So Molly was a physical-type ability user.Ray frowned. A woman lifting him? Where was his pride in all this?So he used one finger and hoisted Molly up effortlessly. "See? This counts as an ability too. It's not flashy like some powers, but honestly, aside from rare ones like spatial abilities, physical-type powers are the most versatile."He went on. "First, you've got strength and speed. Give me a chance for close combat, and even if you absorbed a hundred abilities, I could still take you down easily. Second, look at this weather—bitterly cold—but physical types can stroll around outside with barely a layer on. That physique is just insane! High offense, high defense, insane speed… who needs gadgets or tech when you've got this?"Of course, Ray still considered spatial abilities superior—and he wasn't wrong. A step back, though: if he absorbed a few hundred abilities, say 200 or 300 units, wouldn't that match a physical-type? But no matter how many abilities a physical-type abs

But when Ray arrived, the underground space was completely deserted.Moving closer, he expanded his perception to cover the entire area.Sure enough—there wasn't a single person inside.Instead, several surveillance cameras were active—infrared types capable of detecting people even in total darkness.On top of that… there was a large stash of explosives.Damn. A trap. Once a specific person enters, it could detonate instantly.And this wasn't just any room—it was an underground facility. An explosion here could collapse the entire space, easily killing most ability users inside.'Huh… could this trap be meant for me? But I have no grudge against Chester!'Granted, Ray had killed one of Chester's subordinates, but Chester didn't know. In his mind, the two should be strangers with no reason for conflict.No, in fact, Chester probably hadn't even heard his name.So… was this trap set by Chester for some other rival?But three of the five major powers of Senna City were already

Chester hadn't even seen Ray in person—just heard from others how strong Ray was—and immediately ran away?Ray could only shake his head in disbelief.He pointed at the screen and smiled. "And what's this?""Surveillance," the two muttered obediently. "If we noticed you coming, we'd report it to the boss."'Heh. They think I don't know about the explosives underground?'Ray shook his head. "You're lying."The two exchanged glances but stubbornly tried to resist."We really were just monitoring when you showed up," they insisted.Otherwise… if they had admitted they'd blow him up the moment he appeared—ha!—they'd be dead already.Ray didn't bother responding. With a mere thought, both men went limp and collapsed to the floor.Their brains were shredded by spatial severing.Ray stroked his chin. 'Chester, you're really that timid?'Guillermo went to team up with him—obviously to deal with Ray—but he ended up dead at the hot springs hotel. Chester realized that Ray might come

Chester had already taken off—but what about Leroy? Had Guillermo reached out to him too?If not, then Leroy had no reason to run—though you never know. Not everyone was as spineless as Chester; but some people, at the first whiff of danger, would panic and bolt anyway.In any case, Ray decided to head home first to help Emily evolve.Ray had timed it perfectly, returning to Bay Garden well before three in the afternoon. He'd built in plenty of buffer time, so naturally Emily hadn't started her final evolution yet. Like Molly and Jess, she'd begin around eight o'clock.He immediately focused, his expression turning serious, and began the "procedure."By now, he'd done this so many times it was second nature. An hour later, the energy seed coalesced, then shattered explosively, flooding every cell in Emily's body with power."Congratulations," Ray said with a smile as he finished.Emily opened her eyes, face full of disbelief.Two months ago, she would never have dreamed that a

A new day had arrived. Today was the critical point for Katie's evolution.Molly had been by her sister's side from early morning, worry etched on her face. In truth, Ray couldn't guarantee that everyone would evolve successfully, but ensuring their survival? That was a certainty. Still, as an older sister, concern often got the better of her.As usual, Ray went out during the day. Today, he brought Jess along.The two of them stuck close to each other all the way to Renzo District. Knowing that Leroy was holed up in the Gas Corporation building, they headed straight there. From a distance, Ray swept the area with his spatial perception and picked up a large number of people.So, Leroy hadn't run.Either Guillermo never contacted him, or Leroy was just overconfident and thought Ray would be easy to handle.Ray kept observing.At that moment, the Gas Corporation was housing nearly a hundred people, mostly ordinary humans. Only eleven were ability users—but each one was formidable