Michael sat down on his bed and unlocked his phone, his fingers moving with practiced ease as he navigated to the Supers Association forum.
It had been a few days since he had last logged in.
As the page loaded, a flood of new posts filled his screen.
The forum was as active as ever.
A few front-page posts caught his attention.
“How to Make an Organ Enlargement Potion (Safe and Effective!)”
“Breaking Past the Elite Rank: The Key to Advancing!” –
“Federation’s Latest Action Against the Cracks—What We Know So Far”
Michael’s eyelids twitched at the first post.
He stared at the bold title, his mind blank for a second. Then, before he could stop himself, his thumb tapped the screen.
A mistake.
It was definitely a mistake.
Michael refused to acknowledge any other possibility.
A wall of text and images loaded instantly, the first line reading.
“Many think size is determined at birth, but with alchemy, even fate can be rewritten.”
Michael blinked.
His grip on the phone tightened slightly.
He should close it. Immediately.
But his eyes moved down despite himself, scanning the ingredients list.
“Requires the liver of a Rank 3 Bone Python, the petals of a Midnight Orchid, and…”
Michael caught himself and quickly exited the post.
A deep silence filled the room.
He exhaled through his nose, locking his phone with a flick of his thumb.
“…It’s time to enter the Land of Origin,” he muttered to himself, as if to wash away the previous moment from existence.
Of course he didn’t do this.
After all, he had come for something else instead.
This post had just……
Michael shook his head and went back to the front page.
He clicked on the third post that had also gotten his attention and what he had logged in for in the first place.
The post loaded quickly, revealing a detailed breakdown of the Federation’s latest actions.
“Federation’s Latest Action Against the Cracks—What We Know So Far”
By: ******* (Level 4)
The Federation has deployed high-ranking experts to stabilize the largest remaining cracks.
Reports indicate that a special containment team, led by a King-rank expert, has successfully sealed multiple rift points in major cities.
However, sources suggest that the cracks have not been entirely neutralized—merely suppressed.
While the cracks no longer pose an immediate danger, they haven’t been truly dealt with. The Federation’s silence regarding the long-term consequences is concerning. Stay alert.
Michael leaned back slightly, absorbing the information.
So the Federation had acted. That explained the change in the sky.
The cracks were still there but weakened, no longer pouring out chaotic energy. However, if the Federation had only suppressed them instead of closing them entirely, that meant the danger wasn’t over.
Michael frowned slightly.
His gaze drifted back to the account name. The level alone was already surprising.
It meant the person was either a Rank 3 Awakener or a King-rank Cultivator, an elite powerhouse in either case.
But something still didn’t sit right with him.
The Federation had the power to suppress the cracks but not close them completely?
That was odd.
Shouldn’t they have been able to eliminate the threat entirely?
Michael’s mind spun with possibilities.
Either the cracks were beyond even the Federation’s control, or… they had a reason for leaving them open.
His eyes narrowed slightly.
The demonic supernaturals had been the ones responsible for the chaos, but their motives remained unclear Michael significantly.
Was their goal to let something through?
Or had this simply been a test of the Federation’s strength?
Michael wasn’t arrogant enough to believe he could uncover the truth on his own.
He clicked on the comments section, quickly scanning through the replies.
Some were dismissive.
> “If the Federation’s handling it, then there’s nothing to worry about. Just go back to training.”
Others were more skeptical.
> “Suppressed? That just means the problem is delayed, not solved. What happens if the cracks open again?”
> “Anyone else notice the Federation has been moving some certain ways lately? First it was exposing the supernatural world bit by bit a few days ago.”
Michael exhaled through his nose.
He had already suspected as much, but seeing others echo his thoughts made it clear—he wasn’t the only one wary of the situation.
Still, there was no immediate action he could take.
His fingers tapped against the side of his phone as he considered his next move.
For now, there was no point in dwelling on what he couldn’t change.
Michael exited the forum and locked his phone.
He had one last thing to do before entering the Land of Origin.
Standing up, he extended his hand, summoning an undead.
“Stand guard,” he instructed.
The undead remained motionless, awaiting further orders.
Satisfied, Michael laid back down on his bed, closing his eyes.
A familiar sensation washed over him as his consciousness drifted away—
—and the world of the Land of Origin welcomed him once more.
A pair of green eyes opened and Michael found himself once again in the room of the inn he had rented the night for.
“So uncomfortable.”
Michael commented on his wooden bed and sat up.
Michael sat up, rubbing his neck. The wooden bed was stiff and uncomfortable, making his body ache slightly despite his enhanced physique.
He let out a small groan and stretched before glancing around the dimly lit room. Everything was as he had left it—his undead still stood motionless in the corner, its eerie form blending with the shadows.
Michael’s thoughts drifted for a moment. He had done everything he needed to for now.
The Federation’s movements, the cracks in the sky, and Brian’s unexpected advancement to King-rank were all things to keep in mind, but none of them required his immediate attention.
At least, not yet.
Feeling idle, he exhaled through his nose and closed his eyes. He shifted into a lotus position, his mind settling as he prepared to meditate.
His cultivation technique was bad—barely effective. It provided him with little actual improvement, but at least the process was comfortable.
A side thought crossed his mind.
“I should look for a better meditation technique.”
The one he was using was likely something low-grade. He had never put much effort into seeking a superior method, but now, with his growing ambitions, it seemed foolish to continue like this.
For now, though, he let that thought drift away.
Slowly, he focused on his breathing. The room was silent, save for the faint movements of his undead, and soon, Michael fell into deep meditation.
Morning arrived without him realizing it.
Today was the day he had an appointment with Mage Lian.
Michael ignored the panels in front of him and went to clean up.
After washing up and changing into a fresh set of clothes, Michael stepped out of his room and made his way downstairs.
The inn was already bustling with activity. The scent of freshly baked bread and simmering broth filled the air, mixing with the low hum of conversation from the other patrons.
The innkeeper, a broad-shouldered man with a thick beard, spotted Michael and immediately straightened his posture. His eyes held a trace of respect as he greeted him.
“Good morning, sir,” the innkeeper said with a nod. “Would you like breakfast? We have fresh porridge, eggs, and some smoked meat today.”
Michael gave a slight nod. “I’ll take whatever is ready.”
“Of course.” The innkeeper hurried away, and within moments, a steaming bowl of porridge and a plate of smoked meat was placed before him.
Michael ate in silence, his thoughts already focused on his upcoming meeting with Mage Lian.
Once he finished, he placed a few coins on the counter and stood up. The innkeeper gave him a respectful nod but didn’t say anything further.
Michael returned to his room and closed the door behind him, exhaling slightly.
He had returned for a reason.
He was waiting for the day to brighten more and for Ace and Lia to arrive.
As Michael waited, he took a moment to collect his thoughts.
He had a busy day ahead of him, with his appointment with Mage Lian being the main priority.
Michael’s gaze drifted toward the window, where the morning sunlight was slowly creeping in. He watched as the dust particles danced in the rays of light, his mind momentarily at ease.
However, his tranquility was short-lived, as his thoughts soon turned to the tasks at hand.
He heard a faint knock at the door.
Michael made his way to the door and opened it.
He found Ace and Lia standing in the hallway.
They both seemed brighter than they were yesterday.
Michael figured the two must have had a great sleep.
The two bowed in greeting but before they could speak Michael beat them to it.
“I won’t be available today to be with you but I need you both to do something for me.”
Immediately a look of surprise appeared on the two youth face as they turned to look at each other.