Chapter 1292: The Mysterious Vessel and the Lair

The strange vessel remained suspended above the Floating Island as everyone continued staring at it. Shane was still trying to understand how Merlin had somehow managed to discover such an enormous machine without anyone else noticing it until now!

Merlin, however, seemed much more interested in showing off his discovery.

"You can stare at it later. Come inside and see for yourselves."

Shane was curious. After all, it seemed as if even Cloud was surprised that Merlin was able to control the vessel.

"You’re sure it’s safe?" He asked.

"Quite sure."

Merlin turned toward the vessel and raised his hand. The blue lights along its surface suddenly brightened, and a section of the underside began to separate.

Just like that, a mysterious circular platform slowly descended from the vessel, revealing a passage leading into its interior.

Max immediately stepped closer.

"So it really is a spaceship..."

Tundra’s eyes lit up.

"I’ve always wanted to see one of these! This is how they abduct humans, right?"

Shane glanced at him.

"You realize this isn’t some alien movie, right?"

"I know. That’s why it’s even more exciting."

Tundra immediately stepped onto the platform.

The others followed after a brief hesitation, with Shane entering last. The moment everyone was aboard, the platform slowly rose back into the vessel, and the opening beneath them sealed itself.

The interior was completely different from the ancient corridors of the First Citadel.

Instead of exposed machinery and dark metallic walls, the ship contained a spacious central chamber surrounded by smooth surfaces covered in faint blue lights. Several circular platforms were embedded into the floor, while transparent panels displayed unfamiliar symbols and constantly changing information.

Shane looked around in amazement.

"Cloud?"

[ I am attempting to analyze the vessel’s systems. However, its technology is significantly more advanced than the systems I have previously encountered within the First Citadel. It seemed that this technology was installed at a later date than the others inside ]

Shane’s expression became interested.

"You mean it’s from a different generation? That sounds reasonable."

Soon, Merlin walked toward the center of the chamber with a proud smile.

"This vessel appears to have been designed for long-distance space travel. It possesses an independent energy system, defensive mechanisms, automated navigation, and even a form of artificial intelligence."

"An A.I.?" Shane immediately asked.

"Yes, although I haven’t figured out how it functions yet."

Merlin placed his hand against one of the control panels.

The entire chamber suddenly illuminated.

A mechanical voice echoed throughout the vessel.

[ Provisional administrator detected. ]

[ Welcome, Administrator Merlin. ]

Everyone immediately looked at Merlin.

Tundra’s expression became strange.

"Administrator Merlin..."

He chuckled.

"Sounds pretty impressive."

Merlin ignored him and continued examining the controls.

"There are still many systems I haven’t understood, but I should be able to learn how to operate them eventually."

Shane slowly nodded.

"Then this isn’t just some flying vehicle."

Merlin smiled.

"No. I believe this may be one of the most valuable discoveries hidden within the First Citadel."

Shane couldn’t help but look at his grandpa... This old man who had forgotten most of his past was truly mysterious.

After all, his grandpa’s gift, the bracelet, was the one that allowed him to regress a few times. Now, he somehow gained the ability to control a ship as if he was also connected with the Anima Civilization.

Still, he couldn’t help but feel worried by how Merlin was selected to control it...

Is it because of his ability, or because the A.I. of the ship allowed it and had something in mind?

For some reason, he had a feeling that Merlin had just brought them another enormous problem.

Or perhaps... Another opportunity.

***

Meanwhile, far away from the First Citadel, Reese was leading a small group of Supersoldiers toward a demon lair discovered beneath an abandoned city.

Reese was one of Shane’s unusual recruits, having arrived through the Territory Lord’s recruitment fog long ago. Unlike most survivors who had been pulled from a world rules by the undead, Reese had come from a world that had been destroyed by demons.

He was a Demon Hunter.

After joining Shane’s shelter, Reese had spent his first few days adapting to this new world while continuing to hone the skills he had developed during his countless battles against demons. His abilities were highly specialized, and although they were less useful against ordinary Zombies or Vampires, they made him one of the most experienced people in Shane’s territory when it came to dealing with demonic creatures.

That was precisely why he had been assigned to this mission.

At this time, several Supersoldiers accompanied him, including Wade. They were experienced fighters who had fought against Vampires, Zombies, Dragonoids, Necromancers, and many other enemies throughout the Apocalypse.

However, none of them had much experience fighting actual demons.

As they approached the entrance of the underground lair, Wade glanced toward the darkness ahead.

"So this is where the demons are hiding?"

Reese nodded.

"According to the scouts."

One of the Supersoldiers checked the holy water stored on his belt.

"We brought everything, right? Holy water, purification grenades, blessed ammunition..."

Reese glanced at him with a smile. He could tell that they were quite nervous.

He heard that aside from Wade, these Super Soldiers were quite new. They had consumed the Serum and gained mysterious powers, but in the end, they lacked the experience dealing with the Demonic Corruption.

"That’s good enough.

Wade frowned.

"Are demons really that much stronger than Vampires?"

Reese didn’t answer immediately.

He looked at the dark entrance, as he felt the familiar aura of corruption from the Demons...

"Don’t compare them to Vampires. You need to be alert..."

The others immediately became more attentive.

"Demons are stronger, but that’s not the most dangerous part. They’re unpredictable. Some can use curses, others can manipulate minds or corrupt energy, and some possess abilities that you won’t recognize until they’re already being used against you."

He paused before adding,

"If you see something you don’t understand, don’t attack it immediately. Let me identify it first. It could be a trap..."

Wade nodded.

"Understood."

Reese drew his weapon and stepped toward the entrance.

"I’ll take the lead."

The others followed closely behind...

Reese, the Demon Hunter who had survived an entire world consumed by demons, radiated a mysterious aura around him.

The moment he stepped into the darkness, his Hunter’s Instinct activated.

He could feel them immediately.

There were dozens of demonic presences hidden beneath the abandoned city!

Reese smiled as he noticed their movement.

"They know we’re here."