Chapter 201

After bidding farewell to his family, Alex's journey continued toward the vast and rugged territory of the Phoenix Dominion. The region, long known for its strict hierarchies and formidable approach to power, lay under a shadow that mingled authority with disorder. Flying over its jagged, mountainous terrain, Alex gazed down at sprawling cities and small, cloistered communities dotted throughout the landscape.

Inside the jet, Eva, his ever-watchful AI, projected updates and briefings on each region they crossed, describing current events, key areas of influence, and recent disturbances. "Entering the borders of the Dominion," Eva began, her voice calm and analytical. "The territory is divided into several key states, each governed by ability users with military ranks. This region in particular, Scorva, has seen recent conflicts between factions within the Phoenix Guard."

"Sounds turbulent," Alex remarked, glancing down as the jet began its descent. He selected a location in Scorva to touch down, curious to observe the heart of the Dominion's society up close. Moments later, he was driving through the city streets in a sleek black sedan, a subtle contrast against the dark, militant atmosphere surrounding him.

Scorva was unlike any other place he'd visited. The architectural style leaned heavily into reinforced structures—thick, imposing walls, watchtowers at regular intervals, and buildings adorned with red and black flags featuring the Dominion's insignia, a fierce phoenix in flight.

It didn't take long for the peculiar, almost medieval hierarchy to reveal itself. As he drove deeper into the city, it was clear the Dominion had cultivated an air of absolute power held by the ability users, all of whom belonged to the ominous Phoenix Guard. Their uniforms were striking: a combination of black and deep crimson, with fitted armored plating that gleamed under the sun. Embellished with the Phoenix Dominion emblem on the chest, the uniforms featured broad, sharp-edged shoulder guards and long black gloves, giving each guard an aura of intimidation. Their faces remained cold and unreadable beneath high-collared helmets, designed to shield both identity and emotion.

Everywhere he looked, members of the Phoenix Guard patrolled in regimented pairs, their very presence a reminder of their dominance. The non-ability users, on the other hand, seemed subdued, dressed in simpler clothing, their expressions downcast and shoulders hunched as they moved quickly to avoid catching the guards' attention. In the Dominion, ability users reigned as kings, while those without powers were nothing more than commoners—left to navigate a world in which they held no control.

The streets were lined with vendors hawking goods, but fear was palpable in their faces. Alex observed several instances where guards approached a stall, taking whatever items they wanted without a word. A grocer, trembling slightly, bowed as two guards took fruit from his stall and walked off without paying.

Eva's voice came through again. "Reports indicate a recent spike in street crime here. Non-ability users are often at the mercy of smaller ability-user gangs, who operate without interference from the Guard."

As Alex continued through Scorva, he saw the brutal reality of life in the Dominion. In one alley, a group of young ability users cornered a family, their voices sneering and filled with cruelty as they demanded the family hand over valuables. No one dared to intervene; even the Phoenix Guards turned a blind eye, seemingly approving of the torment inflicted by their fellow ability users.

In another part of the city, he witnessed an even darker scene. A building, mostly burned down, stood as a grim monument to rebellion. From Eva's analysis, he gathered that it had once housed a group of non-ability activists fighting for more equality. The rebellion had been swiftly and brutally crushed, with the Phoenix Guard taking down anyone suspected of involvement. Their lack of mercy left an impression; the charred remains of the building were untouched, left as a message to any who might consider challenging the hierarchy.

"Complete control," Alex murmured, watching as another Phoenix Guard unit passed by. "They've built their own kingdom here."

Eva responded, "Indeed. Phoenix Dominion's entire societal structure is based on the rule of might, with ability users exerting control over non-ability citizens. Law enforcement as we know it does not exist here, only domination."

Continuing through the city, Alex noted the complete absence of public gathering spaces or community events. Conversations between non-ability users were hushed, and there was an undeniable tension in every interaction. To survive here meant to keep one's head down and avoid any attention from the ability users.

When he finally arrived at a park, he found that even leisure spaces were patrolled. Children played quietly, their laughter subdued as guards watched them from a distance. Benches were worn and unkempt, showing signs of disregard, while every fountain and pathway was overshadowed by the vigilant eyes of the Phoenix Guard.

Alex couldn't help but feel a surge of anger at the Dominion's ruthless structure. Here, the weak were oppressed, and the powerful exploited their gifts for personal gain and supremacy. As the day wore on, he saw no signs of mercy or camaraderie—only domination by those with abilities and despair from those without.

"Eva, how long has it been like this?"

Eva's tone was somber. "Years, even before the old govt acknowledge the sovereignity of Pheonix to this lands. This society emerged from a history of bloodshed and survival, where only the strong were seen as fit to lead. The Phoenix Dominion sees this division as necessary for order."

As he observed the city's uneasy equilibrium, Alex knew he would have to tread carefully here. The Phoenix Dominion was a place where only the strongest thrived, but at what cost? The haunting silence and rigid control reminded him of the darker side of humanity—a side he would keep in mind as he continued on his journey.