Deep within the continent of Afrasia, a deafening thump echoed throughout the land.
THUMP!
Every few seconds, the ground quivered, and the clouds dispersed. Blood of both men and monsters alike sank deep into the savanna's soil, and the culprit of it all was a monster that defied the limits of size.
Its foot was like the landing of a hill, crushing anything on its path. Earthly brown streaks were scattered throughout its massive body, releasing copious amounts of steam that shrouded its entire appearance.
The monster's size was unrivaled, overshadowing everything in its surroundings. Its eyes were only focused on the distant north, marching steadily.
Even in a land crawling with Tier III Beasts, this massive behemoth was at the very top of the chain—a Demon-class monster!
***
Euryon Continent, Crownreach.
The night was young, and the moonlight spilled over the Regalhold castle.
With its breathtaking appearance, the castle was known as one of the great historical wonders of Euryon, a timeless legacy of the Crownreach's royal family.
Within the castle, a young, beautiful lady sat on the majestic golden throne. Her long, purplish black hair flowed behind her, while her dark, beady eyes glanced at the respectful young woman in front of her.
The respectful young woman was her lady-in-waiting, a Queen's personal confidante who serves them throughout their life. Even though she seemed to be only in her mid-twenties, there was sharpness in her eyes that separated her from the ordinary.
"Your humble subject is here to report, Your Majesty."
Queen Morgana nodded, her expression unreadable. "Proceed, Victoria."
Victoria raised her head and began her report.
"Most of the surrounding nations have joined the Global United Awakened Organization. Each has established a national branch, along with registration platforms in every city. However, Rhinehold and Salvante are stalling their participation for now, just as you predicted, your Majesty; they are demanding leadership parity within the organization."
Queen Morgan shook her head. "Reject them. What's the progress of the Project Anomaly?"
Victoria nodded and answered concisely, "As of now, the organization has 48,120,277 registered Awakeners. The majority of which awakened E-rank, or elementary-class talents. Only 2,406 individuals have been registered with A-rank talents. We are currently trying to establish contact with all of them as quickly as possible."
"Ensure that they know the benefits of joining," Queen Morgana nodded. "But look carefully at those with specialized talents, no matter their rank, spare no effort in recruiting them."
As a regressor, she knew far too well the value of these "specialized" awakeners.
Their strengths were vastly inferior to those of others, but to guilds and nations, they were indispensable.
"Understood." Victoria bowed deeply. "For now, fifty of the Limit Awakeners have agreed to join us. When will you meet them, your Majesty?"
"A week before the Global Summit," Queen Morgana said. "Send all of them to my palace."
Before Victoria could respond, she changed the topic: "Have you looked into those nations I asked you about before?"
"Yes," Victoria immediately answered. "Lunaria, Olympira, Longxiu, and Nihara have established their own respective Awakeners organizations, with a 99% similarity to your Majesty's. We're still looking into the others, but Kremlov has been on a lockdown until now, our informants are trying their best."
"Very well," Queen Morgana glanced at the moon outside. "... Look carefully into Liberty, and report to me any movements of a man named Michael Reegan. But don't look too deeply, lest he catch you."
Although Victoria was confused, she still bowed deeply.
"Your word is law, your Majesty."
Queen Morgana smiled, nodding. "Alright, you may dismiss yourself. Spare no effort in preparing for the Global Summit in the upcoming month. Ignore those in the royal family, I'll silence them soon enough."
Hearing her words, Victoria felt her heart quicken. But she didn't show it in her expression, simply bowing even more deeply.
"... Understood, your Majesty."
After that, Victoria quickly left the palace, leaving Queen Morgana alone in the wide hall.
"The focus is still Project Anomaly…"
Queen Morgana muttered to herself, tapping on the armrest.
Besides an Awakener's strength, their talent was equally important, representing their ceiling and potential.
Using destructive capability and societal impact as a basis, an Awakener's talent can be ranked from E-rank to S-rank.
However, these rankings were at most systemic approximations, only seven parts accurate.
Unless a deep talent scan was made, it was impossible to truly ascertain the value of an Awakener's talent.
The classification was as follows:
E-rank talent stood for elementary talent. Awakeners in this category have no potential whatsoever; their talents were just slightly better magic tricks. The majority of the population was in this category, referred to as ordinary civilians.
D-rank talent stood for dangerous talent. Awakeners in this category were at least capable of defending themselves, but still ultimately at the bottom of the hierarchy. These awakeners were referred to as enhanced individuals.
C-rank talent stood for contingency talent. Awakeners in this category finally required some attention; their talents could influence society to a small degree. These awakeners were referred to as advanced individuals.
B-rank talent stood for breach talent. Awakeners in this category were the main force of many forces; their talents could disrupt or improve society to a large extent. These awakeners were referred to as elite individuals.
But for someone like her, only those in A-rank could enter her sight.
Project Anomaly, in simple words, was to recruit as many A-rank talents as possible.
A-rank talent stood for anomalous talent. Awakeners with this talent were referred to publicly as Limit Individuals. These awakeners have almost reached the limit of human talent, in the absence of S-ranks, they stood on top of every awakener.
'S-ranks are always absent.' She thought.
Awakeners with S-rank talents would never show all their abilities, in fear of making everyone hunt them down.
"No matter, I still remember all the S-ranks."
Queen Morgana smiled slightly. Contacting them now would only alert them. It was much more important to focus on expanding Project Anomaly.
Then, she could consider inviting S-ranks.
'It'll be difficult. Some of the others are surely planning the same.'
Queen Morgana pursed her lips, but then a moment later, she couldn't help but smile wryly.
"I'm being greedy again."
A person who does not learn from their own mistakes would only repeat them.
"This is enough, as long as I can protect Crownreach…"
She glanced at her own reflection on the marble floors, glimmering quietly.
"Then, the other fourteen could do as they wish."
In her previous life, her ambition had ignited sparks in the world that eventually led to her nation's ruin.
This time, Morgana no longer had that same ambition. She had seen the world fall apart, the most powerful nations fall, and even those who were once stronger than her die mercilessly.
This time—
She only wants to protect her nation and save her people from the disasters.
"I guess Maria has really influenced me…"
Queen Morgana sighed, shaking her head.
A while later, she stood up from the throne and walked away.
"The Global Summit… It's already next month."
"I'll reach out to Emperor Ye to form an alliance. With him onboard, even Beyond would think twice."