CHAPTER 174: EX 174. RESIDENCE

The world bent, and then Leon’s squad materialized on solid ground. The faint shimmer of summoning light died around them, leaving only the rough stone and weathered pillars of the settlement’s summoning station.

This was the mortal zone of the trial world, the first foothold carved out by the earliest humans who had ever set foot here. Ever since, every new arrival to the trial world spawned in this same place, as if the land itself had chosen it to be the doorway.

The settlement stretched out before them, alive with movement. Merchants barked out prices, smiths worked steel that rang sharp in the air, and squads of trial takers gathered in tight circles, some preparing for expeditions, others limping back from blood-soaked hunts. Compared to the strict precision of the Federation bases, this place carried a raw, unsettled energy. It wasn’t disorder, but it wasn’t order either. It was survival.

Leon took it all in with a faint, almost nostalgic look. "It’s like this place never changes."

Elizabeth gave a small nod. "Feels the same as before."

Adrian and Eden agreed with her.

Nikko’s voice slipped in softer, though it carried an edge of curiosity. "How long has it been since I was last here?"

Leon tilted his head toward her, brow raised. "Does it look the same as when you were here?"

She let her eyes wander, lingering on the skyline. The watchtowers stood tall, their silhouettes stark against the dull light of the trial world’s sky. For a while she said nothing, her Raven black hair catching faint gleams in the air, then her lips curved slightly. "No. A few things are different. For starters..." she pointed lightly with her chin. "There were only three towers before. Now there are five more."

Leon and the others followed her gaze. Sure enough, fresh towers ringed the perimeter, each bristling with archers and signal flags.

Leon’s jaw tightened. "Must be because the trial beasts’ attacks have increased."

No one spoke, but the thought sat heavy between them.

Then Leon shook it off with a crooked grin. "Let’s go and sign in first. And, uh... the place I’ve been using here isn’t big enough to hold all of us." His grin widened, a flash of mischief in his blue eyes. "So I’ll just abuse my power a little."

Leon smiled wat them before striding off toward the settlement’s center, boots crunching against the packed earth streets.

Behind him, Bal’ark stood in silence. The creature hadn’t spoken a word since their arrival, yet its gaze lingered on the bustling settlement, on the towers, on the squads filing in and out with weapons sharp and eyes sharper. Something flickered in its alien thoughts.

’So... this is the humans’ source of power.’

****

Leon made his way through the settlement streets, boots steady against the dirt-packed stone that wound toward the heart of the place. The center of the settlement loomed ahead, a wide, circular structure reinforced with iron beams and ancient carvings that pulsed faintly with trial resonance. Every trial taker who set foot in the mortal zone came here first. It was mandatory. Sign in, be counted, and either prepare for the wilds or check out on your way back.

Leon had walked these halls once before. Back then, he was just another nameless face arriving late and scraping by with the barest recognition. Because of that late clearance, he had been shoved into a substandard residence. It had been acceptable for a nobody, but now, as an Azure Colonel, one of the rare beings of the ascendant zone, that residence wasn’t just unfit. It was a stain on his rank.

Inside, the air buzzed with movement. Squads crowded around counters, some signing in with tired, bloodied armor, others laughing in relief after surviving their first brushes with the trial wilds. New arrivals lingered nervously, clutching their IDs. The settlement center was noisy, and alive, but Leon cut through it in silence, his presence drawing eyes without effort.

He reached the counter, where an attendant stood ready. She was young, auburn hair cut short just above her shoulders, her brown eyes were quick and professional. For the faintest second, Leon thought of Mary, and something in his chest tugged before he pushed it away.

The woman gave him a polite, businesslike smile. "What can I help you with, sir?"

Leon rested his hand lightly on the counter. "I want a change of residence."

Her smile held, though her tone softened, as if she were explaining patiently to someone too eager. "In order to change your residence, you must either have ascended in trial rank, or been promoted within the Federation." She gave him a quick glance, he looked far too young for either in her mind. Her explanation came gentle, almost indulgent.

Leon nodded, as if he’d expected nothing else. "Alright then. Since those are the conditions... what will an Azure Colonel rank get me?"

The words left his mouth smooth, and even. But the effect was explosive.

The woman blinked. "Oh, Azure Colonel will get yo—" Her voice caught. Her eyes widened, brain catching up to what had just been said. She froze, then stammered. "Wait... what did you just say?"

Leon’s expression didn’t flicker. "What will an Azure Colonel rank get me?"

The color drained from her face. She let out an involuntary shriek. "What?!"

Heads snapped toward the desk. Attendants lifted their eyes from their work. Trial takers paused mid-step, curiosity lighting in their gazes. The auburn-haired woman’s hands shook as she fumbled with her terminal. "S-sir, can I... can I get your name and ID number?"

Leon gave it casually, almost amused by her panic.

She punched it in with trembling fingers. The system lagged for a few seconds, the hum of loading filling the silence. Every attendant had leaned closer to the screen by then. Trial takers edged nearer, whispering as they caught fragments of what was happening.

Then Leon’s details blinked onto the display.

His name and his rank written in bold; Azure Colonel.