It had been over two weeks since Alex and the younger generation of the Dragon Roar Faction had returned from their mission. Ever since then, Alex hadn't gone back to the base.
Technically, they were on a break. However, Alex had spent the entire two weeks hiking in isolation, focusing on cultivating his qi and analyzing his newfound strength.
After enduring several tough battles during the mission, Alex had pushed his body to the next level. He was now a Stage 2 Paragon.
Despite the milestone, Alex didn't feel many physical changes. His strength hadn't noticeably increased, nor had his senses sharpened. However, one significant improvement stood out—his qi core.
The capacity of his qi core had grown considerably. He could now store more qi, allowing him to sustain his skills longer before needing to recharge. This enhancement gave him an edge, especially in prolonged battles.
At the moment, Alex was in a small gym inside his mini-mansion. The space was designed more for skill training than traditional weightlifting.
The floor was marked with deep gouges and scuffs, evidence of intense training sessions.
Suddenly, the sound of something slicing through the air echoed in the room. An axe spun toward a metal plate and struck it with a loud clang, embedding itself deeply into the surface. Moments later, the axe flew back into Alex's hand, as if summoned by an unseen force.
With more qi capacity, I can channel more energy into the axe. Now, I can cut through steel five centimeters thick, Alex thought, studying the weapon in his hand.
But then, a disturbing image flashed through his mind—an image of the axe slicing through someone's neck.
"Damn it… I still think about that day," Alex muttered in frustration, clenching his fists.
During the mission, Alex had done something he never intended to do—he had killed someone. The memory haunted him. He regretted his actions deeply and had spent countless hours replaying the events in his head, searching for someone to blame.
This guilt was one of the reasons he had avoided returning to the base. He needed time to come to terms with what had happened.
There wasn't a problem with Alex skipping the base since every lesson was sent to him through the Pendragon system.
The strange thing was how numb Alex felt about what he had done. It was as if killing someone had come naturally. Occasionally, he found himself imagining slicing through something alive with his axe.
As Alex mulled over these thoughts, a sound from outside broke his focus.
Thanks to his heightened senses as a Paragon, he quickly detected the movement of a vehicle entering the mansion grounds. He could also hear the voices of two women.
"Mom… Aunt Seraphine," Alex muttered, his face twisting into a frown.
Moments later, Anna and Sera walked into the house. Alex, still in his gym clothes, was drenched in sweat. The fabric clung to his body, making it somewhat transparent.
"You weren't kidding! He's really into working out now," Sera said, eyeing Alex. "Look at those muscles! I bet some girl is dying to get her hands on them."
She started walking toward him with a teasing grin, causing Alex to instinctively step back.
"Now, tell me, Alex… Who's the lucky girl? I might even give you a few tricks to win her over," Sera teased.
"You never change, Aunt Sera. Always finding something to tease me about," Alex replied, shaking his head.
"Besides, there's no girl," he added, brushing past her and heading toward Anna.
"Hey, Mom," he greeted, attempting to walk past her as well.
"Wait a moment," Anna called out, stopping him. "You don't seem okay."
Alex paused, looking confused. "I'm fine. I'm not sick," he assured her.
"No, you're lying. Tomorrow, you're coming with me to the office," Anna insisted, leaving Alex with no choice.
Sighing, Alex walked away and headed to his room.
---
The next day, the sun was already high in the sky when Alex got ready. He wore his usual blue top and black flexible trousers. Since becoming a Paragon, the faction had provided him with clothes designed to withstand intense movement and remain intact during training or combat.
Alex and Anna were already in the car, driving to the hospital. However, traffic was heavy, and they had been stuck for a while.
Bored and restless, Alex's attention shifted when a sudden notification popped up in his mind.
[Alert]
[All nearby members should report back to the base immediately.]
'What? Report to the base?' Alex's mind raced. Are we under attack?
Without hesitation, he sprang into action. Opening the car door, he turned to his mother.
"Sorry, Mom! I have to go somewhere first. I'll meet you at the hospital, I promise!" Alex shouted as he vanished into the crowded street, weaving through the cars before Anna could say a word.
"That boy… What is he up to now?" Anna wondered aloud, watching Alex disappear into the crowd.
Meanwhile, Alex didn't take long to reach a nearby café. After a brief and awkward ride, he finally arrived at the base.
As though someone had been waiting for him, the moment he stepped inside, a hand grabbed him and yanked him to the side.
"Look who's here. I thought you quit your evolution path," Gwen sneered as she threw Alex toward the ground.
Alex managed to catch himself before falling, stabilizing his footing. He glanced around and saw Tamsin and Merrick standing nearby, watching.
"Is the base under attack?" Alex asked, straightening up.
"That's impossible," Merrick replied coolly. "I was the one who sent that message to get you here. There's an important announcement about a general task assigned to all members of the Dragon Roar Faction."
"A general task?" Alex repeated, confused.
"Before that," Gwen cut in, glaring at Alex, "what have you been up to?"
"Nothing. Just training at home," Alex replied, his tone flat.
The others exchanged skeptical glances but didn't press further.
Merrick continued. "The task is simple. All members of the Dragon Roar Faction, especially those with lives outside the base, are to investigate any reports of supernatural activity."
"Supernatural? Like what?" Alex asked, his curiosity piqued.
"Healings," Merrick answered. "People recovering from conditions that should be impossible to survive. It seems the higher-ups are looking for someone with a specific ability."
"That's it? No battles, no war? Just a task you could've sent through a system message?" Alex asked, annoyed.
Merrick didn't respond. He turned and walked away, with Tamsin following him.
Gwen lingered for a moment. "I hope you get over what happened during that mission," she said bluntly. "You have to make tough decisions out there, or you'll be the one who ends up dead. Get over it and get back to training. You already suck, judging by how easily I knocked you off balance."
With that, she turned and followed the others, leaving Alex standing alone.
Alex didn't say anything in response to Gwen's final remark. He simply noted the task in his mind and left the base quietly.
Outside, he paused, wondering where to head next.
"An abnormal healing… The best place to check for something like that would be a hospital. It's a good thing I was already heading to one," he thought, adjusting his pace and making his way back toward the city.
---
Meanwhile, Anna had arrived at her office. The first person to greet her was none other than Sera.
"I don't see Alex with you," Sera noted, raising an eyebrow.
"He ran off to do his own thing. Hopefully, he'll find his way back here. If not, he's grounded for life," Anna said with a sigh.
Just as she finished speaking, there was a knock at the door.
"Maybe he won't be grounded after all," Sera joked, walking over to open the door with her usual playful expression.
However, the moment she opened it, her face fell, turning cold and serious.
"Doctor Guity… What are you doing here?!" Sera blurted out, her irritation clear.