Ascension

The entire Academy City experienced a sudden power outage. For a few seconds, the city was plunged into darkness before the power was restored.

At the academy, all the scientists were gathered in Principal Benedict's office. The principal, his face stern, addressed them.

"What caused that blackout?"

Before anyone could answer, an alarm blared on his comms, flashing a bright red light.principle Benedicts eyes widened.

At the same time, at the Scavengers Association, General Garry received the same alert on his device.

"Quick, connect the cameras to where Zain is," he commanded.

Simultaneously, both the academy and the Scavengers Association gained access to the camera feed in Zain's secret room. When the visuals appeared, the reaction was unanimous—General Garry's eyes widened, and the scientists at the academy stared in stunned silence, their mouths agape.

The capsule that had contained Zain was shattered into countless pieces, scattered across the floor. In the middle of the debris stood a scrawny boy with glowing green eyes. For a moment, his gaze locked directly onto one of the hidden cameras before he collapsed onto the floor.

Principal Benedict barked orders immediately. "Quick, assemble the best scientists and retrieve him! Keep this operation discreet!"

As chaos erupted at the academy, a similar scene unfolded at the Scavengers Association. General Garry assembled a team of A-ranked scavengers who were on standby. Clad in combat suits, they prepared to accompany him to retrieve Zain.

---

At the Academy

General Garry arrived not by train, as was standard, but in a military jet. This signaled the severity of the situation, as military jets were reserved for escorting international leaders, long-distance missions, or the Supreme General himself.

Garry disembarked wearing a sleek combat suit, his trusted assistant Clara and five elite rankers at his side. The rankers' combat suits were far more intricate and heavily armored than standard ones, marked with the letter "S" on their breastplates. Each wore their rank badge in a distinct location, a reflection of their individuality.

The jet landed atop the Ascension Department building, the only structure in the academy deemed safe for such operations. Garry stepped out with purpose, his stride betraying his anxious thoughts, though his face remained calm and emotionless.

He finally reached the room where Zain had been placed. Through the small window on the door, he saw the boy lying unconscious inside. Garry hesitated for a moment before entering.

"How is he?" General Garry asked, his voice steady.

Principal Benedict answered, his tone grave. "Garry, our equipment can't measure his abilities. All we know is that he's above A-rank, but his body is too weak to contain that kind of power."

General Garry stared at Zain briefly before turning to Benedict. "We'll be taking him with us—immediately."

Benedict nodded in agreement. "Get the boy ready for departure."

The scientists carefully dressed Zain in a patient's garment and wrapped him in a blanket. As they were preparing him for transport, Garry stepped forward and stopped them. He lifted Zain himself, cradling the unconscious boy in both arms.

"Let's go," he said firmly.

"Garry," Benedict called after him, his voice carrying a rare hint of emotion. "Take care of that boy."

Garry nodded solemnly and headed back up the building. This time, he took the elevator, flanked by the scavengers, who formed a protective circle around him.

Once they reached the rooftop, Garry walked ahead of the group, heading straight for the jet.

"Who is that kid? And did you hear what Principal Benedict said? He's above A-rank!" one scavenger whispered to another.

"I don't know, but Clara must know something," another replied.

The scavengers murmured among themselves as they moved toward the jet, scanning their surroundings cautiously.

Upon reaching the jet, the pilot started the engines without delay. General Garry, still holding Zain securely, boarded the aircraft with Clara and the rankers. Moments later, the jet took off, disappearing into the sky.