The Alliance of Gods and the Dark Council not being on good terms is not a recent development.
Although the Dark Council is a global organization that includes various non-human races, its main members, the vampire clan, are predominantly in Europe. Therefore, Europe is generally considered the stronghold of the Dark Council.
With only a limited space on the European continent and a colossal supernatural force already present, there is no room for a second. The conflicts between these two factions have occurred not just once or twice due to various reasons.
Unfortunately, despite the numerous members and considerable individual strength of the Dark Council, internal strife is rampant. Grudges run deep between members, and violent clashes are common, making it challenging to unite against the Alliance of Gods.
The Alliance of Gods, a coalition of multiple countries, can cooperate in times of crisis but tends to have individual thoughts and ideas during less urgent situations.
After many years of clashes, the relationship between these two factions resembles that of an estranged couple, unable to separate despite being unable to get along truly. They have tolerated each other for nearly a century, accumulating deep-seated grievances.
No wonder Arthur, the captain of the Alliance of Gods, mocks the Dark Council so brazenly. The amicable relationship between Zhao Xiaokui and Arthur puts a less pleasant expression on the faces of the vampires.
Arthur sarcastically remarks, “I truly hope you all remain united and friendly.”
Zhao Xiaokui responds, “You need not bother about such matters. On the Dark Council’s side, I heard that an evil god had possessed another werewolf. I suggest you be more vigilant, lest the Dark Council becomes defunct, and you are unaware.”
The vampire’s smile fades instantly.
The tense atmosphere is broken by the opening of the door. The representative from City Y wears a pleasing expression and says, “We’re just waiting for a few more. The meeting is about to begin. Please come in.”
Formulating routes, planning the team, anticipating potential issues…
Zhao Xiaokui listens while discreetly assessing the others seated around the same conference table.
This is probably the most she has seen at once of mid-tier supernaturals.
Almost all the leaders of the teams are third-tier supernaturals, and accompanying researchers and leaders are hardly ordinary people; they are mostly supernaturals.
In fact, they dare not bring ordinary people into the ruins.
The safety of different ruins varies.
Some ruins allow ordinary people to come and go freely without much danger.
Some ruins, however, have certain requirements for the level of supernaturals. Those below the required level entering face the constant possibility of death, let alone ordinary people.
The Fula Battlefield used to be a ruin that allowed ordinary people to enter before the anomaly occurred.
According to the research from City Y, before the monument broke, ordinary people could also enter through it. However, upon entering the battlefield space, they would feel chest tightness and shortness of breath due to differences in air pressure and temperature on both sides. If they couldn’t replenish fluids in time, they could easily die from severe dehydration in a short period.
But as long as they had enough supplies, it wasn’t difficult for ordinary people to survive inside. In other words, before the anomaly, the Fula Battlefield posed no environmental lethality to ordinary people.
But now, it’s uncertain.
At least, according to the investigation from City Y, since the range of the sandstorm stabilized, not a single ordinary resident has been seen leaving from the direction of Fula Town. Some even daring individuals braved sandstorms that blinded the eyes, rushing out of the town before it completely stabilized.
Although City Y organized evacuations, dealing with so many people and items is not something that can be quickly resolved.
Moreover, not everyone perceives the sandstorm as a catastrophic disaster. Some people, even after various government persuasions, refuse to leave their homes and still reside in the area ravaged by the sandstorm. However, whether they will live or die remains uncertain.
“Tomorrow at 6 am, gather at the playground. If any team leaders have needs, you can bring them up with the duty personnel. Within reasonable limits, we will try our best to meet your requests.”
The collective meeting lasted a full two hours.
When the meeting dispersed, Zhao Xiaokui had gathered a rough understanding of the situation of all the team leaders participating in the operation. Seeing nothing urgent, she prepared to leave. However, as soon as she took a step, someone blocked her way. “Do you have a moment? I have a question for you.”
The person blocking her was Phyllis, who followed behind Arthur.
She had emerald-like bright eyes that seemed to see through people when locked in a gaze.
Zhao Xiaokui blinked, patted the shoulder of the person in charge of the night watcher beside her, invisibly stabilizing his somewhat unstable soul, and asked, “What do you want to know?”
Phyllis said, “I want to know what your supernatural form is. You make me feel very familiar.”
Zhao Xiaokui replied, “I thought polite interaction involves you telling me your supernatural form first, and then it’s my turn to decide whether to tell you.”
Phyllis said, “We can discuss it in another place.”
Implicitly, she was willing to first tell Zhao Xiaokui what her supernatural form was.
Zhao Xiaokui glanced at her, and Phyllis’s eyes were full of seriousness, appearing genuinely curious about what her supernatural form was.
Zhao Xiaokui raised an eyebrow, “If you follow the websites in Huaxia, you should know that there are videos of me showcasing my supernatural form online, in high definition, and incredibly lifelike.”
Phyllis exclaimed, “Really? I’ll go watch it right now. Can you give me the link?”
Zhao Xiaokui replied, “No need, just search for ‘Super Soldiers’. You should be able to find relevant videos on the foreign internet.”
Which corner did this supernatural being emerge from?
