The undercurrents

Cane and Kharlile got out of their stupor and hastily focused on what Mr. Brooke was about to say.

'No one knows who or what that disaster will be. The leader of Camo Island merely said about the disaster, 'Greed, the demise of kingdoms. Envy is the spark that ignites the fire. Knowledge is a razor's edge.'

Mr. Brooke went on to say that it was the first time the leader of Camo Island had directly divined a prophecy. The people who learned of this prophecy were all-powerful, and they had no doubt that it would come true because it was made by the most exalted person on Camo Island.

Kharlile quickly asked where this Camo Island was and how they were able to foresee the future. Mr. Brooke, with a look of reverence on his face, replied that they were people who had practiced divination arts ever since time immemorial. Camo Island was located in an everchanging pocket world, and there were no written records available to the public about its existence. Mr. Brooke did not even have much information about them as the head of a medium-powered clan that was also connected to the temple of the Gods.

Of course, some people had plans to aggressively exploit the members of this strange organization for their own benefit or propaganda, but it somehow led to the collapse of the organizations that tried. People believed that there were many powerful clans and groups that wanted to curry favor with the island, so they were eager to destroy the annoying organizations that pestered the people of the island. Some even believed that the people of Camo Island were demigods sprung from gods capable of annihilating the groups that had targeted them themselves.

"However, no one knows much about them because they only verified their existence through the divinations they shared with the rest of the world. However, we should not be concerned because they are not wicked." Mr. Brooke stated, "The real matter that we need to be concerned about is the prophecy."

At the same time, at different places...

Two people were sitting beside each other at a wide circular table with 13 seats. They both wore golden robes.

'Tower Master, the powerful clans who remained in their pocket worlds are already moving to bolster their forces by interacting with the major population. It is only a matter of time before a lot of young superhuman geniuses will shake the New Earth. Are we going to recruit another batch this year? Or will we let the 4 great academies monopolize them? ', a middle-aged man with a golden beard inquired as he sipped his tea.

Surprisingly, the person he was asking was a young man looking about 25 years old.

"I only rose to this position because you insisted, Teacher Goldy. I don't think that we need to recruit others." The young man then lifted his right hand in front of his teacher, and five elements began to shine on the tips of his five fingers as if telling him that no number of recruits could compete with his talent.

In a white room full of Petri dishes...

'The date of the prophecy's happening is near. I am not sure how the leader of Camo Island divined that, but that powerful being will surely not be coming from us. I don't even know that something like that could be born in 10 years. Could it really be more powerful than you, Master Cane?', a lovely and sharp-looking lady in a black suit awaited her master's reaction.

The "Master Cane" resembled the Cane Astro who was currently speaking with Mr. Brooke and the others. 'I don't know anything about the prophecy,' he sighed to his lovely attendant. 'But I know there are just a few people that are as strong as myself. By the way, I told you that when we're alone, you can call me "Father."'

In a hall where the flags of the Four Great Academies were hung up...

'This year, our recruits will undoubtedly be powerful students from clans and organizations that have been in seclusion for some years. They would not have been compelled to leave their dens if it hadn't been for the prophecy. However, this should be a good thing. With the increase in our student population, our powers will be strengthened.', stated an old long-bearded guy wearing a green robe with the dragon emblem positioned on the right chest while his eyes were closed.

'You're correct, Dragon King Long. When disaster strikes, I hope our four academies can put aside their differences. When it comes to hiring new employees, we will stick to our tradition of solely hiring women. So, I hope no one will argue with me when the time comes for female talent to join our sect.', a very alluring woman in a red robe with a rose crest on it, accidentally but seductively folded her hands under her chest, causing it to bounce.

'That is only natural, Battle Queen Astro. My Blue Astral Academy will surely join hands with the other 3 academies when the calamity descends. I just hope that the Lizard King won't tuck his tail and run silly from fear due to his old age.', a middle-aged-looking man with a blue robe and a moon crest on it, mocked the Dragon King.

'Amitabha Astral King Moonspit. Please refrain from fighting amongst ourselves. If the planet is truly turned crimson with blood, then that mysterious monster will undoubtedly be more powerful than we can fathom. My school believes that the disaster is linked to the research carried out by a wicked organization that the Genetic Tower is on the lookout for.', said a closed-eyed bald guy wearing a sleeveless robe with a Buddha insignia on the back.

'Hmp! Exalted Monk Juda is right. You know, brutes are always crude. If you ever let my sect get into danger because of your schemes, I wouldn't mind joining forces with the monks to wipe out your academies!', the battle queen threatened.

In a pocket world where darkness shrouded the sky...

A middle-aged man can be seen floating through the city, veiled by a cloaking barrier, and abruptly announced—

'We, the Dark Society, are the chosen ones. The originator of the undying virus is our founder. Don't be afraid of the prophecy, as our founder is the strongest existence in this world. Next month, we will begin our operation. We will let the people of the outside world know that we are the most exalted superhumans. Hail to the Originator! Hail, the founder! Hail the Dark Society!'

Many powerful clans and organizations, especially the three strongest clans who knew of the prophecy, similarly had meetings to discuss what they wanted to do. Most of them were planning to enroll their younger generation in the academies and strengthen their members to have a fighting chance against the calamity ten years from now.

Back underground at Doctor Roseheim Brooke's clinic...

Cane felt a mix of emotions upon hearing all of the things from Mr. Brooke's mouth. He never thought that New Earth would be more complicated than he expected it to be. Giving a planet like New Earth 270 years to develop could truly surprise someone.

He suddenly stood up and looked at Mr. Brooke eye-to-eye. He said that he understood some of the stuff and would not say any more. What he could promise him was that he would remain true to his beliefs. He would protect his daughter. He would fight beside Kharlile if he needed help. What he thought was best for him at the moment was to acquire more information and guidance.

"Rose must have told you already, but I want all of you to hear it from my mouth. I am a blank sheet. I know that. But I can surely tell you that I am not ordinary either. I believe that meeting all of you is not a simple coincidence. If the powerful being that the prophecy stated is a different person or entity, then I will surely put my life on the line to protect those who I hold dear, which includes all of you. But if I am really that monster, I hope that you won't hesitate to end my life.

You might think that it would be better to kill me now that I am weak, but I can't let you do that. I still have a lot of goals that I want to achieve, and I don't want to give up just because of a prophecy that may or may not be about me. And don't worry, if I feel it myself that I am really the monster that the prophecy foretold, I won't hesitate to take my own life as well.

By the way, Mr. Brooke, if I am able to freely control my powers and advance to the 7th level of viral gene evolution, do you think that there will be more powerful people than me on New Earth?', Cane steadied his breath.