"Have you heard? A mysterious big shot has appeared in Mylanne City—they say even level-300+ monsters get instantly killed!"
"How could we not have heard? That's something only a seven-star or higher powerhouse could pull off!"
"I heard the elf race had been bragging nonstop about their [Eagle Eye Archers], but in front of that Mylanne big shot, they're not even trash!"
"I'm really curious—which Legion does this Mylanne big shot belong to?"
…
Since there was still an hour before the mission began, everyone was chatting casually.
At that moment, someone turned to Alyssa and asked,
"Senior Alyssa, do you know anything about this Mylanne big shot? There are rumors saying the big shot might have some connection with Ironclad Legion."
In truth, this speculation wasn't entirely groundless.
After all, Ironclad Legion specialized in close-combat styles.
So it was perfectly reasonable to assume that the Mylanne big shot might be related to them.
However, Alyssa gently shook her head.
"I don't know."
In fact, she herself was quite curious about the suddenly appearing Mylanne big shot.
Because of this, she had even asked some powerful figures within her family.
Naturally—she hadn't received any answers.
"So does that mean Ironclad Legion isn't particularly concerned about the Mylanne big shot? After all, Ironclad Legion is already so powerful and influential…"
Hearing this, Alyssa immediately became serious.
"I need to clarify something."
"Ironclad Legion cares very much about this newly emerged powerhouse."
"And personally, I've been paying close attention to him as well. I hope he'll join us."
Alyssa's stance effectively represented the attitude of Ironclad Legion's upper management.
Her public statement instantly drew even more attention.
It was clear—Ironclad Legion had already begun actively searching for the mysterious Mylanne big shot.
As expected, once someone was strong enough, they became highly sought after wherever they went.
For everyone present, joining Ironclad Legion was a lifelong dream.
But for the Mylanne big shot, Ironclad Legion was the one desperately trying to extend an invitation.
The difference between people… was greater than the difference between humans and dogs!
Just then, the reception officer's voice rang out sharply through the crowd.
"Everyone, prepare yourselves. We're about to depart."
"Once we leave the barrier, all storage spaces will become unusable, so make sure you're fully prepared."
"I must emphasize—these supplies are extremely important. No mistakes are allowed."
The officer's expression was grave.
Clearly, this shipment could very well affect the entire frontline situation.
Everyone immediately made their preparations.
Alyssa, in particular, actively equipped her full set of legendary-grade gear.
And the moment she revealed her true combat strength, the crowd erupted once again.
"Alyssa—you're my goddess! You're way too strong!"
"We're the same age—how did you already reach four stars?!"
Caelan glanced at Alyssa calmly and answered silently in his heart.
What else could it be? Money.
Sure enough, having a powerful family meant resources flowed endlessly.
Alyssa herself, however, showed no pride in her strength.
Her expression remained calm, as if reaching four stars was nothing worth mentioning.
"I'm not strong," she said evenly.
"My family just provided sufficient resources."
Even so, the crowd couldn't stop marveling.
Among students, reaching three-star awakener status already placed one among top-tier geniuses.
Four stars?
Such talent was extremely rare even on a national scale!
Anyone with eyes could tell—Alyssa's future potential was limitless.
Listening to the praise surrounding Alyssa, Caelan quietly reflected.
If nothing goes wrong… I might even reach four stars before entering university.
And with university added in, reaching six stars conservatively shouldn't be a problem.
As he thought this, Caelan looked toward Alyssa.
The effect of [Eye of Insight] activated instantly!
[Name: Alyssa]
[Class: Paladin]
[Level: 193 (4-Star Peak)]
[HP: 25188]
[Mana: 12123]
[Strength: 36029]
[Spirit: 12688]
[Agility: 12389]
[Skills: Paladin's Judgment, Sword of the Archangel, Knight's Thrust…]
So she really was a four-star awakener—and at peak four-star, no less.
Now Caelan finally understood why so many people admired Alyssa.
Reaching this level at such a young age truly qualified her as a super genius.
At that moment, a sense of urgency rose in Caelan's heart.
No matter what—he needed to raise his level first!
With the system backing him, Caelan never believed he'd lose to anyone.
"Everyone, assemble. We're moving out!"
At the reception officer's shout, numerous light transport trucks appeared before the group.
Their task was simple—escort these vehicles to the front line.
But something puzzled Caelan.
Why were there beasts of burden—ox-horse creatures—attached in front of the trucks?
The trucks could move on their own. Bringing beasts made no sense at all!
Unless…
The outside conditions have deteriorated so badly that even light trucks can't pass through anymore.
Realizing this, Caelan frowned slightly.
Unlike his serious expression, most of the others seemed noticeably more relaxed.
Alyssa's presence alone gave them an overwhelming sense of security.
"Open the gates—depart the city!"
As the guards opened the massive city gates, Caelan's group finally stepped outside the city-state for the first time.
What greeted them was not cheers or hope—
But a ground littered with shattered limbs and mangled corpses.
Many inexperienced awakener rookies began retching uncontrollably at the sight.
The sheer bloodiness delivered an overwhelming visual shock.
Especially the crushed flesh trampled into pulp, and brain matter splattered everywhere—
It assaulted everyone's nerves relentlessly.
"Don't freeze up. Keep moving—the front line is still waiting for us."
The officer's words snapped everyone back to reality.
They immediately realized just how important their mission was.
If they didn't pick up the pace, they could miss this critical window.
After all—
No one knew when the next wave of flesh abominations would arrive.