Her hair was as dark as the night, cascading down her back while she wore a purple robe unlike any of the usual Evolutius Armaments worn by most Enforcers.
The robe only served to amplify her beauty as at this moment, her gaze turned ever so briefly toward the rectangular crimson portal in the distance, as if she could feel the weight of a gaze locked onto her- a gaze steeped in hatred and power.
As if the behemoth within was watching her.
She merely laughed at such a gaze.
Above her dark hair, five dazzling solid stars shimmered with a radiant glow. Yet, these stars were not ordinary- they were as dark as the night itself, resembling clusters of black holes that drew all light into their depths.
Her gaze shifted away from the crimson portal as her attention was drawn instead to the images and videos playing across the few screens surrounding her.
She spoke lightly, her voice almost playful.
"Achilles Maxwell. Records indicate he awakened his Ability Factor only days ago. But…" Her eyes narrowed as she observed the data. "This is not entirely clear… or accurate. He may have awakened many days, perhaps even weeks, before the official records show."
Her voice grew softer, but her intrigue deepened.
"The more curious thing is…"
The screens flickered.
They twisted and contorted to reveal Fort Cape of Hope, where the figures of Major David, Eloise, Major Inu, and Selene could be seen.
Above them, solid stars shimmered as if silently proclaiming that they had nothing to hide.
The transcendent human code-named 'Monster' smiled softly.
"They showed themselves freely, almost as if to tell us they have nothing to hide." Her voice dripped with calculated amusement.
"Perhaps they stumbled upon an Aeonic Treasure, or…" She paused, her gaze narrowing slightly. "Perhaps this Achilles possesses an ability that catalyzes the usage of Evolutius Crystals to produce effects far beyond the ordinary."
Her expression darkened thoughtfully as she added.
"What is the psychological diagnosis on him?"
She asked calmly, her voice filled with curiosity as the phone in her hand responded with a deep, masculine voice.
"All prior actions are consistent with that of a human. He appears to be a Transcendent Human who has awakened an anomalistic talent. Clearance has been granted from above for his possible inclusion into the Royal Colony Guards or recruitment as a Transcendent Colony Mercenary."
Either a Mercenary or a Royal Guard.
In the intricate web of the Colony Cities, there were many positions one could ascend to as each was determined by their level of power.
The transcendent known as Monster nodded, her gaze drifting back to the rectangular crimson portal.
"Guard or Mercenary …" Her voice was barely a whisper aa it was filled with subtle bitterness. "It's all the same to me. After all, are we not all just humans trying to survive this chaotic world?"
Her gaze shifted once more to the images displayed on the screens.
The pictures showed Apex Ethereal Physiology Masters who had seemingly risen after coming across Achilles.
"As for them, whether he catalyzed their advancement or not, and depending on how tightly bound they are to him…we can reach out to them individually. Gauge what they sacrificed to obtain the power they now wield."
The person on the other end of the line responded with a simple affirmation.
"Understood, Madam. Will you continue to attempt the challenge the Honored Royal Father gave you, or will you return to request another one? Your Esteemed Brothers and your Third Sister have already completed their assigned Challenges and have returned to the Royal Colony Capital."
The entity on the other end of the call had revealed a shocking truth.
The transcendent Monster who now resided within the Colony City of Neon was here for one purpose—to complete a challenge that had remained unfinished for years.
Her gaze fell once more on the crimson glow of the portal as a knowing smile tugged at her lips.
She looked down at the screens again.
The images showed a strikingly handsome Achilles, whose already impressive features had been magnified even further by the supernatural beauty granted by the Empusa.
Her voice was barely above a whisper, yet filled with conviction.
"My challenge may be ending very soon."
Her challenge was simple.
To defeat a Behemoth that had been thoroughly analyzed and assigned a power level by the Lunaris Colony Overseers.
It was deemed difficult.
So difficult that only truly powerful Apex Ethereal Physiology Masters could stand a chance of eliminating it.
She had been unable to clear the challenge.
But things were always shifting.
Always changing. And now… she could feel it.
"Understood, Madam. I will make preparations for your return. If I may offer a word of advice…"
The Adviser's tone became more cautious.
"Your Brothers and Elder Sisters are gathering their own Mercenaries and Royal Colony Guards. It may not be a bad idea to entice Achilles, and those whose power he has catalyzed, to come under your direct authority rather than simply allowing them to join the Lunaris Royal Colony Dynasty."
"As of this moment, they have had more time than you. The number of forces they have gathered is enough to set out and wade through the Cenotaph Wild Lands in search of greater opportunities, each one seeking to secure the Lunaris Throne."
One of the Thirteen Thrones of the Dynasties that protected Ethemia.
It was not something inherited through blood alone.
To claim it, one needed overwhelming power- enough to command the highest level of authority and direct tens of millions of Advanced Humans.
The Transcendent known as 'Monster' sat alone.
Within her fortified encampment, surrounded by impenetrable walls, she listened silently to her Adviser's words.
Her lips curled into a subtle smile.
"With the constant changes occurring across the Cenotaph Wild Lands….Do you truly think something like a throne will matter in the chaotic age that is coming?"
No response came from the other end of the line.
And in that silence, her smile deepened as though she had achieved precisely what she intended.
Her eyes flickered between the crimson portal and the screens showing multiple scenes of none other than Achilles.
She observed it all- seeking any fragment of information that might unveil the truth behind his abilities!