After a day of preparing, Luna was finally ready to leave Rosewind and this entire part of the Northern Settlement. She had overstayed long enough to create any real bonds, and she feared that if she stayed too long, Nali and Ethan would catch up on her little lie if they proceeded to investigate her mysterious appearance.

'Luckily, I will be long gone by then. The next time they will hear from me will be as an ascender. They would think I awakened because they believe that I am a mundane human.' Luna thought deeply. She had carefully planned for her deceptions. Should things go south, Luna was not afraid to reveal her real name and trigger the curse just to protect herself and her identity.

In a world where the rules of the universe could be manipulated. It was way better to be safe than sorry. Also, she was going after a Visionary, so she had to do everything with caution.

The Northern Settlement consisted of about twenty sectors with multiple districts in each one. The main Sector, the Red Sector, was where most ascenders trained to become ascenders.

From her memory, the Red Sector consisted of districts similar to Hansho, which capitalized on having the best academies in the New World.

Districts that weren't academy districts were known as Knight districts. Each Knight district in the Red Sector was run by core members of the Ares Clan. These districts contained combat schools and sects that were responsible for creating the elite ascenders that directly served the Clan of the War god and its vassal clans.

On the other hand, Academy districts were the exact opposite. They were Government-owned territories, in charge of training ascenders in combat warfare, sorcery, and strategy. Their main purpose was to create ascenders that would fall under the Ascender Organization of this continent, the Knight's Guild--which was a neutral organization that managed all ascenders not registered under clans.

Luna planned to avoid the clans and lean into government support because her background would be more believable there. The clans were too careful. She would know that because she used to belong to one.

As the Super Jet soared over Rosewind, Luna remained seated by the small, circular window, her gaze fixed on the mountainous landscape below. The setting sun blazed like a fiery orange orb, casting long shadows over the snow-covered peaks.

The sky was streaked with deep purples and soft pinks, painting a scene that would have been tranquil if not for the turbulent thoughts swirling in her mind.

Luna's pale skin seemed almost luminescent in the fading light, her youthfulness softened by a hint of melancholy—an intangible sadness born from years of detachment from the real world.

In her hand, she held a glass of amber liquor, her eighth so far. Ascenders naturally had a high tolerance for alcohol, and even now, the strong spirit barely warmed her thoughts.

'Even drinking away my pain feels far-fetched,' she mused, her dark eyes fixed on the sprawling landscape outside. The mountains stretched into the horizon, their peaks dusted with snow. Her expression grew distant, almost wistful, as she let herself drown in fleeting memories from the life she sacrificed.

A familiar voice broke through her reverie.

"Are you enjoying the flight?"

Startled, Luna snapped out of her somnolence and slipped seamlessly back into the Lara persona. She turned to see Adam standing nearby, his presence commanding yet composed. She offered a polite nod with a weak smile.

"Yes, I am. Thank you for your hospitality, Lord Adam," she replied, her tone soft yet courteous.

Adam gave a slight smile and settled into the seat directly opposite her. He had changed into a well-tailored black suit, his previously rugged look now replaced by a polished appearance—save for his still-messy dark hair, which gave him a slightly roguish charm.

Now that she could study him without the chaos of combat or the urgency of survival, Luna couldn't help but acknowledge it—Adam Ares was undeniably striking. His tall, athletic frame seemed almost statuesque, and his sapphire-blue eyes were sharp and intense, the kind that left a lingering impression on anyone who met them. There was an air of quiet strength about him, a confidence that was neither brash nor overbearing.

"It's the fastest way we could get to Sector 1, so it's no problem," Adam said casually, his eyes briefly wandering to the glass in her hand.

"Fancy event?" she asked.

Adam fixed his collar, poured himself a glass of liquor, and downed it in one go. Leaning back into his seat, he let out a low groan.

"Yes, actually. House Ares has officially become a part of House Feng, so we're holding an official announcement. As a child of House Ares, I'm expected to attend." He paused, rubbing his temple with a sigh. "Honestly, I don't know why they need me. I'm barely noticed. My presence there won't make a difference."

Luna raised an eyebrow. "But it matters."

Adam blinked, caught off guard. "Huh?"

