"Nothing too important. We met with the chief, got our purchases, and were just about to find you all. Did you find anything important?" I asked as I gave up the search of my soul. I would need to do it again when I had more free time.

"Not exactly, Young Master. I explained the differences in a few healing pills and your followers gained a few low-tier medicinal herbs." Desbera added with a smile.

"We also noticed an explosion of killing intent earlier," Christopher stated plainly.

I shrugged. "Damn really? That's crazy. We should go."

Christopher groaned. "Please don't tell me you accidentally killed people here, too."

I raised an eyebrow at him and shook my head. "Ok, first of all, that is just rude, and second, no. No one is dead, or at least no one here is, anyway. We just got everything we needed. If we are going to stay for the gala, we should look for a place to rest. We can either stay in town or head outside and take a building."

"I am voting in the town. I don't know about you all, but I didn't pack a sleeping bag, and I would prefer not to get attacked by a monster." Aaliyah replied.

"I doubt that we would be in any danger if the Young Master is with us," Desbera added.

"The last thing I want is for him to start fighting. You haven't heard the laughter when he starts up. It's more frightening than anything we've fought so far."

I stared at the pair as they went back and forth with each other. I wasn't sure if I was offended at the insinuation or impressed. After five minutes, the novelty of the situation faded, and I waved for everyone to follow me. We didn't stop until we were out of the auction hall and into the town proper. The UWG didn't have as much space as Amara or its surrounding territories, but what they did have was nice. Where we had embraced the new they had held onto the old. Cars went up and down the streets. The lights in bars and other places were lively. Of course, there were indications things weren't the same. Busses formed walls to the outside in a way that looked like an apocalypse movie. Some buildings had bullet holes, while others were cracked and even burned in places.

"Anyone see anything that looks like a hotel? Hell, I'd take a motel at this point." I asked, while gesturing Desbera forward. "I purchased an item I would like you to take a look at. It's odd, but I think it only works for me and I have no idea what it is."

She nodded. "Of course, items with unique requirements are known to appear every once in a while. I can take a look at it once we have secured a place to rest."

I was just about to pick a random direction and start walking when a man sprinted up to us. He was dressed in the all-black outfits of the UWG security. He even had the combat steel-toed boots thing going on. "Excuse me, sir. I couldn't help but notice you and your group are looking for a place to stay?" I nodded, and he pointed to a row of buildings to his left. "If you go down there, you may take any of the unoccupied apartments. We do ask that you keep yourself to one or two rooms. We want to ensure that everyone who wants and needs a place has one."

"Perfect. Do you know if Amahle is staying in the town or if she went somewhere else? Same for Romulus as well."

The man looked me up and down for a moment. The look on his face made it clear what was going through his mind. He was debating if I was important or not. I felt Aaliyah move at my side, but I waved her off. I wanted to see what he would do. "Uh my apologies sir but I am not at liberty to discuss the living arrangements of other visitors. We prefer to keep everyone's privacy in mind. Now, if there isn't anything else I can do for you, I must head back on patrol."

I nodded, and the man jogged off. I couldn't help the small chuckle that escaped my lips. I was so looking forward to making a big deal out of that. "Alright, let's get out of the street. I am tired."

We ended up claiming two apartments on the third floor of the apartment complex. The building wasn't the Ritz by any means, nor was it as comfortable as my room in Amara, but it was still okay. We decided to split up and put the men in one room and the women in the other. Which broke down to an even split. Most of us didn't need to sleep anywhere near as much as we used to.

"I am afraid I don't know, Young Master," Desbera said and placed the pearl on the table.

I let out a sigh and turned around. She had started looking it over nearly as soon as we got settled and it perplexed the educator. She could confirm that it was a soul-affecting treasure, but it wasn't the same as the lotus. My soul didn't feel stronger it felt like it was swallowing it. No matter how hard I looked, I couldn't find where the energy was going. The pearl was also too pure an energy source. "You said it is likely a 2nd or even third-realm treasure?"

She nodded. "Not quite 2nd based on your description. It's meant to be consumed over time, though I can't see why. You absorb energy much faster than a normal person, so this should be much less likely. It's almost as if..."

"As if someone left it here for me or someone like me?" I sighed and pulled my status screen. "I assume that you don't know of any stories of other people in my position? Or anything else that could help me?"

She shook her head. "It's possible that the next level of the academy possesses that knowledge. The exact information we get access to is random based on location. We won't find out what we get until we have it."

