[Translator's Note:]
We've reached Rank #3, which means 5 new chapters!
Also, just a friendly reminder — if you're unsure about who's who in the upcoming arc, you can check out my Patreon for a more immersive reading experience.
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"Don't move!"
"Hands in the air!"
A group of soldiers quickly surrounded Fenric.
Naturally, Fenric had no intention of surrendering—no one in this world could make him raise his hands in submission.
With a casual motion, he threw the severed head and bodies of the [Evolved] to the ground in front of the soldiers and said coldly, "These are the ones you're looking for. I took care of them for you."
"Be careful—they're infected with a virus. Keep them for research."
The [Evolved] were now decapitated, his bodies and heads separated. He's now beyond saving, barely clinging to life. One of the heads still had a pulsating spine attached, twitching grotesquely—an eerie and terrifying sight.
The soldiers were visibly shaken. Even hardened men like them had never seen anything this bizarre.
Fortunately, their company commander recognized the [Evolved] and immediately realized Fenric wasn't lying.
These were the ones responsible for today's black light virus outbreak in the city.
After confirming the identities of the corpses, the commander's shock quickly turned to respect. He approached Fenric politely and asked, "Comrade, may I ask for your name? You captured this [Evolved]. The military will issue a reward."
His respectful tone wasn't surprising. Everyone here knew how dangerous those [Evolved] were.
Several B-rank Samsaras in the city had already been slaughtered by them, and even their own military suffered heavy casualties trying to engage them. The top brass had even requested A-rank Samsaras support.
No one expected a single man—an unassuming, pot-bellied, middle-aged stranger—to wipe out such a threat so effortlessly.
Still in disguise, Fenric gave a faint smile and replied, "No need for a reward. I just couldn't stand some arrogant bastard acting like he owned our land."
"I'm leaving now. Make way."
No one dared to stop him.
Anyone capable of killing an [Evolved] like that had to be an A-rank Samsara at least.
The company commander memorized Fenric's face, then waved his hand. "Let him through. Disperse."
Fenric strolled away without looking back.
Not a single soldier moved to block him.
Once Fenric had vanished into the distance, the company commander turned to his men. "Was anyone recording just now?"
"We got it, sir!"
"Good. Notify HQ immediately!"
Meanwhile...
After leaving the city and confirming no one was tailing him—and that there were no surveillance drones around—Fenric removed his disguise.
The mask he wore was incredibly advanced, capable of altering both his face and body shape.
If I wore this and impersonated the president of the Cindralock Dominion... he mused. I could probably pull it off.
What if I ordered a nuclear strike on Adam in the president's name?
He chuckled aloud at the thought.
Tempting—but impossible. The real power in the Cindralock Dominion lies with the conglomerates. The president is just a puppet. Even if he tried to launch nukes, the lawmakers would veto it before the order was carried out.
With that amusing thought set aside, Fenric made his way back to his old countryside home. By the time he arrived, the sun had already risen.
He headed to the county seat, caught a ride to another city, and spent four million in cash to buy a new house in a quiet neighborhood.
Since it was a full-cash purchase, there was no need for a mortgage. The process was simple. After signing the contract, the agent told him he'd receive the property certificate in about 20 business days.
He got the keys that same day.
The house was 130 square meters, fully furnished, and ready for move-in.
Fenric was very satisfied.
Later that day, he returned to the countryside to pick up his father.
Father Eric stood in the new home, visibly emotional as he looked around.
He turned to Fenric, his eyes sharp with concern. "Ric… be honest with me. Did you go to the Samsara Tower?"
Truthfully, when Fenric first revealed the Mark VII armor, Father Eric already had his suspicions. Though not a Samsara player himself, he understood enough to know that such equipment couldn't be found in the Safe Zone.
"Yes," Fenric said without hesitation. "I did."
Father Eric sighed. "You're a grown man now. I can't stop you from making your own choices… Just promise me one thing—take care of yourself out there."
"I will," Fenric replied with a nod, then quickly changed the subject. "You can have the master bedroom."
Father Eric shook his head. "I'll stay for a few days, but once I settle my affairs back home, I'm returning. I'm not used to city living."
Fenric frowned slightly, thought for a moment, but said nothing. He nodded in silent agreement.
It didn't matter. His father's independence meant he'd have more freedom himself.
At the same time...
In a temporary command office, a major in military uniform stood reporting to a stern-looking general.
"Commander, we've finished our initial investigation. The suspect used some unknown method to perfectly impersonate a deceased person and fooled everyone. So far, we haven't been able to uncover his real identity."
"Based on the battle traces, the fight didn't last long, and there was minimal damage. The [Evolved] must've been eliminated almost instantly. Judging by the injuries… the enemy's combat level is likely A-rank or higher."
The general furrowed his brow. "Have any A-rank Samsaras arrived in the area recently?"
"None, sir. We've confirmed it with reliable sources."
Just then, the phone on the general's desk rang.
He picked it up, listened, and his expression changed.
"Yes, understood. I'll be there immediately."
After hanging up, the general stood up and barked an order. "Get the lieutenants. We're going to meet Commander Song."
The major's eyes widened. "Commander Song? You mean…"
"Who else?" The general shot him a look. "Jadeveil Nation's number one master!"
Hiss—!
The major involuntarily drew a sharp breath. His face lit up with awe and excitement.
As a Samsara himself, he had long idolized the legendary Commander Song.
"Bring all the intel we've gathered," the general added. "Commander Song is probably here about that mysterios expert."
"Understood!"