"You being there matters, trust me," Luna replied, her tone calm but firm. "House Ares needs to show the world that they fully support this change. House Feng has been an allied house for over a decade, but now you'll be going under the banner of House Feng. To everyone else, it'll look like House Ares and its vassal families are officially aligning under the Feng banner, growing their strength entirely. Your presence at the event confirms that your house agrees with this development. It will quell any potential rumors."

Adam leaned forward, his brows knitting together as he studied her. "You seem to be pretty well-informed."

Luna shrugged, offering a small smile. "I like to research. I also might know how it feels to be bound by obligation. Being born into a high-status family means constantly weighing your choices against how they'll affect your house. It's never easy."

Adam couldn't help but smirk. "Heh, interesting. It's a shame we'll be going our separate ways once we land. I already informed the Masters of every Knight District to assist you with choosing the right place to train based on your situation."

Luna finished off her eighth glass of liquor, savoring the bitter burn as it slid down her throat. It was one of the few things that made her feel grounded. After a moment of contemplation, she recalled the information Mira had sent her.

"I want to train under Ascender Aaron Phillips," she stated firmly.

Adam hesitated, his expression shifting to one of concern. "Are you sure about that? His methods are... intense. And you're a—"

"A woman?"

"No…No." He shook his head nervously. "Aaron Phillips's training methods are questionable. Many of his handpicked students sometimes die. Sure, he has produced a couple of powerful ascenders, but…"

"His methods remain inhumane. I know that." Luna cut in. "I want to be strong, Lord Adam. But with my talent, Aaron Phillips is the only person who can help me get to that goal."

Adam studied Luna's face intently. The determination in her expression was almost tangible, like a force of nature pressing against him. It was clear she'd thought about this for a long time, and no amount of persuasion would change her mind.

He let out a resigned sigh. "Alright. I'll see if he's taking any students. But tell me—how good are you at martial combat? On a scale of one to ten?"

Luna picked up the bottle and poured herself a ninth glass of the expensive liquor. The amber liquid shimmered in the dim cabin light, and she couldn't help but feel a small thrill of indulgence. She wasn't an alcoholic by any means, but she couldn't remember the last time she had access to spirits this fine.

Taking a long, deliberate sip, she let the burn slide down her throat before setting the empty glass back on the table. A confident smile graced her lips as she looked Adam straight in the eyes.

"Ten," she replied without a hint of hesitation.

Adam couldn't help but laugh, shaking his head. "Haha, very funny of you, Miss Lara. But saying that will make your entry duels a nightmare."

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Luna simply nodded, unbothered by his reaction. "I know."

Her tone was calm, but it carried a conviction that left Adam speechless for a moment. Luna wasn't just confident—she spoke with the quiet assurance of someone who had been through countless battles and emerged alive.

In truth, Luna knew she was one of the finest martial combat masters in the New World. Her choice to train under Aaron Phillips wasn't just a strategic move to get closer to her mission target; it was also a necessary step in her quest to become a Second Gate user. If Aaron really was a Visionary, he could be the key to unlocking the next step to her ascension. Also, training with him was her only way of getting into the Ascender Society on this continent.

It was killing many birds with a single stone!

"Alright," Adam finally said, giving up on questioning her resolve. "I'll inform the Guild."

The conversation trailed off after that, but Adam couldn't quite let it go. Lara was a complete enigma to him. Her zenshi was so faint that it barely registered. Yet, her unwavering confidence made him second-guess everything he thought he knew about her.

He recalled how she'd charged at the Cursed Tyrant earlier, not with recklessness but with purpose. There had been a certain look in her eyes, one that said she knew she could take it down. But which First Gate Ascender was stupid enough to charge at a Tyrant?

Ascenders capable of suppressing their strength existed, but not to this extent. Normally, even when concealing power, there would be traces—a hint of pressure or an aura.

But Lara was a blank slate: no ascender presence, no detectable power. Yet somehow, deep down, Adam felt certain that she could back up her claims.

For the first time in a while, curiosity stirred within him. Just who was this woman hiding behind the name Lara?

***

The super jet touched down in Sector One an hour later. As soon as it landed, Luna and Adam were escorted off the airstrip and guided toward separate private autodriver vehicles waiting to transport them to their respective destinations.

