Alex returned to the cave and examined the tree more carefully."How should I transport this tree? Should I ask General Walter? After all, he's the only one powerful enough who might understand these things."Alex began to call the general using the same number from which he had received the map.Meanwhile, in Star Base, General Walter was reviewing the details of an upcoming mission."What should I do about this mission? If we can obtain blood crystals, the chance for our base's army to awaken warriors' bloodlines would be a great opportunity. But they've restricted it to only those below 9th rank with an age limit, and we don't have any 9th-rank warriors under thirty-five."Hearing Walter's words, the girl beside him also found the situation difficult."General, I can reach the 9th rank."Hearing this, General Walter shook his head."I know you can reach the 9th rank, Eva, but we only have six months. Without natural treasures, it will be difficult to break through to the 9th rank i

Alex watched the technical team as they carefully began to dig up the tree. He didn't even know what type of equipment they were using, but he observed the process intently.Eva looked at Alex curiously as he watched the extraction process, focused on how they removed the tree without damaging the roots. She didn't know what to say.She turned to Smith and asked,"Captain Smith, why is he looking at the extraction equipment so closely?"Captain Smith shook his head."He likes this type of scientific thing. He was the same when he entered Star Base for the first time."Hearing this, Eva considered his words. She realized that not everyone's sole ambition was to gain strength; people had their own interests.If Alex could hear her thoughts, he might have been speechless at her line of thinking.Alex's eyes remained fixed on the machine as his mind wandered."If I could buy one of these machines, then I could go to different wilderness areas to look for such trees and plant them at my own

The Roshar King looked at his son. He could feel the storm inside Alex, but he didn't let it show on his face."You think you weren't at fault for letting your butler handle everything in your palace? You didn't even try to mix with your brothers, fearing that when the throne battle started, you would be in a dangerous position."Alex met his father's gaze. He knew what his father said held truth, but it was also the King's fault."Didn't you send that butler to me? As for my weakness, I don't recall you giving me any lectures when I needed them most. And the rebellion? Fine, I shouldn't have let him control everything. But if I wanted to rebel for the throne, do you think I would be stupid enough to join hands with some worthless noble?"The Roshar King heard the words but didn't know how to respond. Alena watched her brother, recognizing that Alex had completely transformed from who he once was.She spoke up."Brother, you shouldn't take everything so personally. Mother will be very

Alex looked at his father and sister, who were preparing to return."You should reach the Star realm first. Then we can enter the trial together. I'm also planning to use the Dragon Fruit."The Roshar King looked at Alex."Try to utilize these three months to progress as far as you can, then return to Starlight Base. Also, don't practice spiritual cultivation techniques just yet."He thought of something else."Stay alert. Although we're not sure why they sent an assassin, if they find anything suspicious, they might attempt again. Also... your mother loves you. You'll understand her situation when you're strong enough."At the mention of his mother, Alex's expression didn't change, but he nodded slightly.Watching their figures disappear, Alex walked back into the base. He called Captain Smith and David.Ten minutes later, both arrived.David looked at Alex excitedly."Alex, you're really a lucky star! I went on that mission and earned over fifty thousand merit points!"Seeing David'

Eva approached Alex as he descended from the rocks, staring at him with a mixture of awe and suspicion."That cult leader was in the early Star realm at minimum. You killed him in three exchanges."Alex shrugged."He was overconfident.""Alex." Eva's voice was serious. "I've seen the battle of the star realm battle. I know what Star realm looks like. What you just did wasn't early stage. It wasn't even mid-stage. When I checked your strength that day it was only close to mid level but today's battle it was definitely far above mid level.”Smith and David joined them, both unharmed but looking at Alex with new eyes.Alex sighed. He had hoped to keep his true progress hidden longer, but the ambush had forced his hand."Mid-stage," he admitted quietly. "I have body talent which elevates my strength as well so I can release strength close to the peak of mid level star realm.”Eva's jaw dropped."That's... that's not normal. Even with body talent, the progression should take months."Befor