Blackreach City. The morning sun filtered through the patched awning of Max’s Shop... It was casting warm light across the rows of neatly arranged goods. Farrah stood behind the counter with her long hair tied back. She had been busy over the past few days, but she wasn’t complaining. They were earning a lot of cores after all. ’I wonder if there will be more customers...’ At this time, she surveyed the shelves. She had taken charge of the store while Max was away, and though she was a warrior at heart, she found herself surprisingly adept at managing trade. Despite having a Spirit Knight Talent, her others skills back on Earth was still helping her. Beside her, the two blue‑haired siblings, Cang and Yueyin, were busy cleaning. Cang was quite quick as she moved between shelves with a rag in hand, dusting off jars of mayonnaise and polishing the glass cases that held flashlights and batteries. His sister Yueyin, her mechanical arm gleaming faintly in the light, carefully stac

Farrah sat behind the counter the next morning, still unsettled by Max’s message. Soul Enhancement Serum?She had never heard of such a thing. When she asked Max through Guild Chat, his reply was straightforward...[ Max: It’s tied to the breakthrough. To reach Level 40, consuming one is part of the requirements. Without it, advancement is impossible. ]The words weighed heavily on her.After all, she would need this serum as well once she reached her limit, and it would happen really soon with the wealth they had accumulated.’Since this shelter has people at Level 80, it’s not surprising if they have the serum here.’Farrah mused. To be honest, she already had an idea where she could find it.’The twelve factions must know a clue...’Later that day, Cornelio Aries himself arrived at the shop.He was calm, dressed in the insignia of the Aries Faction, and requested several Survival Clothing Sets.It seemed that he found a Survivor Shelter with people only at level 10 and below... The

It didn’t take that before Farrah was able to contact Resha, and soon Max was invited to meet the shop’s customer.The Pisces Faction’s base was located in a quieter district of Blackreach City. Unlike Aries’ bustling streets or Cancer’s intimidating area, Pisces kept things modest.The building was definitely high quality but unassuming. With the banners bearing the symbol of two interlocked fish, Max knew that he was in the right place.Guards at the entrance were few, but disciplined.Inside, Max was led to a meeting hall where Resha awaited.She was tall, with long blue hair, sharp eyes, and a calm demeanor, dressed in light armor marked with Pisces insignia.’Blue hair... Maybe Cang and Yueyin are related to them?’ Max mused."You must be Max," she said. "Farrah spoke of you. The shopkeeper with rare goods..."Max inclined his head. "That’s me. I heard you’re preparing for the raid on the grounded A.I. Ship."Resha nodded. "Yes. We will be in the second batch... Our numbers here

After Jackson finally acknowledged Max’s strength, just like that, the tension in the training ground eased."Your Gene Weapons... they must be Mid‑Grade. Well done," Jackson commented, realizing that no Low‑Grade weapon could have made him feel that sting at his current level.He knew that it was not easy to obtain Gene Weapons. It means that Max must be very lucky, or perhaps he was just that skilled to actually obtain it."You’re right, Sir Jackson," Max replied with a respectful nod. Although he failed to gain the upper hand in that short exchange, he was still able to force Jackson to use a Gene Skill. He knew that very well since he had felt him gathering his Spirit Energy.Resha then stepped forward, her calm demeanor still unchanged."That’s really great... You’ve passed, Mr. Max. From here, you’ll be arranged with one of our mercenary squads. They’re all Level 39, like you. You’ll march together in the raid."***Later that evening, Max was introduced to the squad.Their lead

Max realized just now that the factions within Blackreach City were not as coordinated as he had once thought. It was politics, greed, and survival. Despite the fact that this battle was crucial for humanity’s future, the hunger for power and treasure could not be erased from the hearts of survivors.Still, that wasn’t important right now.With the barrier destroyed, the path into the fortress lay open.Immediately, survivors surged forward. Hundreds poured through the shattered barrier!"Charge!"Their weapons were raised, and many of those with movement Gene Skills were immediately in front...At least a few hundred remained outside, still locked in combat against the Ascendant Units and the towering Artifact Creatures.This confused Max for a bit as he thought that they should at least work together to destroy those first. However, his doubt was soon answered...Inside the fortress, the Scorpio leader’s voice rang out... "Shut down the core!"Max blinked."The core?" he whispered.