(Anomaly ranks: Human Rank, Demon Rank, Nether Rank, Spirit Rank, Demon Rank, Divine Rank)
(Hero ranks: C-Rank, B-Rank, A-Rank, S-Rank, X-Rank, O-Rank)
The Anomaly Detection Center uses several kinds of alerts, classified mainly according to the rank of the anomaly. Spirit Rank anomalies and above are rare, so they share the same alert sound. That rapid, incessant ringing is the warning for an anomaly of Spirit Rank or higher.
At the officer’s command, all the staff sprang into action, rapidly coordinating and relaying information.
Spirit Rank anomalies are devastatingly powerful. If the warning goes out too late, more civilians could die because they don’t have time to evacuate.
There were plenty of staff, all experts at handling this kind of incident, and they worked with practiced ease. Before long, one of them had traced the anomaly’s energy fluctuations to their source and pulled up satellite images surveying the energy signature. Several others then brought up live footage from the surrounding streets.
The officer kept his eyes on the enormous screen before him, carefully reviewing the information displayed there.
Once all the information was laid out before them, the entire hall fell silent. Everyone stood with their mouths half open, unable to say a word.
“W-What? That thing is moving at high speed underground! Quick! Issue an emergency alert—tell everyone in the East Fifth District to evacuate!” As soon as the officer finished speaking, he turned to someone nearby. “Contact the Star General Alliance branch right away!”
The two staff members each sprang to their assigned task without wasting a moment.
Just then, the hall doors slid open automatically. A burly man walked in, wearing a brown trench coat. He was a tough-looking man, with a dark complexion and rugged features. A prominent scar cut across his face. His short, bristly black hair stuck up, adding to his imposing appearance.
Noticing the newcomer, the officer hurried over in alarm.
“D-Director!”
His face was alarmed. He moved quickly, not daring to hesitate for even a moment.
The burly man was Black Dragon, director of this branch of the Anomaly Detection Center.
The alarm had sounded throughout the entire branch, so Black Dragon had learned of the situation right away. He rushed to the monitoring hall without delay.
Black Dragon ignored the officer’s greeting completely. He hadn’t come here to listen to anyone butter him up. His gaze fixed on the enormous display as he quickly assessed the situation.
“Silver Frost City’s been lively lately. It’s only been a few days, and now there’s another Spirit Rank anomaly. Have you contacted the Star General Alliance?” he asked calmly.
Before the officer could respond, the staff member who’d contacted the Star General Alliance spoke up, his expression grave.
“Yes, Director. I just contacted them. The Star General Alliance learned of the situation right away. They’ve already sent one S-Rank Hero, along with several A-Rank Heroes and B-Rank Heroes, to intercept it.”
After hearing the report, Black Dragon said nothing more. He kept his eyes on the fast-moving object displayed on the screen. His gaze sharpened, and his already stern expression gradually tightened.
“No. Silver Frost City doesn’t have many S-Rank Heroes. To be safe, I’ll go myself.” He turned to the officer. “Keep monitoring the situation. If anything changes, contact me immediately.”
The officer nodded quickly. “Yes, sir!”
After giving those brief instructions, Black Dragon took off his trench coat, revealing a broad chest and powerful muscles. His strength was now all the more apparent. He casually tossed the coat to the officer and strode away without looking back.
…
