One kilometer outside the residential complex, Ray stowed away the hovercraft, finished his modifications in a small grove, strapped on his helmet, fastened his skis, and slid out, heading straight for Bay Garden.He didn't know whether Number 114 had sent out any message, whether Lucas and the others had received it, or if they had acted immediately. Either way, a little caution would go a long way.Two days had passed since Number 114's incident. If Lucas's team had received the news, they would probably be moving already.Ray had deliberately dressed all in white—white helmet, white skis—so in the snowy landscape, who would spot him? Without goggles, even a few glances could cause dizziness; noticing him would be near impossible.Still, he moved with extreme care, slipping silently into the complex.Spatial perception was on—constantly on. Everything within thirty-two meters of him was under complete observation.How insane was that?Sliding along a villa, he could see everyt

The woman inside clearly froze for a moment, fear flashing across her face.Ray smiled lightly. "I'm Ray. I live in what used to be the Finley family mansion. You should know that, right?"The woman said nothing. She thought he was trying to trick her. After all, this was a hidden room—nobody should know she was here.Ray didn't rush. Though he was starting to get a little impatient, he pulled out a small barbecue rack, kindled a fire, and began grilling skewers of beef and lamb. Soon, the delicious aroma wafted through the air. He sprinkled a pinch of soul cumin over the meat. Who could resist that scent?Even before the catastrophe, passing a barbecue stall and catching that smell would make anyone's mouth water. Hungry or not, it's irresistible—if you hadn't eaten, your stomach would grumble; if you had, you'd still want a few skewers.The woman inside clearly smelled it too. Her stomach betrayed her with a loud growl.She hesitated.The person outside must know she was in th

That night, a thick fog settled over the area.Ray did a quick calculation—perfect time to make a move.He slipped out the window, heading toward the mansion.With his spatial perception extended to thirty-two meters, it was impossible to wander through the neighborhood and get lost.He reached the mansion swiftly and began pounding on the front door with a series of heavy knocks—BANG! BANG! BANG!Only Ray's family had cleared the snow from the entrance, so each hit reverberated loudly.Inside, nine people were huddled together, watching shows on their phones. They must have had power banks, otherwise, how could smartphones last days without charging?The knocking startled them all."Who the hell…?""Is someone really at the door?""Could it be another resident? Are they insane or just suicidal?""Whatever it is, report to the captain immediately!"The nine scrambled for the walkie-talkie, pressing the call button.After a moment, a high-pitched, coquettish voice came thro

So, there was a high probability that Jules would come alone tomorrow.After all, a single person could absorb an ability—and who wouldn't want one? Especially in a world like this, where raw strength wasn't just desirable—it was survival itself. Ray had been surprised enough that the ability users in the Hope Camp hadn't turned on each other; their internecine battles had already sent brains flying. To think they could unite and share powers? He didn't buy it for a second.They aren't quarreling because nobody wants to be the first target, he thought. Draw attention, and everyone gangs up on you.Besides, a faction couldn't have only one ability user. No matter how strong, a lone fighter was limited. Even the powerful had to tolerate the existence of other ability users under them—otherwise, like him, they'd end up as lone wolves, without forming a faction.When together, these users had to coordinate, impossible to hog everything for themselves. But once outside? Would they rea

Sure enough, Jules was stunned. This time, the attack came from the front, yet he still couldn't see the assailant.He tried to dodge, but no matter how fast he moved, he couldn't outrun the bullets. Several struck him, and he fell backward, staring up at the sky.Was he dead? Just like that?Heh. If he had died there, it would have set Ray's record for the fastest kill of an ability user.But on the snow, there was no blood. Not a trace of red anywhere.True, it was freezing cold—pour a pot of boiling water, and it would freeze instantly—so in theory, a wound wouldn't bleed. But Ray had noticed the feathers stuck to Jules's clothes; that should provide insulation.Then why no blood?Ray didn't stop. He continued his assault.Whoosh! Dozens of steel rods shot forward like missiles.Jules sprang into the air. The bullets that had struck him just moments ago fell to the snow with sharp clinks.The snow had frozen solid, almost like ice. Otherwise, it wouldn't have made such cri