James Lone observed the glow surrounding the three women. Each emitted a pure green aura. Feeling reassured, he handed them three pistols. "Until this is over, take shifts watching her. If she resists, put her down."

Sofie Barnes could only whimper in anger. Disgusting man! He enjoyed the moment, then discarded her!

Monroe Anne accepted the pistol, eyes locked on Sofie Barnes like a predator. The master had trusted her with this task!

Lily Green accepted hers apprehensively, pale as a sheet. "I-I-I've never fired a gun..."

Shirley Inr Won seemed alarmed: "What's going on?"

With casual confidence, James replied, "They're from the TV base military. Inevitably, the military will retaliate. You'll need to leave temporarily; come back once I've dealt with them."

Military? Shirley Inr Won worried, as most feared the military's might. "Master, perhaps we should go. They can't find you wherever we go in this age."

James Lone shook his head, smirking. "I won't let a bunch of people wanting my head roam free."

Sofie Barnes' defiant eyes glinted as she made muffled noises through the sock in her mouth.

James Lone grinned, retrieving the sock. "Seems like you have something to say?"

After coughing a little, Sofie exclaimed, "Humph! It's too late to run now! General Stewart has a keen nose. No matter where you flee, he'll find you!"

Monroe Anne interjected furiously, "Master, she's threatening you! Why keep her around? Let's kill her!"

James Lone's brow furrowed. Despite her harsh words, Sofie Barnes had revealed crucial intelligence. She mentioned the ability of an enemy user. Was she unintentionally blunt, or trying to mislead him?

Observing Sofie's aura once more, he noted a scant red hue, mostly yellow with a tinge of green. What on earth? Was she actually contemplating switching sides?

This Lady seemed psychotic, and yet, something intrigued him. Could she be playing coy?

Deciding to probe further, he asked, "Oh, who exactly is General Stewart? What other abilities does he have?"

Sofie hesitated before saying, "I'm not sure. All I know is he's incredibly strong in close combat, moving too fast to see!"

Again, another ability mention. James watched Sofie with curiosity. "Displeased with the base? Or do you hold a grudge against someone there, hoping I'd take them out—like, say, General Stewart?"

She didn't expect him to deduce her plan so swiftly. Clenching her fists, she retorted stiffly, "You're overthinking. No such thing!"

With a knowing grin, James said, "In that case, should I share this chat with the base?"

"You!" Sofie gaped at him, outraged. "You're shameless!"

"Flattery will get you everywhere," he quipped coldly before stating, "I urge you to speak the truth. Otherwise, I'll strip you bare and throw you to the nearest survivor settlement."

She shivered at the threat. "No! Don't!"

"Then spill," James urged nonchalantly. "If you please me, I might just spare your life. You've seen my women—they're flourishing."

Sofie pressed her lips, murmuring, "I want Erics Peterson dead! Had he not obstructed Isaac Murphy's orders to move troops into the city, my parents might have survived..."

Revealing secrets, she spoke of what festered within.

While the state officially portrayed inactivity under the mist, actions implied preparation. The new herbicide formula came from the New York State Academy of Sciences, rolled out via the military.

Yet, evolution was swift—the spray operations largely failed as flora adapted and outgrew constraints. Fast-paced changes, compounded by Washington's disconnection and absence of top leadership, plunged the country into disarray. Before their disappearance, top officials had established rescue centers nationwide, managing survivor assistance. New York City's center, the TV base known intimately to Erics Peterson, was under military governance, including Isaac Murphy.

Sofie, a local, recounted how the mist trapped her family. Home was but kilometers from the troop base; should troops have entered, saving her parents seemed plausible.

Yet, Erics thwarted Isaac's demands; troops never set foot, leaving Sofie's parents beyond rescue. Their communication severed, and under such grim apocalypse, their survival slim.

Harboring this bitter resentment, Sofie sought vengeance against Erics. She maneuvered silently, awaiting her opportune strike.

Witnessing James's might steered her plan. Already captured, the prospect of return was bleak; why not gamble?

Inwardly thrilled, James marveled at this windfall! "You wish for Erics Peterson's demise—fine by me. Write down everything you know about the abilities there."

Sofie conceded reluctantly, knowing only trust remained with James. "Fine. Keep your promise."

Accompanied by the three women, she started transcribing intelligence.

Meanwhile, James grabbed yet another willpower weapon fruit, swallowing it whole. A looming battle demanded stronger capabilities.

One down, another, then the third... Much like previous willpower types, James adapted to its enhancement swiftly, the weapon's stars rising notably!

Ding! Willpower Weapon upgraded to 2 stars... Ding! Willpower Weapon upgraded to 3 stars... Ding! Willpower Weapon upgraded to 4 stars...

Feeling nauseated, he eventually paused.

Ding! Willpower Weapon upgraded to 5 stars...

Willpower Weapon: 5-Star. Forge an indestructible weapon within, needing further progress to wield; when drawn, enrich it with materials to enhance properties; absorb the willpower of dying users to expedite refinement; Willpower +15.

Augmenting weapons with materials was a mystery, discoverable only post-forging. "Interesting—killing to quicken refinement," mused James. "Sounds wicked, perfect for a villain's toolkit..."

"I like it!"

With Erics Peterson unwittingly sending fodder, it seemed a full power revelation was near.