Dust and debris clouded the scene, and an explosion from a jammed vehicle up ahead produced billowing smoke, making visibility nearly impossible. Only Hubert, with his special sight, could discern every detail without missing a beat. Chasing the zombies were two Superhumans, their power levels vastly superior. Among them was one with metal-based abilities, while the other seemed to amplify the former's powers. The strength of the latter's skill made the metal Superhuman's attacks considerably more potent.With a swift motion, the metal Superhuman raised his hand towards the sky. In an instant, a metallic net, reminiscent of Lancelot's, enveloped the two zombies. Capturing them effortlessly, he then channeled his Superpower, transforming his hand into a colossal metal appendage.With a hand sharper than any weapon Hubert had ever seen, he effortlessly crushed the skull of a zombie, leaving only its Energy Stone intact. Hubert held the stone to his nose for a sniff, an action that promp

Hubert winked and gestured towards Canis, signaling him to assist in boosting the trio's abilities. Understanding the silent command, Canis stepped forward. But suddenly, a sharp "whoosh" sound zipped past him.As Zachary, he unleashed his Superpower, invoking his metallic element to manifest countless hands, mirror images of his own. Yet these hands seemed to emanate an even more peculiar energy than his own. He proclaimed:"You can't just snatch it away like that. This is a competition, after all!"With that, the metallic hands he conjured coalesced like a drill, aiming to bore through Hubert's layer of ice to seize the Energy Stone nestled within the zombies' massive brain. Hubert, perceiving Zachary's intention, unleashed his own Superpower to freeze the ground beneath him, effectively stalling him:"Desire for the Energy Stone should not make you this foolish! You think you can just drill through my ice?""And how are you any different from me?"Zachary's metallic hands were now

"Hubert! Stop running! Hubert!"Yet, Hubert pressed on. Just as the impending strike was a mere breath away from Hubert, he vanished into thin air. Confusion reigned. Why had Hubert disappeared so suddenly?"Where's Hubert?""Where did he go?"It wasn't just Canis. Jacob, Winston, and everyone else echoed the same sentiments. Only Dominic Henry, nursing his injuries, remained unfazed. He remarked:"Merely a spatial illusion. What's there to be surprised about?"Following his words materialized the gruesome image of a shadow-element zombie, impaled by hundreds of sharp-tipped chains. Before anyone could fully absorb the moment, the creature was torn asunder. Everyone knew that shadow zombies could absorb incoming energy and retaliate, but this one didn’t have the time to draw in the assault. It was over in the blink of an eye—so swift that one could hardly catch a breath.Then Hubert slowly emerged, enshrouded in a space that appeared and vanished just as swiftly. His eyes flared a dee

Hubert was not arrogant; he knew that ascending to Level 7 required adequate energy reserves—it wasn't an achievement bestowed without effort. He wasn't patronizing Lancelot, who knew that Hubert was merely jesting. Lancelot gripped Hubert's mouth, grinding his teeth as he retorted,"You've really changed, not like that kid who used to send me longing glances. Now you dare to belittle me?"The grip didn't hurt Hubert, but it did pout his lips, making him irresistibly adorable—a visage that once had Lancelot utterly smitten."Why shouldn't I scorn those who underestimate their own prodigious abilities?" Hubert said, punching Lancelot in the chest to make him release his grip.Their banter ceased as they felt the rising chill in the atmosphere. Domi, Jacob, Winston, and even Canis—they all glared at them like bullets, resenting their casual camaraderie."Let's get moving; the journey ahead is long." Hubert abruptly changed the subject, his eyes scanning the distant horizon. The fallen m

Domi, ever the cynic, couldn't resist voicing his mordant opinion. Although he named no one directly, all present could decipher his veiled reference:"Those ensnared by love's web are always thus. Who can truly blame them? One might sacrifice endlessly for another, only to find them entwined with a different soul. Such a realization would break any heart."Both a veiled reference to Enda and a subtle dig at Hubert. Enda wore a face darkened with anger, while Hubert remained nonchalantly provocative."Voluntary sacrifice doesn't entitle you to blame others. Feelings aren't to be distributed on a whim; one must consider if the recipient is deserving.""And what makes one undeserving? To devote oneself fully, endure immeasurable hurt, only to be dismissed as 'undeserving'?""Think what you will. I've no interest in bickering over such trivial matters anymore."Hubert waved his hand dismissively. Every time Domi brought up matters of the heart, it was as if he were stricken with madness,