Adam was headed to Redspire for the official event area in Respire, while Luna was bound for a Knight District to meet with the Guild and arrange a meeting with Aaron Phillips.

As the vehicle hummed along the smooth roads, Luna's gaze remained fixed on the spectacle outside the tinted windows. Despite the late hour, Sector One was alive with light and energy. The towering skyscrapers shimmered against the night sky, their façades covered with vibrant screens displaying advertisements and news. The streets were bustling with mundane people going about their evening routines, seemingly unbothered by the city's turbulent past.

It was hard to believe that just three years ago, the surface of this Settlement had been uninhabitable—a chaotic wasteland overrun by cursed creatures. Back then, survival had driven people to retreat into the Undercity, a sprawling subterranean refuge built to support mundane life when the ground above was too dangerous.

But everything changed after the subjugation of the Crimson Tower. With the full support of House Feng and its allied clans, the surface was gradually reclaimed.

Elite ascenders from both House Feng and House Ares had pushed the cursed creatures back to the borders, and the infected were systematically purged. It had taken months of brutal conflict, but eventually, the Northern Settlement's surface was safe enough to restore some semblance of normal life.

Now, looking out at the illuminated streets and bustling shops, Luna couldn't help but whisper, "Gods, I want to visit these places one day." The sights and sounds stirred a longing within her—one for a life she had never truly experienced.

As the self-driving vehicle glided smoothly through the vibrant district, a sudden beeping sound broke the tranquility.

Beep! Beep! Beep!

Her wrist communicator came to life, displaying a familiar name. It was Mira. Luna tapped the screen, and Mira's cheerful voice came through immediately.

"I guess you're in the Mortal Realm. Welcome home, Lara."

Luna arched an eyebrow. "Seeing that you're using the alias... does that mean—"

"Yes!" Mira chirped. "I've finished creating your false identity. It cost us five thousand credits. Oh, and I used your private account to pay for it."

Luna's eyes narrowed. "My private account? I had over ten million credits saved there! That account was meant for emergencies."

Mira's tone remained light but firm. "And isn't this one? If I'd used the savings account, you would've been discovered almost instantly. We can't underestimate the Northern Settlement's surveillance and data systems. I took precautions to make sure that 'Lara' has a credible history—one that spans twenty years. Trust me, it was worth the investment."

Luna leaned back into her seat, her expression a mixture of contemplation and unease. "Did you at least make sure I was born in the Northern Settlement?"

A scoff came from the other end of the call. "Pft. Do you take me for an amateur? Of course I did," Mira replied, sounding smug. "I used every detail you sent me a few days ago. I even added that your father was a martial combat teacher who died during a subjugation, forcing you to move to the outskirts of the undercity."

Luna allowed herself a small, relieved smile. "Good work. That should hold up under scrutiny."

"You bet. Oh, and Luna, I gathered more intel on Aaron Phillips," Mira continued, her tone growing serious.

Luna's attention sharpened. "And?"

"I'm almost certain he's connected to the Visionaries in our world. Ten years ago, he participated in the Moon Subjugation and is said to be the third person to ascend to the Fourth Gate, currently holding Level Four mastery. The Knight Guild classifies him as an S-class Ascender. But here's the kicker—we both know he didn't reach the Fourth Gate this year. He just decided to reveal himself now."

Luna arched an eyebrow, intrigue creeping into her expression. "Alright. So, what makes you think he's connected to the Visionaries?"

"First off, he's been alive since the Fall, making him one of the First Ascenders. His powers are linked to the Dream World, where his sect operates."

Luna's eyes widened slightly. "He has his own sect?"

"Yep. It's called the Astral Vigil Sect," Mira explained. "It's an enigmatic group based in the Dream World, where he also trains his students. The odd thing is, he rarely leaves the Dream World--and when he does, he doesn't stay here for so long. It's like he's anchored to the Broken reality."

Luna hummed thoughtfully, tapping her finger against the armrest. "All the more reason to support your theory."

"Exactly. If I weren't protected from the curse, this information would have slipped my mind, just like it does for everyone else."

'Protected isn't the right word.'

A tense silence fell between them. Luna took a deep, controlled breath, glancing at the vehicle's ceiling as if searching for clarity. She leaned back, closing her eyes for a moment. Was this feeling in her gut... fear?

