After the S30 meeting, the schedule for moving to Tsupeng City was set for a week later. This gave everyone, who had gathered from afar, time to recover from their travels.

In the meantime, many Superhuman Associations were seen discussing how to approach various regions.

—Are you certain that a Gate Outbreak will occur?

‘Yes. It definitely happened in the future.’

—But wasn’t it supposed to happen a year from now? The future can change.

Heaven-Splitter raised a valid question in response to Sungshik’s words.

It was a reasonable doubt. The moment a large-scale Gate Zone appeared at a different time than in the known future, it could no longer be considered the same event as in that future.

‘Of course, that’s true. But when you think about the principle behind the Gate Outbreak, it’s the same.’

After the large-scale Gate Break occurred, many survivors analyzed in detail why it had happened. As a result, the formula behind Gate Breaks was mostly uncovered.

‘Based on that knowledge, it’s certain.’

The location of the large-scale Gate Zone. The number of Gates that had emerged. The elapsed time since their appearance.

Everything was similar. That was why Sungshik was confident.

“Before a week passes, the Gate Outbreak phenomenon will manifest.”

And, just as Sungshik had predicted, it happened.

Beep beep beep beep—

A sudden blaring emergency alert.

—A partial Gate Outbreak has occurred in the Pasturelands near Tsupeng City. An estimated 2,000 monsters have emerged. All Superhumans affiliated with S30 are to gather at the designated location immediately.

“See? What did I tell you?”

—Ho, so it really is true. From the moment you mentioned knowledge from the future, I expected this outcome.

“…?”

Excuse me? Weren’t you just doubting me a moment ago?

Sungshik was momentarily speechless at Heaven-Splitter’s shameless words, but he quickly prepared for battle and joined his group.

“Sungshik-nim, did you hear? A Gate Outbreak… what exactly is going on…?”

Everyone’s faces showed signs of panic due to the sudden development.

“There’s no need to be overly flustered. Also, you can consider the original strategy of dividing the region obsolete.”

“Huh? Then what do we do?”

“From now on, multiple teams will be assigned to each sector. Since all the Gates will go into Outbreak mode one after another.”

“A-All of the Gates will go into Outbreak…?”

Even Lee Manshik, who had always accepted Sungshik’s words without question, seemed unable to fathom what he had just heard.

“Of course. Didn’t I say that we’d be making a hefty profit this time? Alright, let’s go.”

With that, a deep smile formed on Sungshik’s lips.

‘This is the perfect chance to test my newly gained power.’

A vast, expansive grassland stretched out before them. This area near Tsupeng City was called the Pasturelands. Once referred to as the Manchurian region, it was characterized by its broad, open plains.

Scattered throughout the grasslands were countless Gate Portals, shimmering with deep blue and indigo hues. At this moment, all the Superhumans participating in S30 had gathered here.

“Wow.”

Someone let out a breath of admiration.

Whoosh.

Swish.

Flash—

It was none other than the dazzling display of power by the 11 Thrones that elicited the reaction.

When they had just arrived, about ten Gates had gone into Outbreak mode, spewing out monsters.

Nearly 2,000 monsters had poured out of them. The majority were 5-Star+ grade monsters, with a significant number of 6-Star ones mixed in.

And as soon as they appeared, the ones who rushed forward to engage them were the individuals who would later be known as the 11 Thrones.

The Sword Emperor, War Demon, Paladin of Dawn, Flame King, and Elemental Master. Along with a few other Superhumans who, at this time, briefly stood shoulder to shoulder with the 11 Thrones.

The moment they stepped in, the 2,000 monsters were wiped out in an instant.

Sungshik and other high-ranking Superhumans didn’t even get a chance to intervene.

‘Well, that’s expected. Every single one of them is a 7-Star Superhuman right now.’

Even if just one of them had stepped forward, they could have taken care of the situation on their own before long. With nearly ten of them moving together, it was only natural for the battle to be over in the blink of an eye.

‘The 11 Thrones really were on another level, even back then.’

Their reputation was well-earned.

To Sungshik’s trained eyes, there was a noticeable difference even among those at the same 7-Star level. The ones who would later become the 11 Thrones stood apart from the rest.

Their mana control, the way they utilized their traits, and the sheer potential they possessed—all of it was superior.

‘It’s a shame. I would have liked to take part in that just now.’

Due to the delayed arrival of Sungshik and the Korean Superhumans, all he could do was watch as the situation was resolved before he even had a chance to step in.

With the immediate crisis settled, the emergency response plan was put into action, and the teams were assigned as previously discussed.

The Korean Superhuman Association was grouped with the United States and France.

‘The United States and France, huh…’

Among the Superhumans from the U.S., she was there.

One of the future 11 Thrones.

Elemental Master Jenny.

She was a blonde woman in her early to mid-twenties with a beautiful appearance. A slender physique and a pure, elegant beauty. No matter who looked at her, she seemed far removed from the world of superhumans.

However, the majesty she displayed in battle left an impression so intense that it was unimaginable just by looking at her appearance.

Elemental Master. A superhuman who had reached the level of a great mage, wielding the four elemental magics: earth, fire, wind, and water.

With just a single gesture of her hand, the ground overturned, the sky roared, and the atmosphere trembled. She was one of the few superhumans who could stand against Han Eunyeong, the Witch of Halla, who commanded the Army of Death.

“It’s been a while.”

Heo Sungshik felt a sense of familiarity toward her. Like the Martial Emperor, she was a superhuman affiliated with the United States. Despite her beautiful appearance, she was quite kind and never treated lower-ranked superhumans harshly, even someone like Heo Sungshik. She was one of the rare superhumans of the highest rank who possessed a sense of compassion.

