And so, the series of events that unfolded after Tran accidentally landed on this island came to a temporary close. Of course, this group’s story was far from over—but that wouldn’t be for another five hundred thousand words or so…

Later, Alex returned to the base and hauled out that massive meteorite—using machinery, naturally. He wasn’t *that* strong yet.

Lia directed tens of thousands of dinosaurs toward the giant rock. The meteorite truly was a dimensional artifact. After chanting a few phrases in an unknown language, a vortex swirled open at one end, sucking in everything nearby. Finally, Lia’s entire tribe vanished inside.

“Brother Tran, we’ll meet again soon! I’ll come back for you!” Lia declared, her voice trembling with sadness yet firm with resolve.

“Mhm, no rush. I’ll be waiting…”

“Then… goodbye, Brother Tran.” Lia waved with a smile. Just as the vortex sealed shut, Tran glimpsed teardrops glistening on her cheeks.

The meteorite lifted off like a spacecraft, shrinking into a shooting star that streaked across the horizon…

“Ahhh… I just let my newly adopted little sister go…” Tran sighed heavily. Seeing Lia had reminded him of Little Rain. If she were still alive, she’d probably be just as sweet as Lia.

“They’re not gone forever. No need to be sad, little bro,” Alex chimed in, clapping Tran’s shoulder.

“Yeah… Wait, you’re still here? I thought you’d left.”

Alex felt utterly insulted. *I’m literally a handsome guy! Why am I so invisible?*

“Heh, I was just about to invite you for dinner.”

“Oh, right. After fighting all afternoon, I could use a break. Let’s go.” Tran strolled toward the base like he owned the place.

That night, Tran slept soundly. He dreamed of Little Rain—the sister he’d have given anything to protect, who’d sacrificed herself for him…

The next morning, Tran woke up refreshed. After washing up, he stepped outside to find someone waiting at the door.

“Sir Tran, please follow me to the dining hall. Director Alex is expecting you.” It was one of the two men from the cultivation chamber—the B-rank subordinate.

Tran nodded and followed. Along the way, he saw teams moving equipment and transferring dinosaur eggs.

“What’s all this? Abandoning the monitoring base?” he asked.

“After those alien creatures left yesterday, the eggs lost all biological activity. Our research shows a unique energy from the meteorite sustained them. Now that it’s gone, there’s no point keeping this facility,” the man explained professionally, shedding his earlier sycophantic tone.

“What a waste. They were delicious.”

“…”

At the dining hall, Alex was already seated.

“Morning, little bro! Sleep well?” Alex gestured to the chair opposite him.

Tran sat without hesitation. “Morning~ This bed’s amazing. Dreamt about my sister again.”

“Oh? Must be a beauty, your sister,” Alex remarked, eyeing Tran’s long, flowing hair.

“Haha, maybe. Not important.” Tran’s attention had already locked onto the lavish breakfast spread.

Seeing food trumped conversation, Alex buried his head and ate alongside him.

Half an hour later, Alex grilled Tran about his abilities. “What’s your rank? At least tell me that.”

Tran recited the details from Polly’s green-haired dossier:

“A-rank ability: *War Demon Embodiment*. Summons an ancient battle demon to possess my body and crush all enemies.”

“No wonder you fought so fiercely!” Alex praised insincerely. *A-rank? Bull. I’m A-rank too, and you wrecked me.*

“By the way, I reported yesterday’s events to HQ. My superior is… very interested in you.”

“Let him be interested,” Tran mumbled around a sausage.

“I mean—would you consider visiting HQ? If you’re unaffiliated, we’d welcome you!”

“Huh?” Tran hesitated. *They must’ve seen my power. No thanks—I just want a quiet life. Let others handle the world’s problems.* He declined flatly.

“Really? Our benefits are exceptional…” Alex began listing perks before Tran cut in:

“Actually… I *am* affiliated. With the World Superpower Elite Academy.”

Alex’s face paled. *I almost poached from THAT person? Even the director wouldn’t dare…* “Ah! My mistake. We depart in two hours—I’ll ferry you to the neutral zone. From there, you’re on your own.” He fled before he could say more.

Tran watched him go, puzzled. *What’s so scary about that school?* Not that it mattered. He’d just coast through three years, graduate, grab any job that paid the bills… *Perfect plan.*

*Too perfect.*

Two uneventful hours later, Tran boarded Alex’s ship.

Alex stopped recruiting him, instead treating him like royalty. Even Tran’s thick skin grew embarrassed by the hospitality.

The voyage wasn’t peaceful. In this year 3300, excessive nuclear warfare had mutated sea life. Giant irradiated fish repeatedly slammed into the hull—only to be swiftly eliminated.

After a full day of chaos, they reached the neutral zone by noon the next day.

“We’re here, little bro. The rest is up to you.” Alex handed him a business card. “If you change your mind, call me. *But don’t let your headmaster know!*” He emphasized the last part before speeding off.

Tran pocketed the card, bewildered. *Is my headmaster really that terrifying?*

He walked away from the port without looking back.

Halfway down the street, he realized a terrifying problem…

He had no money.