She had felt it so many times, but it was still unfamiliar, unsettling. As someone with the lineage of the Heavenly Supreme, Luna knew better than anyone that she should stay as far away from Visionaries as possible.

But ascension was difficult for a True Path ascender. She needed guidance, and Aaron Phillips was currently her only option out there.

A chill crawled up her spine. Her instincts, honed through countless battles, warned her to tread carefully. The Visionaries were dangerous, beyond even the most formidable ascenders. Yet here she was, preparing to walk directly into the domain of one.

"Luna?" Mira's voice broke through her thoughts.

"I'm here," Luna replied softly. "Just... thinking. The more I learn, the more it feels like walking into a trap."

"If you want to back out—"

"No." Luna cut in firmly. "We've come too far. If Aaron Phillips truly is connected to the Visionaries, I need to know. I'll be careful. I've waited for two whole years just for this information; backing out isn't an option."

Mira hesitated for a moment. "Alright. Just don't underestimate him, okay? I'll keep digging from my end."

"Alright. How was the summit, by the way?" Luna forced herself to sound casual, pushing down the creeping fear gnawing at her thoughts.

Fear was common among mortals. It was a survival instinct, something that kept them alive. Luna had learned to suppress it long ago, but the unease wouldn't fully leave her.

On the other end of the line, Mira chuckled. "Amazing! Raya won Gamer of the Year. Thanks for sharing your skills with me…hehe."

A faint smile tugged at Luna's lips. "Congratulations. I'll be expending more funding soon."

"Yeah, yeah… Anyway, I'll be joining you in the Northern Settlement soon. Like, in a week. Just in time for your entry duels."

Luna's gaze shifted to the night cityscape flashing by outside the vehicle window. "Maybe you should use your time here to try ascending. The Northern Settlement's borders are crawling with all kinds of monsters."

A hesitant silence hung between them for a moment. Then, Mira cleared her throat. "I… I'll think about that!"

Before Luna could push the topic further, Mira abruptly disconnected, clearly uncomfortable discussing the matter.

Despite her skill as a warrior--one which could match Lena Feng in technique—Mira had never ascended and didn't plan to anytime soon.

Luna leaned back, her gaze narrowing thoughtfully. Things had changed a lot in two years. She was familiar with the True Path and knew that power was not just about innate talent or raw strength. It was about understanding and allowing yourself to connect with the natural world.

Because of that single factor, Luna could not force Mira to walk the same path as her. Ascension was personal, something that required more than just skill or knowledge to achieve.

It required the will to break past one's limits. And Mira hadn't yet recovered from the trauma that came from fighting against cursed creatures as a human. Her will was broken and needed time to repair.

Luna let out a small sigh.

Her thoughts wandered back to the entry duels and the daunting challenges ahead. She had repeated her goal to herself countless times, anchoring her resolve as the vehicle continued down the road.

After several more hours, it finally came to a smooth stop in front of a grand building.

"You have arrived at your destination," announced the automated voice as the vehicle's doors slid open.

Luna stepped out, her movements graceful yet purposeful. As she approached the imposing structure, her dark eyes gleamed with determination.

The tailored black business suit Adam had arranged for her fit snugly, contrasting with the rugged nano-skin armor and cloak she had worn earlier. She couldn't help but feel a little out of place—the suit was far too formal for her taste—but she understood the need to present herself appropriately at the Guild headquarters.

With a steady pace, Luna ascended the short staircase leading to the entrance. The building loomed over her, its modern design blending sleek metal and glass with intricate carvings of ancient symbols etched into the pillars.

As she climbed, a subtle tension began to settle in her chest, but she straightened her shoulders and pressed forward.

'A new chapter,' she thought, allowing a fleeting sense of nostalgia to pass through her. Two years had been spent in limbo—running, hiding, pushing herself to the brink, all for the sake of those she wanted to protect. There had been countless nights filled with doubts and fears, and more than a few moments of complete breakdown.

But now, as she stood on the cusp of her new path, those burdens seemed lighter. She was prepared to become someone new if it meant achieving her goals. She had sacrificed everything—her past, her identity, even her sense of self to become the person she was today.

Now, it was time to step forward and embrace this new reality and hope she could change fate.

The automatic doors slid open, and Luna entered the bustling lobby.

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