“In the end, she also perished alongside the Martial Emperor during the Witch of Halla incident.”

Thinking about it now, the accomplishments of Han Eunyeong, the Witch of Halla, were truly incredible. The fact that she had dragged such great superhumans to destruction—what an utterly ridiculous and astonishing feat.

“I must master the ‘Army of Death’ trait no matter what.”

Recalling the absurdity of that situation, Heo Sungshik felt his anger boiling inside him. No matter how he thought about it, dealing with Han Eunyeong early on and acquiring the ‘Army of Death’ trait had been one of his best decisions.

“Before the Nights of Trial begin, I must find a way to obtain the secret manual and fully acquire the ‘Army of Death’ trait.”

While Heo Sungshik was lost in his thoughts, the superhuman associations of Korea, the United States, and France had gathered in one place.

“Nice to meet you. I am Gerald, the representative of the U.S. Superhuman Association.”

“Louis, representing France.”

“It is an honor. I am Lee Mansik, representing Korea.”

With the representatives of the three nations gathered, they engaged in a brief discussion about how to defend their respective regions.

“Then, the French and American teams will split into two…”

“A two-shift system seems too demanding… How about forming a separate night patrol team?”

“Then, Korea could take charge of night surveillance…”

As Heo Sungshik listened, he noticed that the conversation was heading in an odd direction. The core responsibility was being split between the U.S. and France, while Korea was expected to do nothing more than night surveillance.

“Our Korean forces may be at a disadvantage in terms of power, but relegating us solely to night surveillance seems a bit excessive.”

“Even if you say that, doesn’t Korea realistically lack the manpower to defend itself alone?”

Their dismissive attitude was understandable. Each time a gate opened, it was estimated that they would have to deal with at least several hundred monsters. Expecting Korea, with its majority of 5-star+ superhumans, to hold the line alone was an unreasonable expectation.

“We recently produced a 7-star superhuman, and some of our existing superhumans have advanced to 6-star+. We are fully capable of combat.”

“Oh, really? A 7-star?”

“Hmm, are you sure about that 7-star?”

Lee Mansik, unable to tolerate the situation any longer, emphasized the strength of Heo Sungshik and Kang Hanil, but the reactions from the two nations were quite different.

The Americans looked surprised, as if hearing something unexpected, while the French responded with skepticism.

The reason for this difference was clear.

The U.S. possessed the Martial Emperor and the Elemental Master—two of the most powerful superhumans in the world—along with several others who were nearly 7-star level. On the other hand, France had only two 7-star superhumans.

Of course, some countries had no 7-star superhumans at all, but even with just two, France was struggling. To hear that Korea, previously a weak superhuman nation that had only ever produced a single 6-star superhuman, now had a 7-star—naturally, it was hard to believe.

“Who exactly is this superhuman that has reached 7-star?”

Even Gerald showed interest as he asked.

Lee Mansik’s gaze shifted, and all eyes turned to Heo Sungshik. As he became the center of attention, Heo Sungshik shrugged his shoulders and introduced himself.

“I am Heo Sungshik, a superhuman from the Korean Association.”

“Oh? So, it’s not that Mister Kang?”

Their curiosity was piqued upon seeing an unfamiliar face.

“And… he’s not even listed in the world rankings. Did you train in some remote mountain or something?”

“Well, I only awakened as a superhuman recently.”

“Oh my god. Really? That would mean an absurdly fast growth rate.”

Those who had reached 7-star themselves understood how remarkable it was to achieve such a feat in such a short time. Their astonishment was immense.

“Hah, you’re saying you only recently awakened but are already 7-star? That sounds suspicious.”

A French superhuman expressed strong skepticism. A man with yellow hair and a weary expression—Frederic, a 7-star superhuman from France.

“I don’t sense any aura from you at all. Hey, are you really a 7-star superhuman?”

Frederic’s question was blunt and rude, based solely on his inability to sense any power from Heo Sungshik.

—Hah, how foolish. Does he not realize how disgraceful it is for a 7-star to be unable to conceal his own presence? What an arrogant brat.

Heaven-Splitter grumbled from within its sheath, clearly displeased.

—To see someone who barely understands the basics flaunting his power… He’s bound to die young.

Heo Sungshik chuckled at Heaven-Splitter’s remark. The phrase ‘die young’ amused him.

In Heo Sungshik’s memories of the future, that yellow-haired man did not exist. Which meant that, just as Heaven-Splitter predicted, he had indeed died young.

“Are you laughing?”

Frederic’s forehead twitched as veins bulged. He believed he was being mocked.

“Now, now, Frederic. Let’s calm down. Do you really think someone would lie in a gathering of the world’s top superhumans? It seems Korea’s ranker system is still in the process of updating, but from what I’ve heard, they are currently being reviewed.”

Seeing the situation grow tense, Gerald stepped in to mediate.

He had a point. Who would dare tell a lie that would be exposed immediately in such a gathering? In reality, it was France that had been rude, and Korea deserved an apology.

“Yes, well, we’ll see soon enough.”

Even in such a situation, Frederic continued speaking insolently, without offering an apology.

—Truly, every single word that comes out of his mouth is insufferable. Draw me now! Strike him down in a single blow…!

‘Forget it. Wasting energy on someone like him will only tire us out.’

Suppressing Heaven-Splitter’s rage, Heo Sungshik glanced at Frederic, who was still glaring at him. Once again, he let out a soft chuckle.

‘There really are so many people in this world with way too many complaints.’