Chapter 208

Alex sat comfortably in the sleek jet, gazing out the window as it sliced through the open skies, leaving a trail of clouds behind. Below him, the vast African landscape of West Africa stretched out endlessly, its rich greens and browns dotted by small villages, winding rivers, and the occasional stretch of untamed wilderness. The serenity of the world below mirrored the calm within him as he sat in meditative silence, deep into his soul cultivation practice, focused on his growth through the Sun Soul Technique.

He could feel the hum of energy beneath his skin, the quiet warmth of his inner sun expanding steadily with each breath he took. His focus was unbroken. The path to greater soul strength was slow, methodical, but it was the only path that would allow him to control the matrixes he had been learning about—the secret systems of power that could elevate his influence across the world. The Sun Soul Technique required patience, and Alex had come to understand that true power wasn't achieved by rushing. It was cultivated, one small layer at a time.

The soft voice of Eva, his AI companion, broke through the stillness of his thoughts. She had always known the right moments to interject, her calm and measured tone always providing the necessary guidance.

"Terra Nova report," she began, her voice crisp as usual. "The territory operates under the leadership of Eze Chinedu, a notable Earth Bender with considerable influence in the region. Population demographics include ability users, non-ability individuals, and scattered groups of mentalists. The society structure maintains a harmony between these groups with minimal conflict."

Alex's attention sharpened as he listened closely. Terra Nova was a place unlike any other he had encountered so far. From his earlier research, he had learned that it wasn't ruled by the same heavy-handed, oppressive structures that he had seen in the Phoenix Dominion or La Corona. This was a place of coexistence, a rare gem in a world often divided by power and influence.

"Ability users are respected but not segregated," Eva continued, "They hold varying degrees of influence, though they do not overshadow the general populace. PowerGen technology, a relatively new and widespread innovation, is utilized at various levels to help regulate resources and ensure the welfare of the people. While ability users hold higher social status in some regions, there is no visible conflict between ability users and non-ability individuals."

Alex thought about that for a moment, nodding quietly. It sounded like a place of relative peace, where power didn't create clear divisions. The integration of PowerGen technology also intrigued him; it suggested that Terra Nova was forward-thinking, utilizing technology to balance the playing field between abilities and the general public. It seemed that Eze Chinedu, the Earth Bender ruler, was careful not to let power become a tool for oppression.

He glanced out the window, taking in the expansive views once more, his mind already imagining what Terra Nova must look like from the ground. A place like this seemed to offer the rarest of environments—one where different factions could thrive together, and where ability users weren't placed on a pedestal above everyone else. There was no visible hierarchy here, at least not in the traditional sense. The mentalists, those who wielded psychic powers, had found a foothold in the society, though they were not the ruling class. The Earth Benders, known for their ability to manipulate the earth itself, were revered for their practical skills, but they didn't see themselves as superior. Eze Chinedu's approach had fostered an atmosphere of collaboration rather than competition.

"Good work, Eva," Alex murmured, his eyes narrowing as he considered what Eva had relayed. "Keep me updated, but this doesn't sound like a place that needs intervention." He paused, thinking about the balance that seemed to exist here. "But flag anything that stands out. Let me know if something changes."

"Understood," she replied promptly, her voice unwavering. "I will continue to monitor the territory's activities and report any significant developments."

With the conversation concluded, Alex settled back into his seat, his thoughts returning to his practice. He focused on the inner pulse of his soul, visualizing the energy forming into a small, glowing sun at the center of his being. Layer by layer, the light grew brighter, more powerful. He could feel the warmth of it in the core of his chest, a sensation that seemed to radiate outward, filling his limbs with a quiet energy. Each breath deepened the sensation, his soul expanding with every exhalation. It was a grounding process, one that allowed him to stay present in the moment while preparing for the challenges ahead.

As the jet continued its smooth journey across the sky, Alex reflected on Terra Nova and its ruler, Eze Chinedu. The Earth Bender was an intriguing figure—his mastery of earth manipulation alone made him formidable, but it was his leadership that truly stood out. In a world where the powerful often ruled with an iron fist, Eze had chosen a different path, one that prioritized balance and unity. His methods had helped build a society where differences were embraced rather than feared. Ability users lived side by side with non-ability individuals, mentalists practiced their craft without fear of persecution.

The peaceful coexistence that Alex had heard about was no accident. It was the result of Eze's careful leadership and the respect he had earned from all sectors of society. Terra Nova was not without its challenges, but it seemed that Eze had created an environment in which those challenges could be worked through collaboratively, without resorting to fear or division. His rule was based on pragmatism and respect, not fear or force.

But Alex also knew that even the most peaceful societies could be fragile. As much as Eze seemed to have struck the right balance, power had a way of corrupting, and any imbalance could lead to discontent. Though there was little conflict now, Alex couldn't shake the feeling that such harmony couldn't be maintained forever. If Eze's rule faltered, if someone with more ambitious goals entered the picture, Terra Nova could very well face the same fate as other nations—divided, broken, and at the mercy of power struggles.

Alex could feel the weight of that truth, but he also knew that it wasn't his battle to fight. For now, his focus remained on his own growth. The road to greater strength lay ahead, and he would continue his journey of soul cultivation, ever steady and patient.

As the jet soared over the expansive African landscape, Alex allowed himself a small smile. Terra Nova was a place worth observing, a place where the idea of unity and respect for all could still thrive. But he knew that in this world, nothing stayed the same forever. He could not afford to let his guard down. Power—whether it came in the form of ability, technology, or sheer force of will—was always in flux.