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*"If using the Gravity Ball consumes physical strength, what does using the Book of Wisdom require?"* Xia Chuan asked.
*"Brain power,"* the Book of Wisdom replied. *"Activating me demands significant mental energy and computational power. For the humans of the miniature world, even a single use can nearly burn out their minds. Most of my past owners died from exhaustion."*
It paused, then added with reverence, *"But you, Master, are different. Your brain power dwarfs theirs by a millionfold. To you, my abilities are effortless."*
Xia Chuan nodded in understanding. His colossal size granted him an innate advantage—what would be a lethal cost to miniature humans was trivial to him.
---
*"Master, someone approaches,"* the Book of Wisdom warned suddenly.
Without hesitation, Xia Chuan activated the Gravity Ball. With a single leap, he soared hundreds of kilometers, landing deep within a cave atop White Dragon Mountain.
Meanwhile, below, a team arrived at the devastation left behind.
**Whoosh—!**
A group clad in tactical gear surveyed the scene. A young man in white reported, *"Team Leader Qin, the seismic activity originated here."*
A woman in red gasped. *"This… it looks like the area was crushed by an invisible force. Even the rocks are pulverized!"*
*"No bomb could do this,"* a bald man muttered.
Qin Changqing, the middle-aged leader of the China Special Affairs Bureau, narrowed his eyes. *"This is a spatial aftershock—a precursor to an interworld rift. When a tunnel connects our world to another, it releases catastrophic energy. This… is merely a minor tremor."*
His team paled. *"Another world? You mean creatures from beyond are invading?"*
*"For a decade now,"* Qin confirmed grimly. *"These beings wield power beyond bullets or bombs. So far, their numbers are sparse, but the rifts are multiplying. Soon, we may lose control."*
A rookie swallowed hard. *"Is that why we've been monitoring White Dragon Mountain? Could a rift open here?"*
*"Precisely,"* Qin said, his voice icy. *"By tracking aftershocks, we can locate and seal rifts before they fully form—and exterminate anything that slips through."*
His hand tightened around a concealed weapon. The unspoken order was clear: *Leave no survivors.*
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