James Lone reviewed the intelligence provided by Sofie Barnes. Dozens of abilities, varied and plentiful, were laid out in front of him. From combat to support, melee to ranged, reconnaissance to healing—every base was covered.

If this group came at him all at once, even James Lone would find himself troubled.

This was the strength of a large organization: while no single ability user seemed overly formidable, through strategic combinations, they could create devastating synergies. For instance, Sofie Barnes' Gravitational Distortion paired perfectly with the armored man's abilities. The base clearly considered such combinations before dispatching them together.

Sofie explained: "I only know the abilities of about 30 of them. The rest were either people I never worked with or those too cautious to reveal their powers. I don't know much about them."

James Lone closed his eyes and contemplated for a moment. Then, he calmly said, "Understood. You can go now."

He tore open a portal leading to the Sunshine Garden Apartments and returned to Tower C with the women.

Days had passed since he last visited, and Sunshine Garden felt even more lifeless.

Most of the survivors in Tower C had been killed by James Lone. Towers A and B had lost more people to starvation, likely resulting in new leaders among the survivors—but none dared approach Tower C.

James Lone's absence left them clueless about the situation, and they opted to keep their distance.

As for Wot Andrew, he enjoyed the peace and quiet—no one disturbed him anymore.

After confirming through his heightened senses that Tower C was secure, James Lone instructed the women to clean and settle back into their rooms.

Meanwhile, Wot Andrew was still living on the 28th floor. Phasing through the ceiling, James appeared in his apartment.

Startled, Wot Andrew's fear quickly turned to delight. "Mr. Lone, you're back?"

James eyed the old man, still emitting green light, and nodded with a faint smile. "Just staying for a few days. Anything new? Any discoveries of ability fruits?"

Wot Andrew shook his head, sighing. "It's getting more dangerous out there. Even the third and fourth floors aren't safe anymore. I don't dare go to the ground floor alone."

James raised an eyebrow. "Oh? What happened?"

This elderly medical professor had always been keen on scavenging plants from downstairs in search of new medicinal herbs. For him to grow cautious was unusual.

Wot Andrew pulled up his pant leg, showing a wound. "Some plants are starting to attack humans. Animals can defend themselves, but plants are unpredictable and impossible to guard against. Look at this cut—it was made by a blade of grass. Thankfully, you left me some medical alcohol, or it would've been infected for sure."

A blade of grass...

James Lone didn't linger. After ensuring the women were settled, he tore open another portal. Using the subspace anchor tied to Teresa Taylor, he teleported to her location.

An eye for an eye.

They dared to send people to his home, so it was only reasonable for him to return the favor.

New York TV Underground Base

Today, the gates were wide open.

"Everyone, move out immediately!" Erics Peterson commanded.

"Yes, sir!" Martin Stewart responded sharply, barking orders to his forces. "Move out!"

A line of gray-uniformed survivors marched out of the base. They carried supplies on their backs, their steps heavy, faces numb with fear.

Having experienced the horrors of the mist-covered forest, they knew the dangers all too well. Otherwise, they wouldn't have stayed in the base, enduring Peterson's tyranny, rather than fleeing.

With the world shrouded in violet mist, there was nowhere to run.

Behind the survivors came 200 elite soldiers, their morale visibly higher. And following them were 50 ability users, each lightly equipped and exuding confidence.

This deployment represented nearly half of the base's ability user strength—a show of utmost seriousness.

Erics Peterson placed a hand on Martin Stewart's shoulder, speaking solemnly. "I'm entrusting you with most of our resources. Be cautious."

Martin Stewart stood at attention and saluted. "Don't worry, sir! I won't let you down. No matter how strong that rat is, he can't escape dozens of us surrounding him. We've already accounted for all his abilities in our plans."

"Good."

Reassured, Peterson nodded. Martin Stewart was someone he trusted deeply.

This time, the remaining four Alpha-level ability users had sent out two: Martin Stewart and Rock Campbell. Elen Hawkins stayed to guard the base, while Teresa Taylor remained in confinement.

"Go now, and don't let him escape. Who knows where he'll go if he slips away."

"Understood! Mission guaranteed!" Martin Stewart led the troops out.

This mission deployed a thousand survivors, 200 soldiers, and 50 ability users—the largest operation since the violet mist descended.

More than just catching the "rat," Peterson intended this as a test to evaluate the base's capability for large-scale external missions.

The 50 chosen ability users were handpicked, specifically selected to counter James Lone.

After marching for over an hour, three survivors had already died.

One, driven by hunger, couldn't resist picking and eating familiar-looking mushrooms, only to die on the spot. Another was bitten by an unknown insect, their leg swelling black and red. The third was cut deeply by a bamboo leaf, the gash so severe the bone was exposed.

Martin Stewart glanced coldly at the three and issued a simple command: "Kill them. They won't make it."

The remaining survivors grew restless, their anger simmering beneath the surface.

But what could they do?

Ability users were too terrifying to challenge. Especially Martin Stewart, whose power they had witnessed firsthand—his invincible demeanor left a lasting impression.

Noticing their unease, Martin Stewart sneered. "What's this? Do you want to rebel? Dying for the base is an honor. If you die for saving Professor William, it's the greatest fortune of your life!"

The survivors' anger grew, but they remained silent, powerless to act.

After a short break, the ability users rose and barked orders to continue. "Move! Faster! Don't let him escape!"

Confidence surged among the troops.

Before setting out, Martin Stewart had devised a meticulous plan. They'd outlined how to detect James Lone, how to lock down space, and how to engage him head-on. Contingency plans were in place for every scenario.

James Lone was as good as dead!

The group continued their march.

Meanwhile, in the dark confines of her cell, Teresa Taylor sat cross-legged, practicing her breathing technique.

However, her focus faltered, and she opened her eyes in frustration.

Martin Stewart's team must've departed by now.

Were they going after James Lone?

Would James Lone be in danger?

Though she didn't understand why, Teresa Taylor couldn't help but worry for him.