While Zhao Xiaokui didn’t consider herself a super idol, almost everyone knew her supernatural form since she filmed the promotional video for “Super Soldiers”. However, judging by Phyllis’s reaction, it seemed like she had never heard of it.
She looked at Arthur, and he awkwardly touched his nose, saying, “Before coming here, we were training inside a ruin and hadn’t had the chance to pay attention to online news.”
Zhao Xiaokui said, “Well, you should check it out more.”
Her gaze swept over Phyllis, and she politely said, “See you tomorrow.”
Meanwhile, Phyllis couldn’t wait to return to her room and watch the video.
Seeing her eagerness, Arthur apologized to Zhao Xiaokui, “Sorry for the interruption.”
They turned to leave, and the person in charge of the night watcher, puzzled, asked Zhao Xiaokui, “Why is she so interested in your supernatural form?”
Zhao Xiaokui shrugged, “Who knows.”
Despite saying this, she had a suspicion in her heart.
Perhaps Phyllis’s awakened supernatural form had something to do with her.
In the current situation, it wasn’t hard to see.
The more talented a supernatural being is, the more distinct their supernatural form is from that of humans.
In the past, when everyone’s levels were low, though some peculiar forms manifested, they were not sufficient to reveal specific species. As supernaturals advanced and life levels constantly evolved, it became evident that the further they progressed, the more distant they were from pure humans.
The exact number of supernatural forms is unclear.
However, if categorized by quantity, the more powerful the supernatural form, the lower the likelihood of its occurrence.
Take mermaids, for example.
If the final statistics show that only she and Phyllis awakened in the direction of mermaids, Zhao Xiaokui wouldn’t find it strange. Haven’t they seen a single awakened individual in the direction of the divine race’s angels?
The higher the level, the lonelier supernaturals feel.
If they cannot, like her, find someone with whom they share a soul connection, sooner or later, they will realize that they are unique and incompatible with this world. Even though there are so many supernaturals, each person’s path is completely different.
Phyllis’s mindset is easy to understand, but what does it have to do with Zhao Xiaokui?
Mermaids are inherently indifferent and do not feel closer to each other just because they are from the same species.
Returning to the accommodation, after brief instructions, organizing her carried equipment, and communicating with the researchers sent by the night watcher, Zhao Xiaokui finally returned to her room and lay down on the bed.
This wasn’t home, so she didn’t undress. She simply placed her coat beside her, tightly bound two daggers, one on each side, against her shins. Only the handles, matching the color of her clothes, were visible on the surface of her boots. Various weapons were tightly strapped to her thighs, not to mention the distinctive belt around her waist.
Lying there, she resembled an arsenal.
Being abroad and on such a remote mission for the first time, even though her assigned vice-captain was an experienced member, Zhao Xiaokui couldn’t avoid feeling nervous. Fortunately, her emotions didn’t affect her sleep. The strong control over her body by being a supernatural allowed her to plunge into a deep sleep the moment she closed her eyes.
City Y is closer to the Arctic, so after entering autumn, the sky brightens later. When her wristwatch vibrated, the sky was still pitch black.
Fortunately, supernaturals have exceptional vision. Or rather, those sent on this mission were mostly supernaturals with good eyesight. After all, being in a sandstorm is not much better than being in the dark.
After assembling on the playground, the group quickly boarded off-road vehicles and set off.
Different countries were responsible for different research projects, but without exception, everyone wanted to know what exactly happened in this region shrouded by the sandstorm.
As City Y belonged to the jurisdiction of the Alliance of Gods, the convoy of the Alliance took the lead, driving at the forefront. Zhao Xiaokui’s Nightwalkers team followed closely behind.
Next in line were the Thunder Sound Holy Land, the Freedom Tower, and a series of organizations and countries, big and small.
The convoy soon reached the edge of the sandstorm.
From afar, everyone could see the vast expanse of yellow sand on the horizon.
As they got closer, the impact became more profound.
Brave individuals jumped off the cars, stood at the edge of the sandstorm, and looked at the tumultuous sand just a step away. Beyond that step, the sky was clear and the air was clean. They couldn’t help but exclaim, “Truly miraculous.”
Zhao Xiaokui also felt an indescribable sense of awe.
Such a scene in the middle of a desert wasn’t particularly uncommon.
Appearing in a place with green mountains and clear waters is especially awe-inspiring, making one marvel at the wonders of the Creator.
However, while marveling, Zhao Xiaokui didn’t forget to remind her team members to be fully armed.
“Check your weapons, inspect your equipment, and lastly, check the time.”
The vehicles in front had already started.
“OK, let’s go.”
…
The border between City E and City Y.
An off-road vehicle was crossing a meadow, carrying people inside as it swayed across the national border.
“Once we cross here, we’ll be in City Y. As for Fula Town, it’ll take another four hours of driving.”
The driver was familiar with the road. As he navigated the complex terrain, he said, “But we probably won’t be able to reach Fula Town. Ever since there was a massive sandstorm over there, the entire City Y has been under martial law. I can only drive to the furthest point I’m allowed.”
Bai Jingru said, “Just drive your car and spare us the chatter.”
Shen Zhifei put down her hand pressing on her temple, massaged the sore roots of her hair, and said, “Don’t worry, we’ll see Xiaokui.”
