar voice spoke from behind him.
“The ways of the King Realm are truly mysterious. To think that idiot couldn’t even beat me with all this.”
Michael turned quickly, spotting Brian hovering casually in mid-air, exuding an intense aura of power.
“What is it you want to ask me, boy?”
Brian asked, his tone calm yet commanding.