"Which keeps people like me pushing forward?" I sighed and placed the pearl back into my bag. The only options I had were to absorb it and see what happens or head to the ocean. There was no guarantee that I could even fight in the ocean, let alone beat monsters that lived there. My ability to hold my breath had improved, but not diving to the bottom of the damn ocean. That assumed that water pressure hadn't changed along with the world.

"It might be possible to find answers off-world. The resources available to be a baby planet are limited."

"Perhaps, but for now, we do what we can with what we can. Do you want to attend the gala?" I asked, wanting to change the subject.

"I can attend, of course. I was not sure if that would be acceptable. I wouldn't want to distract from you all. I have heard some locals can be peculiar to people from off-world."

"Eh, you are welcome to join us. If anyone has an issue, I will just beat them up." I chuckled and stepped out of the room. "Thank you for helping me, but don't mention the primordial part to anyone else."

With that, dealt with, the rest of the day passed by uneventfully. Aaliyah took an hour or so to get used to her new daggers. They were twin "relics" which meant that they were both high-quality weapons and that they could be awakened. What that meant exactly wasn't clear but it sounded like they would be sentient. Which was pretty badass. I made a mental note to look into getting something like that for me but I wasn't doing the weapons thing. The rest of the items we bought weren't all that interesting. Christopher decided to buy practical things which was smart but dull. We got a few more sets of healing pills and a bunch of herbs that could be used for medicinal baths. None of us was especially rare but they would save us from paying additional credits on the import.

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I managed to absorb a bit more energy from the pearl, but I was rapidly nearing my limit. We had a bit of working theory that my limit would increase a bit with each level, but I would need a proper soul or psyche refining manual. Which sounded both epic and terrifying. The process was a bit like a blacksmith pounding the impurities out of metal. Only it was my soul that was the metal. I also instructed Azariah to look into body refinement for the same reason. There was no reason to be lacking in any area after all. After that, we devolved into small conversations about the new world. When the time came for the gala, we decided to play it safe and wear our usual outfits. My robes were pretty fancy looking already and well my guards were guards. The only person who was a bit underdressed was Aaliyah. Who made it clear that she wasn't going to put on any dresses for any reason. Especially during the end of the world.

"Alright, well stick close together. On the off chance, this turns into some sort of murder assassination thing. I will get to you all as fast as I can. Try to have fun and get along with everyone, though." My words were met with even stares before people started to leave the small apartment.

"You do know that you are still responsible for a large chunk of our problems?" Christopher added.

The walk to the gala site was much more interesting. It felt a bit like we were walking through Gotham City. The few lights that were working only served to highlight the shadows. I didn't think we would get robbed, but I couldn't help but check the corners and alleyways as we passed by. When we were half a block away, the awkward silence was ended by the gentle music. It was soft jazz, which made me think we had been transported back to the 20s or 30s. I offered my arm to each of the ladies but only Desbera accepted. Instead, Azariah partnered up with Aaliyah.

"Why don't we split up the guards? Technically, you don't need to stick me with Aaliyah. You are high enough."

She shrugged and our guards split up with five going to her and three with me along with Christopher. We stayed like that until we reached the red carpet that led into the building. I had to admit they were doing a pretty good job of making us feel important. There were four guards at the door. Two of them held automatic rifles while two wielded swords. Neither of the gunmen had an aura which made me think that they were there for show.

"Excuse me, Mr. Jackson, we were instructed to escort you to the VIP room. If you and your party would join us?" One of the gunmen spoke up as we approached. I raised an eyebrow to Aaliyah who shook her head. "Alright, fellas, lead the way."

They led us into the building, down a back hall, and up a flight of stairs before we entered a beautiful room. The ceiling had a golden chandelier that bathed the room in light. The light somehow made it the shadows seem more alluring. There was a literal harpsichord in one corner of the room where a woman was doing her best to make us feel like we had been transported into ancient Rome. Waitresses and waiters were walking throughout with glasses filled with what I assumed was Champagne and various sandwiches. I caught sight of Amahle and Romulus sitting on a large black sofa with glasses in their hands. Masquerade was standing at the bar, still in his mask. Six other groups I didn't recognize were here, but I assumed they were the other members of the top ten. Well, except for The System's Herald.

"I was not aware that you all were capable of such pomp and circumstance. Especially during the assimilation." Desbera said as she took in the room.

"I was just wondering the same thing. I suppose they are working hard to make a good impression on you all." Keshaun added as we made our way into the room. He stepped away and grabbed a glass of wine before taking up a conversation with an older black woman near the harp.

