Morning arrived without incident.
For the first time since the Trial began, the western district felt structured.
Not safe.
But organized.
Zhao Ren stood near the bridge overlook, observing patrol rotations below.
Pairs moved in predictable intervals.
Supply checks were logged on paper.
Watch posts were elevated.
Chen Wei had implemented structure quickly.
That reduced chaos.
Chaos reduced waste.
And waste slowed growth.
Threat Detection remained calm.
No major hostile intent within range.
That alone was progress.
Chen Wei approached with updated notes.
"We've cleared three adjacent buildings fully," he said.
"Minimal resistance."
"Food supply stable for five days."
Zhao Ren studied the map again.
"We expand north next," he said.
Chen Wei paused slightly.
"That's closer to the industrial sector."
"Yes."
Industrial zones meant tools.
Materials.
Potential power sources.
Also higher monster density.
Higher risk.
Higher reward.
Chen Wei nodded slowly.
"We'll prepare a limited unit."
"No large movements," Zhao Ren added.
"We don't signal overconfidence."
The ranking shift was already known across the district.
Rank 1 meant visibility.
Visibility meant pressure.
Maintaining stability mattered more than display.
As the team prepared for northward scouting, Zhao Ren reviewed his progress.
Grave Sovereign: 37 / 100 Unique Absorptions.
He had absorbed mostly basic variants and low-level humans.
Efficiency was good.
But diversity was lacking.
If evolution required variety
He would need different targets.
Different types.
Different traits.
Which meant exploration beyond familiar blocks.
He looked toward the industrial sector skyline.
Tall structures.
Silent.
Uncleared.
That would change soon.
The scouting unit consisted of five survivors plus Zhao Ren.
Disciplined.
No unnecessary chatter.
They moved in steady formation through side streets.
Not fast.
Not slow.
Measured.
Threat Detection pulsed lightly twice.
Two isolated monsters were eliminated quietly.
No alarms triggered.
No extended conflict.
By late morning, they reached the industrial perimeter.
Large metal warehouses lined the streets.
Most doors partially open.
Interior dark.
Chen Wei gestured toward the largest structure.
"Entry point?"
"Side access," Zhao Ren replied.
"Front doors are predictable."
They shifted position carefully.
Inside, the space was vast.
Crates stacked high.
Metal scaffolding above.
Silence heavy.
Zhao Ren paused.
Threat Detection activated more intensely.
Not overwhelming.
But focused.
Single source.
Upper level.
He signaled upward with two fingers.
Everyone froze.
Seconds passed.
Then
Movement above.
Not fast.
Not aggressive.
Deliberate.
A new figure stepped into partial light on the scaffolding.
Human.
Level 3.
Unknown Talent.
Not part of either known faction.
The figure did not attack.
Instead, he raised both hands slowly.
"No conflict," he said clearly.
His voice steady.
"I'm operating independently."
Zhao Ren studied him carefully.
Threat Detection showed caution.
But not immediate hostility.
Interesting.
A third presence in the region.
He stepped forward slightly.
"Name," Zhao Ren said.
"Lin Mo," the man replied.
"You control west."
"You control east."
"I prefer neither."
Neutral operator.
Rare.
Zhao Ren did not respond immediately.
The Trial was narrowing.
But not everyone sought dominance.
Some sought survival outside of banners.
Chen Wei glanced at Zhao Ren briefly.
Decision pending.
Zhao Ren considered.
Eliminate him gain absorption progress.
Recruit him gain information.
Ignore him allow unpredictability.
He chose none of those.
"For now," Zhao Ren said calmly, "we operate without interference."
Lin Mo nodded.
"Same."
No handshake.
No alliance.
Just boundary acknowledgment.
Controlled.
Balanced.
The Trial was evolving.
Not only into ranked competition
But into layered positioning.
Zhao Ren turned toward the interior of the warehouse.
"Continue sweep," he instructed quietly.
Growth would not stop.
But neither would observation.
Across the river
Han Qian was preparing.
Within the district
Ambition simmered quietly.
And now
A third variable existed.
Forty-eight hours remained.
The city was stabilizing.
But stability in the Trial never lasted long.