The aftermath of the mass awakening spread like wildfire. Within just a few hours, the military command centers across Huaxia had received shocking reports—hundreds of Tier 3 awakeners had broken into Tier 4 and beyond. Even more astonishing were the unique awakenings—abilities that defied the conventional understanding of elemental and physical enhancement.
The World Reacts
Though Huaxia had kept Su Chen's full role in the awakenings a secret, the sudden surge in power among its soldiers couldn't be hidden.
The global intelligence networks—spies, informants, and monitoring systems—quickly caught wind of the abnormality.
In the headquarters of the United Federation, a powerful alliance of Western nations, military officials sat around a large holographic table. Satellite footage displayed the intense energy fluctuations over Huaxia's training base.
A bald man in a military uniform slammed his fist on the table. "Impossible! How can they be breaking through in such numbers? Tier 4 isn't something you just hand out!"
An intelligence officer adjusted his glasses. "The only plausible explanation is that Huaxia has discovered a new method of awakening… or worse, someone is forcing awakenings at an unnatural rate."
The room fell silent.
If Huaxia truly possessed a method to mass-produce high-tier awakeners, then the balance of power in the world would shift overnight.
One of the higher-ups, a gray-haired man with sharp eyes, leaned forward. "We need confirmation. Send a request for diplomatic talks with Huaxia immediately."
The Internal Conflict
Back in Huaxia, the top military officials held an emergency meeting. Though they had expected Su Chen's abilities to help their forces grow stronger, the results had exceeded all projections.
General Wang, one of the leading figures of Huaxia's military, let out a deep sigh. "This level of advancement… it's both a blessing and a curse."
Another general nodded. "Yes, our soldiers are stronger, but their control is unstable. If they enter battle without proper discipline, they could cause as much destruction to our own ranks as to the enemy."
That was the greatest danger—power without refinement.
Su Chen, who sat calmly at the meeting table, finally spoke. "That's why I'll personally train the elites. You don't need to worry about instability."
His voice was filled with confidence, but the generals exchanged uneasy glances.
One of them hesitated before speaking. "Su Chen… you've already done more than enough, but we can't rely entirely on you. What if something happens to you?"
Su Chen's gaze turned sharp. "Then you make sure nothing does."
His words carried an undeniable weight.
The Cult's Response
Far from the discussions of nations, hidden in the dark corners of society, the god-worshipping cults were in absolute turmoil.
The sudden increase in human power was a direct threat to their gods.
In a secret underground temple, a group of high-ranking cult leaders gathered around a floating golden orb.
The orb pulsed with divine energy, and from it, a distorted voice echoed.
"The False Prophet has begun his work. If this continues, the Descent will not go as planned."
One of the cult leaders, cloaked in black robes, gritted his teeth. "We underestimated him. He was supposed to struggle for power, not advance so quickly!"
Another cultist, a woman with silver tattoos covering her arms, clenched her fists. "The gods must know about this."
The golden orb shimmered.
"They already do. And they are displeased."
The room grew cold as a faint whisper of divinity brushed against their minds, sending shivers down their spines.
There was no choice—the cult had to act.
And fast.
The Final Thought
Su Chen could sense it—the winds of war were shifting.
The world was watching, the gods were noticing, and the cult was preparing.
But none of it mattered.
Because he had only just begun.