"I am going to explore a bit while you discuss things with other Young Masters," Desbera said while pulling Christopher along with her.

I gave the guards a nod who then went after the duo. Once they were gone I put on my best smile and made my way over to the fancy kid's couch. "Hello there. I hope I am not interrupting a dramatic love proposal." Amahle rolled her eyes, and Romulus completely ignored me.

"I assume you received the invitation to explore the lost continent with the government as well?" She asked.

"I did indeed. Are you two planning ongoing?"

"I don't think we have much of a choice. We can't afford to be left behind." Romulus stated.

"No, but it's likely that they will use the chance to betray us. They might leave us on the continent. Unless either of you can fly?" Amahle asked before taking a sip from her glass.

I chuckled dryly. "Nope, but you aren't very trusting, are you? I do think it's something to be worried about. I also think that the continent will offer us a chance to get stronger. You both should be aware by now that the monsters are growing in power. Despite that, the ones we have to share won't grow fast enough. That continent, if it is empty or the monsters have only been able to prey on each other, then that represents a golden opportunity for us."

"It also represents the only real threat to our current strength. Most skills can deal with firearms and the monsters, as you say, aren't strong enough. We could focus our attention on this continent and just conquer it." Amahle replied.

"We would be the biggest fish in the pond. Constantly afraid of a bigger monster attacking us. We also have to consider what we would do if one of the monsters broke through. The tutorial fairy made it clear there was a gap of power between realms. For beast, it would be even worse." Romulus said.

I nodded. "At the end of the day, it comes down to taking a chance. Risk and Opportunity dance together in this new world. I for one, intend to stay at the forefront. Also, being able to say I am the strongest human on the planet doesn't feel as good as the strongest being on the planet." I flashed them a smile just as Masquerade moved to join us.

"You really enjoy saying that. I don't recall you beating any of us." He asked as he took his seat.

"Would you like to test yourself? I am always open to a friendly match. We could give the government a bit of a show."

"Now, now, no need for all of that. We are here to enjoy ourselves." Amahle interrupted. "What do you all think about the whole missing nukes thing?"

"It's possible, but I have no way of verifying. It isn't like there are how-to manuals scattered about the world." Romulus said.

"Why would they lie about something like that? What would it gain them? It would explain why they haven't nuked any of the monsters." Masquerade replied with a silent hint of irritation in his voice.

"We haven't had to deal with anything that needed a nuke. None of the monsters I've fought need it, anyway. They might be keeping them under wraps, or they might plan on using them against us."

Amahle's laughter filled the momentary silence as she waved down a waiter. She gently picked up a new glass while placing her old one down. The movements had a feline grace that reminded them that she was no slouch. Her agility might even be higher than mine.

"Now who is being all paranoid and distrusting? Do you think they would nuke us? Well, I imagine that wouldn't be too big a problem for you. I have heard that you have a portal skill?"

I chuckled and nodded. "I do indeed. Still doesn't mean I want to deal with a nuke. I have put quite a bit of work into building up my settlement. Also, stopping a nuke had a certain vibe to it. Very superman like."

I could practically feel Masquerade's eyes roll in the back of their head. "You can't be serious? Do you think you could stop a nuke? I've heard of people's arrogance before, but you seem to take the cake."

"It is arguable that his attitude is the right one. The System rewards those of us willing to push ourselves harder than the rest. Those of us willing to fight." Romulus replied, and I noticed a glimmer in his eyes. It was so brief that I initially thought it was a trick of the light but my gut told me that wasn't the case. I waited to see if I would feel anything if he had used a skill or spell on me, but nothing happened.

After a second, I turned my attention back to the conversation. "It ultimately doesn't matter what anyone thinks. The monsters are still here and whatever else is out there won't wait for us. We should do whatever we can to be ready or don't. We have been given an opportunity here. An opportunity to remake the world. Romulus here gets it. Revive Rome and conquer the sun."

"Sol Invictus." Romulus quietly chanted.

"Sol Invictus indeed," I replied.

"Right well, while you two conquer the stars, the rest of us are going to deal with the things right in front of us. Regardless of how you feel about the government, they are right about one thing. We have to unite. The world is massive and there is no way we have enough people to deal with all the threats alone. We would run ourselves ragged if we tried to protect every inch of the planet." Amahle said, putting down her drink for the first time in this conversation.

"So, what do you think we should do?" I asked.

"We should form an alliance."