The situation was a lot more frustrating than it had to be. The Guards pointed their guns at the Fang siblings and the woman from the Numbers. They eyed Zeke, and the blood sprawled all over the Galactical Plaza as well, but they didn't say anything.

It would have been much easier if they said something. Unfortunately, the Guards remained silent and listened to their superior, the Guard, on the power trip. The last Number made a reckless move. Something within her stirred wildly, attracting the Guards' attention. Something on their holographic interfaces responded to the Number's energy circulation. She moved quickly, kicked the ground, and charged to one of the massive pillars. However, a laser pierced through the back of her skull long before she arrived at the pillar.

'Good move to kill her without hesitation,' Michael nodded at the Guards' quick judgment because True Vision, even without additional energy supply, revealed that the Number had been doing something with her Energy Pillar. It was torn apart when she died and exploded the instant the laster pierced her brain. The Guards shouted and pressed a button on their gauntlets, erecting a shield wall before them. Hesta retreated from the explosion, whereas Michael was forced to move forward. Zeke was still unconscious and way too close to the exploding woman. The explosion mightn't have hurt Zeke, but Michael didn't want to take the risk. He teleported to Zeke, enveloped him in Cosmic Stride's power, and teleported back instantaneously. The Guards didn't even know what was happening when they saw Michael disappear and appear in the same instance. It was almost like he didn't move if not for Zeke suddenly lying on the ground behind him.

The Guards were already tense the exploding Number didn't help them regain their cool and they released a barrage of lasers as Michael. Michael considered evading the lasers momentarily, but Perfect Prediction was triggered and showed him where the lasers would hit him. He allowed the Guards to shoot him, piercing his abdomen, shoulders, and legs multiple times.

'Sacred Constitution is not enough to block them. It looks like the Altors Union is not that defenseless against strong Higher Lifeforms. But I could have blocked them if I'd utilized Heavenly Beast Physique.' He pondered and shrugged inwardly.

River of Vigor activated without Michael's doing. The healing serum coursing through him surged and healed him back to full health in a second. The lasers barely pierced him before his wound had already healed.

The Guards stared blankly at Michael. They'd been certain the young Higher Lifeform would die from the laser barrage, but he smiled at them as if nothing had happened.

"Can we finish this mess, please? How about you check with your higher-ups and confirm with them that the Altors Union hired the Nest to remove the Numbers' threat? If you don't plan on following the standard procedure, I will consider you enemies of the Nest and the Altors Union. I have no problem with that. The only problem is that I'll have to report more deaths and some unavoidable casualties to your superiors." The Guard Captain was displeased with Michael's attitude and unwilling to give in, but Michael cared little about that. He wouldn't give them a single opportunity to take advantage of him. You want to go on a power trip? Okay, do whatever you want. But not with me! Bastard!

The World Serpent hissed in enjoyment in Michael's head, and even Fenrir howled proudly.

Hesta knew Michael wouldn't come back. Her brother was proceeding to be busy with his friend's treatment for a while. 'Can they be saved? Selena told us to kill all Numbers because nobody succeeded in treating thembut if it's Michaelmaybe it's possible.'

**

Michael emerged in a large room with Zeke. The room was one of the few places the Altors Union had prepared for the Curse Users. Michael didn't return to this room often, but now was the perfect opportunity. It was expansive and quiet, exactly what he needed to scrutinize his friend and learn more about his condition. Zeke was still unconscious, but that might be for the best.

Fera and Lig were still nowhere to be seen, but Michael ignored that. He first studied Zeke using Greater Enhancement on True Vision to learn about his body's condition. Once he was sure Zeke's regenerating arm was his only problem, Michael's focus returned to Zeke's mind.

Michael utilized Domination to release weak mental and spiritual attacks. Zeke's reaction was lackluster, which was why he performed a few more experiments revealing that the young man's mind and soul had been influenced and altered by the Supreme Human Alliance.

"Mind alterations shouldn't be difficult to remove. Needle of the Lost Memories can help me with thatbut the soul alteration is something else. What am I supposed to do with that?"

Michael needed more information first. Michael could have removed it using True Extraction if the Supreme Human Alliance had added something to Zeke's soul to alter it. Michael could use SouLStar Fragments and Insert to strengthen his soul and possibly heal him if they removed something.

If it was a mixture of bothit would be a little more difficult.

But Michael was confident. Somehow, he would rescue Zeke.

Once Zeke was safe and sound, Michael could also help the others!