Chapter 26: Homecoming

After SON launched the full version of 'Phantomancy', the FX12 Earth began to undergo colossal changes in all spheres of life.

The global integration of this game into society opened new horizons for mankind, changed approaches to technology, phantom development and even ordinary life.

The main driver of these changes was AVI - Artificial Intelligence, which was perfected through the exchange of technology with other civilizations in Phantomancy. The SON government decided to devote vast resources to improving AVI, for artificial intelligence was not only a strategic management tool, but also the heart of many innovations. AVI eventually reached a level that allowed it to compete with moderately advanced AI even on a cosmic scale. In second place in importance were phantoms. SON invested heavily in developing new techniques and preparing phantoms for possible threats. This made the Phantoms the planet's primary force capable of protecting humanity's interests. Their training was conducted not only on Earth, but also in the virtual spaces of 'Phantomancy', which allowed them to improve their skills and expand their capabilities. Ordinary people also received their share of progress. Although they were the third highest priority, access to new technology and knowledge greatly improved their quality of life.

Within five years of the launch of 'Phantomancy', humanity had expanded its boundaries. With access to new races and civilizations, it began an active exchange of knowledge, technology, and goods. New acquaintances enabled people to learn more about outer space and its rules. At the same time, humanity was actively trying to find out who owned their galaxy, but this information remained out of reach. Simple civilizations, with which the Earthlings established contact, knew nothing about the owners of the galaxy. Large and powerful races, even if they had this information, kept it secret, not wanting to come into conflict with the nanites. The Nanites were feared by all: they were so advanced that any threat to them seemed absurd.

While the less developed civilizations willingly accepted humans as equal partners, the great races ignored them, deeming them unworthy. This created tension, these races often became 'barriers' to humanity's development or information, but so far did not act so openly. Advances in technology allowed humanity to expand beyond Earth. Active colonization of the solar system was begun, a key step in humanity's emergence as a spacefaring civilization. The new colonies utilized technology gained through the 'Phantomancy' to establish secure settlements, extract resources, and develop autonomous control systems. Earth FX12 was becoming a center of progress, despite all the difficulties and conflicts. Humanity continued to move forward, leaving behind old frontiers and opening new ones.

Zero stood in space, watching his home planet.

His gaze was on Earth FX12, which now looked very different from the one he had left before his long training session. Zero was already aware of all the changes, for his unique consciousness allowed him to comprehend events on the planet even at a distance. He saw everything - technological advances, phantoms, the development of the Phantomatics, and ordinary people. A slight smile appeared on his face when he saw his mother. She was just practicing with her sword in a quiet corner of nature, honing every movement with amazing skill. Her concentration and dedication was evident.

- You've gotten strong, mother, just like you promised, - he said to himself, his voice was calm, but there was pride in it. Zero could see her actual level: she had already reached B-rank, and there wasn't much left to A-rank. Her progress was amazing, especially considering that she had started training relatively recently.

Zero's smile grew even wider.

- It was time to fulfill his promise as well, - he spoke softly.

He had two ways to proceed:

The first was to remain in the shadows. That meant living a hidden life, using his power only when necessary, and helping humanity on the flip side by remaining invisible. Many would consider this a wise choice, but not Zero. He came to this world with one purpose: to save humanity.

His path was a second choice - to make himself known, to become part of the world, to show people that there was someone willing to fight for their future. Zero chose to become a phantom - the first and only phantom whose power transcended all known laws. His goal was not only to physically fight, but to inspire people, to give them faith in their own strength. According to the rules established on the planet, to become a phantom, you had to pass a certain way: enter one of the universities, finish a special course of study, and then officially register in the system. But that wasn't for him. Zero was a being that had existed longer than this galaxy. All the knowledge and techniques he could gain in training were already insignificant to him.

In the next moment, the space around him trembled and Zero teleported to Earth.

Alina perfected the techniques that Zero had once shown her on a daily basis. 

They were unique skills that required extreme concentration, physical stamina, and spiritual balance. Although their complexity could break even an S-rank, Alina was determined to achieve perfection in their execution, plus her sword, had a resonance with her power that greatly accelerated her development. This technique was secret and belonged only to her. Repeatedly, she was offered huge sums of money for the opportunity to learn or buy this knowledge, but Alina always refused. To her it was a gift from her son, a sacred symbol of their bond. Over the years, Alina reached B-rank and became a deputy captain in the guild, second in strength only to the captain himself. Her authority and skill commanded respect not only among the Phantoms, but also among the common folk. The world had changed over the past decade: technology, relations with other civilizations, the development of humanity in Phantomathia - everything was moving forward rapidly. Today was a special day - Zero's birthday. Alina went to the place that held the fondest memories: the place where they had last trained together. It was here that Zero had first taught her his techniques, helped her unlock her potential. After another series of training sessions, Alina decided to take a break. She sat down on the grass, breathing in the clean air, and raised her eyes to the sky. It was dotted with stars, between which from time to time spaceships flew - a symbol of human progress.

Her thoughts were full of memories and expectations. At one moment, the space in front of her trembled, and suddenly Zero appeared. His figure was majestic, and his gray eyes, which hid deep wisdom and calmness, looked directly at her.

Alina felt her heart fill with emotion. Tears of joy flowed down her cheeks.

- I knew... I was waiting... - she whispered, her voice trembling.

Zero stepped forward and hugged her gently.

- And I'm back, Mom, just like I promised - he replied quietly, but there was strength and confidence in his words.

At this time there was a tense silence in the SON headquarters. 

On the main screen the unknown object that was over the planet just disappeared. Everyone was watching this mysterious phenomenon, but no technology at the moment could accurately determine the nature of the object or its destination.

- There is a 90% chance that this object came to Earth, - AVI said coldly and confidently.

The room froze. Everyone was shocked, trying to comprehend the situation. No one dared to say anything, because no one knew what to expect from this mysterious object.

- Oh... What's going on here ? Is it... it ? - exhaled heavily, the captain in charge of the secret project 'Megalodon'.

His voice betrayed excitement, but he tried to remain calm.

- Any news from the reconnaissance team at Mt. Everest? - he asked, trying to find at least some clue.

One of the S-rank Phantoms in charge of the mission suddenly appeared on the screen. His appearance was haggard, but determined. He seemed to have just been through something extraordinary.

- Captain, - the phantom said with a tremor in his voice, - It seems that now we ... no Everest.