Chapter 137

The world had plunged deeper into turmoil. As ability users emerged around the globe—some harmless, others volatile, and most completely unaccountable. Governments everywhere scrambled to respond, their resources stretched thin as they struggled to contain a growing crisis. Even the United Nations, typically measured in its responses, was split. Calls to quench Eze's influence were growing, yet there was an unspoken fear about escalating matters further.

Meanwhile, Alex had his own concerns. While the global stage was gripped by fear and uncertainty, he focused on the small things within his control. Chief among them was the safety of his family. His parents lived in a quieter city under UN protection, far from the worst of the chaos, but still vulnerable as new disturbances emerged daily. With growing urgency, Alex had been nudging them, encouraging them to move to Central Haven—a city renowned for its stability and top-tier security. Today, he'd decided it was time to have the talk, and not just drop hints.

As he fired up a video call, his parents' faces appeared on the screen, their expressions worn with the fatigue of recent events. His mom adjusted her glasses, smiling faintly.

"Alex, how are you?" she asked, but the concern was evident in her voice. "Are you safe over there? Things are looking... Well, it seems like the world's falling apart."

"I'm fine, Mom," he reassured her, leaning closer to the screen. "Things are tense everywhere, but I'm safe. Actually, I wanted to talk to you both about something important."

His father raised an eyebrow, folding his arms as he settled into his chair. "What's on your mind, son?"

Alex took a breath, choosing his words carefully. "I know it's been pretty calm where you are, but I'm worried. There's a lot going on, and no one knows where things will go from here. I think you should consider moving somewhere safer."

His mom's face softened, but she looked uncertain. "We're under UN protection here, Alex. They have security measures in place."

"I know, but... there are some places that are better protected than others," Alex replied, feeling the tension in his voice. "Central Haven, for example. The city's security is unmatched, and the infrastructure is built to handle these kinds of situations. It's built for safety."

His father's expression remained skeptical. "And you think uprooting ourselves, at our age again, is going to solve anything? Central Haven is miles away. We'd be leaving everything behind."

Alex nodded, understanding the weight of their decision. "I know it's a big move, Dad. But this isn't just about convenience. It's about peace of mind—for all of us. You'll have everything you need there, and it's much safer than where you are now."

His mother glanced at his father, uncertainty flickering in her eyes. "Alex, you know we'll think about it if you're truly concerned. But are you sure this is necessary?"

"More than ever," he replied, his tone steady. "Things are escalating quickly. And Central Haven has systems in place to protect its citizens, even in the worst-case scenario. I don't want to scare you, but... I'd feel a lot better knowing you were somewhere as prepared as they are."

There was a long pause as his parents exchanged glances. Finally, his father sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Alright. If it'll make you feel better, we'll look into it. But Alex, are you absolutely sure this is what you want?"

Alex nodded, his face serious. "I wouldn't be asking if I wasn't sure. Central Haven has the resources to keep you safe, and I've already done some groundwork. You'll have housing options lined up, and I'll make sure everything is handled smoothly."

His mother's face softened, a hint of relief in her eyes. "Okay, Alex. If it's that important to you, we'll make the move. Just... stay in touch, alright?"

"Always," he promised, feeling a weight lift from his shoulders. "And I'll help with the transition. You'll settle in faster than you think."

With the call ending on a reassuring note, Alex turned his attention to the rest of his strategy. The plan was unfolding, each piece moving as smoothly as he could arrange without tipping off the authorities to his subtle interference. With his family's safety in progress, he shifted his focus to his city—Lakeside City—and to his friends in Riverbend Town.

Eva's Report

As if on cue, his AI assistant, Eva, chimed in, her voice calm and precise. "Alex, there are updates from multiple regions. Africa remains volatile, particularly in Nigeria and neighboring countries. The United Nations has yet to decide on a course of action, and several member states are urging immediate intervention to prevent the spread of unrest."

Alex leaned back in his chair, frowning. "What's the likelihood they'll actually take action?"

Eva paused. "Projections indicate a 53% likelihood of intervention, though the timing remains uncertain. In the meantime, the frequency of ability users appearing worldwide has spiked. Various governments are becoming overwhelmed, unable to track or manage the new cases with existing infrastructure."

"Are any emerging ability users showing up here? In Lakeside?" he asked, a knot of worry forming.

"Yes," Eva confirmed. "Lakeside remains relatively stable, though there have been minor incidents. I am tracking ability users within city limits, and any disturbances will be flagged. All reports are submitted anonymously, appearing as multiple natural sources."

Alex nodded. "Good. The last thing we need is to draw any attention."

Eva continued, "I have also detected emerging ability users near Riverbend Town, where several of your former colleagues reside. They appear unaware of any potential risk at this time."

His mind flashed to memories of his old friends. He hadn't stayed in close contact, but the thought of them being vulnerable in the current climate didn't sit well with him.

"Eva, monitor Riverbend closely," he said, his tone firm. "If anything feels off, submit anonymous reports. Use multiple sources, like with Lakeside."

"Understood," Eva replied, already processing the commands.

With his family and friends looked after as best as he could manage, Alex finally turned his focus inward. He was on the verge of a breakthrough, his mental strength sitting at 99%. His Flowstrike cultivation technique had grown more intricate, blending Tai Chi movements with meditative focus. Each motion tapped into his inner energy, sharpening his mind and bringing him closer to Level 5.

As he moved through each form, the chaos of the outside world felt distant, his focus entirely on the steady rhythm of his breath and the alignment of his body. With every controlled movement, every stretch, and twist, he felt his mental strength building. He was so close to the threshold he could practically feel the next level calling to him.

But even as he trained, a lingering thought tugged at him—a nagging awareness of the impact his abilities could have on a larger scale. He'd already protected his family, and he was keeping his friends safe from a distance. But what if he could do more?

"Eva," he murmured, still moving through his sequence. "What would it take to make a real difference out there? Beyond just... protecting the people I know?"

Eva's circuits hummed as she processed his question. "Your unique understanding of the hidden codes, combined with current advancements in technology, could allow you to address larger societal needs. However, it would require additional research, resources, and time. Would you like to proceed?"

Alex stopped mid-motion, his mind racing. This could be the answer, a path forward that didn't just focus on avoiding chaos but actively creating something better.