Ascenders Rift

Chapter 202: The Cities New Heroes

The City of Hope had long since recovered from the destruction brought about at the Hall of Governance. The once prestigious Cramerton residence now a place of ruin, as it was being torn apart by machines.

At this point, everyone within the city had learned of the details of the battle. They now knew that other than the leaders Milon, Vernisa's, and Leo's party, another party had aided them, resulting in their successive victories against dozens of Body Shifters lairs.

As such, a rumor was now spreading amongst the masses, one claiming the rising of the City's New Heroes. Because of this, no matter who it was, they each showed looks of respect to Evan's party as well as their strongest warriors that fought with their life on the line.

Evan was already used to such attention, so he wasn't much phased by people doing slight bows towards him, much like Rick and the others in his party due to their high-profile background. They confidently made their way through the crowded streets giving a warm greeting to any who greeted them on their way to the military base.

"They all seem as if they're expecting battles at any time, I do like how these people can so easily adapt to the circumstances," Rick said as he looked around at the individuals.

Though it would seem like any typical day, the atmosphere seemed sharp, as just by looking around, one would notice even a random passer-by was walking with a full set of equipment. There were no children and elderly amongst those who went about their day's activities.

"Indeed, it's people like these that are often seen in the MSS..." Breya added with a hint of praise in her eyes.

Joe, Layla, and Emilia nodded with the agreement as Evan spoke, "You're right, but our kind isn't much different; we just haven't experienced enough of a crisis for the spirit of unity to take effect fully. In time... that will all change..."

When Rick and the others heard this, their faces had stern looks as they knew of the information Evan shared with them. They knew that things would get only worse from here on out, even more so that so many changes were beginning to occur.

"Well, I just hope things won't worsen," Joe said with a deep look in his eyes.

Though they heard those words, no one replied as the party continued their way; it didn't take much time for them to arrive at the cities military base. It was a large compound surrounded by high power cannons, that had a few airfields showing airships and even other kinds of unique military weaponry.

A net made of strange beam energies had blocked off all passaged in its domain, as solemn-looking militia withstood guarded it with utmost devotion.

"Halt! Who goes... eh?" One of the guards said in an aggressive tone, but as he noticed the party, he quickly fixed up his words and spoke, "Ah... excuse my manners, Dear Heroes, welcome back to the base!"

Evan waved his hand as if saying don't mind it, as he entered the base with Layla and the others. A myriad of Evolvers was gathered and patrolling as some officials that wore combat suits, led their squads towards different aircraft as they prepared to scout a few areas. Most of them were even about to raid the dwindling Anti-Human faction.

The Officials and Evolvers glanced at Evan's party and saluted as they went on their way, entering ships that soon after flew off into the sky with a deafening roar that came from their engines.

Following those individuals, Rick and the others soon noticed Leo, Juile, Razel, Oron, and Irene. They were decked out in combat suits and seemed as if they were headed for a critical mission.

Joe gave Leo a shout out, "Yo! Where are you guys headed?"

Leo now seeing Evan's party had beaming eyes, he hurried over with the others and said, "So you guys came back today, that's good, we've just received reports of remnant units from the Anti Humans causing trouble in the rural area. I thought we might just handle it before it gets out of hand."

"Oh, do you need help?" Evan asked.

Leo looked at Julie who gave him an affection filled look before he looked at Razel and the others who smirked, he then shook his head and replied, "Nah, we can handle this,"

Evan looked at the two before he smiled, saying nothing, he gave him a thumbs up before walking along. Layla and Breya followed while Rick glanced at Razel, who nodded his head before he followed along.

However, Joe tapped Leo's shoulder and whispered in his ear, "Hey, I hope you're really going to be focusing on that mission and nothing else..."

When Joe said that, his eyes hinted at Julie, causing her face to turn red as she heard his words due to her sharp senses.

Leo felt embarrassed, but he slapped Joe's back and spoke, "Like I'd do that! Catch you later!"

With Leo at the lead, Razel and the others followed as they went off to their mission. Not long after, Evan and the others had arrived at an elevator that led underground. 

When it opened, a beautiful woman with a white coat was waiting on the inside, she wore glasses and had a perm hairstyle, looking very much like the typical scientist.

"Welcome back, Sir Evan and company," The woman said with a curt bow.

Evan smiled and spoke, "Thanks for the welcome Head Scientist Livia, I have acquired another sample; this one should be much better than the previous attempts."

Livia's eyes beamed when she heard this, she spoke, "Excellent, so long as it's in better condition, then the information extraction should be easier. Well then, shall we go?"

"Lead the way," Evan said as he stepped into the elevator with the others, Livia then smiled as she pressed a button, causing it to make a loud sound before it descended into the depths of the base.

***

Ding!

The elevator made a loud sound as the door opened, showing the figures of Livia along with Evan and his party. 

"We greet the benefactors!" A few Evolvers said as they made a military salute while noticing their arrival.

Evan nodded as he continued onward with Joe and the others. However, while they weren't affected by the scene around them, the Evolvers started a minor commotion.

"They've finally returned, that recent mission had taken a total of a week it seems," One person said.

"Yeah, I heard that the one they got wind of was in relation to one of those Body Shifters strongest High Elders, reports even say that his defense as at an unthinkable level," Another person said with fearful eyes.

"Really? To think he was so strong, it makes me wonder..." The previously individual said.

"Hmm? Wonder what?" The other person said.

"It makes me wonder just how powerful they truly are..." The person said with a strange look in his eyes; the other also had a look of understanding, they both shook their heads no longer thinking about the topic.

Evan and the others were now walking towards a metallic door with the title Brain Lab above it.

Joe smirked as he listened to their words and spoke, "Heh, Evan, you heard that? They must think of us as some kind of monsters, how strong do you think we've gotten recently?"

Layla and the others were also a bit curious as they looked at Evan. Evan shook his head and glanced at them, his lips curving into a smile as he thought, 'They've grown quite well, haven't they...'

As Evan thought this, eyes flashed as he used his inspection skill to cause their stats to appear before his eyes, showing a sight far different from the previous states.