LGHTNOVELBOOK Chapter 161: Chapter 160
The world was slipping into chaos, and the balance of power had shifted irrevocably. Governments that once projected authority were now mere shadows of their former selves. The emergence of ability users across every corner of the globe had rendered traditional power structures obsolete.
Eze, the enigmatic figure rising from the heart of West Africa, had become a name synonymous with unstoppable power. His dominion stretched across several countries, and his ability—a seemingly limitless control over the Earth—had made him an untouchable force. His rise was a stark reminder to world leaders of their growing impotence.
Inside the United Nations chambers, representatives sat with grim faces. They no longer discussed strategies to confront Eze or others like him. Their focus had shifted inward—attempting to control the chaos within their borders. Every nation was plagued with the sudden emergence of ability users, and their unpredictable allegiances threatened to dismantle governments from within.
"Eze is consolidating power in West Africa, and we've done nothing," a representative from France remarked bitterly. "Our intelligence suggests he's now focusing on resource-rich regions. What happens when he controls the global supply chain?"
"What do you propose?" countered an American diplomat, his voice tinged with exasperation. "Our cities are burning. Phoenix has claimed control over the western states. Sovereigns are carving up territories in Europe. And even in our own ranks, ability users are emerging. We don't have the manpower to deal with one another, let alone global threats."
The chamber fell into silence. It was a truth none of them wanted to admit: they were powerless.
---
The burning remains of a rival faction's base smoldered in the distance as Phoenix surveyed his city from the rooftop of what had once been a gleaming corporate skyscraper. Los Angeles was now his domain, and fire was his tool of domination.
Born Marcus Nolan in the arid deserts of Nevada, Phoenix had clawed his way to the top through sheer ferocity. His power—an unparalleled control over fire—manifested after he survived a fiery car crash that should have ended his life. That moment had changed him forever.
In the months that followed, he faced death countless times, battling rogue factions, military interventions, and even other ability users who sought to challenge his supremacy. Each confrontation only solidified his grip on the city and its surrounding regions.
"Sir," his lieutenant, Callahan, approached, his tone urgent. "We've got reports of more ability users emerging in San Francisco. A group calling themselves the Ember Warlords."
Phoenix smirked. "Ember Warlords? Pathetic." He turned, his amber eyes glowing faintly with the remnants of his power. "We'll remind them who truly owns the West Coast. Send a message—burn their territory to the ground."
Callahan hesitated. "Sir, what about the Sovereigns in Europe? Their influence is growing, and there's talk of alliances forming across the Atlantic. If they unify—"
"They won't," Phoenix interrupted, his voice like a crackling flame. "They're too fractured, just like the governments that spawned them. Let them play their little games. When they're done, I'll show them what real power looks like."
He stared out over the city, the fires reflecting in his eyes. "This world belongs to those strong enough to take it. And no one burns brighter than me."
---
In a secluded district on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Arjun moved through his training forms with precision. The air was thick with humidity, and the sounds of the bustling city beyond were muted in this quiet refuge he had carved out for himself.
Unlike many of the ability users wreaking havoc across the globe, Arjun had not gained his powers through a near-death experience. His strength came from discipline and dedication, cultivated through the meditation techniques released by the mysterious Stargazer Empire.
At Level 3, he was faster, stronger, and sharper than any normal human. But he knew his abilities paled in comparison to the destructive forces wielded by people like Phoenix or Eze.
Arjun's concerns were closer to home. Reports of new ability users rising in Southeast Asia were becoming more frequent. In the chaotic streets of Bangkok, a figure known as Tempest had begun using his power over wind to dominate trade routes, holding entire cities hostage. In Jakarta, a group calling themselves the Obsidian Blades had started to exert their influence, taking over local gangs and driving a wave of violence across the region.
And now, whispers of another group emerging in the highlands of northern Malaysia had reached him. These ability users called themselves the Crimson Lotus, and their actions were becoming increasingly brazen.
Arjun paused his training, wiping the sweat from his brow. The Sovereigns in Europe and Phoenix in America were distant threats, but the chaos spreading through Asia felt like a storm on his doorstep.
He glanced at the small group of followers who had begun to gather around him. They were ordinary people who had turned to the Stargazer techniques in a desperate bid for strength. But even with their progress, they were no match for the ability users tearing the region apart.
"We can't fight them head-on," Arjun said, addressing his group. "But we don't have to. Strength isn't just about power. It's about precision, control, and strategy. We focus on that, and we'll find a way to survive."
Still, doubt lingered in his mind. As he looked to the chaos unfolding around the world, he couldn't help but wonder if survival would be enough.
---
Dr. Carlisle's laboratory was a symphony of chaos. Beakers bubbled with volatile liquids, machines hummed with energy, and half-written notes were strewn across every surface. He worked tirelessly, his mind consumed with one goal: creating the next evolution of humanity.
Unlike the reckless ability users who had stumbled into their powers, Carlisle sought to control the process. His research into genetic enhancements was his obsession, and he was determined to succeed where others had failed.
He injected a serum into a test subject—a lifeless rodent strapped to a metal tray. As the seconds ticked by, the creature's body began to convulse, its fur rippling with an unnatural energy. But just as quickly as the transformation began, it ended, the rodent collapsing into a lifeless heap.
"Damn it!" Carlisle slammed a fist onto his desk, his frustration mounting. Each failure brought him closer to success, but the progress was agonizingly slow.
His thoughts drifted to the rumors of life-and-death experiences being the trigger for abilities. Carlisle dismissed the theory as crude and unpredictable. He was a scientist, and he would not leave something so important to chance.
"I will create power," he muttered, his voice filled with determination. "Not stumble upon it like those fools."
As he prepared his next experiment, a grim smile crossed his face. The world was tearing itself apart, and he would be ready to seize control when the time came.
---
Across the globe, the old world order crumbled under the weight of its own chaos. Ability users, scientists, and nations all vied for power in a world that no longer obeyed the rules. And as the power struggles intensified, one truth became increasingly clear: survival would not be enough.