Professor K mulled over the thought as he stepped out of the car into a neat plaza, where people in crisp clothing strolled about. Dusk had just settled; the streetlights flared on, and across the way, the houses lit up too. Professor K stood there in disbelief. It was beyond anything he had pictured. After such ruin, the sight of a thriving settlement seemed almost impossible. "Didn't the zombie outbreak hit around here?" he asked. Theresa smiled faintly. "Of course it has. But whatever the world becomes, we'll find a way to endure and to build it anew." Her words washed over him, leaving him motionless. A peculiar gleam appeared in his aged eyes as he surveyed the scene. Watching Theresa stride confidently through the crowd, he felt an unfamiliar emotion stir within him. … With the Divine Institute's address secured, Theresa had gained crucial intel. From the start of the mission to rescue Professor K, she had never truly believed the Starborn Order would keep its word. The Starborn Order was shrouded in mystery, leaving her with almost no knowledge of it. To save Tania, she had to choose: risk everything in reckless sacrifice, or infiltrate their missions and gather information patiently. With that resolve, she accepted the trial to rescue Professor K. She hadn't been able to save Tania, but from Professor K, she gained something of immense value—the address of the Divine Institute. Theresa picked up a marker and scrawled four names across the whiteboard: Divine Academy, Divine Institute, Production Company, and Legion.After crossing out Divine Academy with a heavy X, she turned her attention to the Divine Institute and fixed a magnetic arrow onto it. Just then, a familiar chime rang inside her head. Ding! Ultimate Leader System activated! The Lord of Lords mission begins! With every victory, your prestige rises, your territory grows stronger, and your combat power, defenses, and production advance. A prestige reward pack is also yours to claim! A spark lit in Theresa's eyes. Perfect timing—Lord of Lords mission! Now let's see how I cheat my way to the top. I'll lead my alliance and take on the Starborn Order! She felt a rush of confidence swell within her. At that moment, the sound of knuckles tapping against her office door broke the silence. … Lucas, Theron, and Bennie entered together. At the sight of Theresa, their tension eased. Lucas asked, "Theresa, are you all right?" "All good," she answered. "What's the plan for that old guy?" Theron asked, lifting an eyebrow. "Keep him in the camp. Feed him and his dog. Most importantly, keep an eye on him." "Okay." "So, what's the next step?" Bennie frowned. "If they don't turn up and won't trade, is that the end of it?""Absolutely not!" Theresa shot back. "My message has been sent. I'll make them pay for taking Aunt Tania. Let's see if they can stay put after that. "Move two-thirds of the people to the three Ark Camps immediately; retain only those necessary to keep the alliance functioning. Raise Blazing Sun Alliance and all Ark Camps to full combat readiness. If they won't return Aunt Tania, I'll see this through to the end." Poverty makes our claws sharper. The less we own, the harder we strike. Even if the foe stands taller than mountains, we'll dig our way up. Divine Institute—watch me! … The next day, a helicopter cut through the sky, making its way to 35°69' N, 131°69' E. That was Tavelys, the capital of Rynsola. Tavelys, too, was under zombie attack, the streets a sea of corpses. At the center of the city stood a tall building. The helicopter hovered nearby and dropped two people in white lab coats with parachutes. They landed precisely on the rooftop. Like the rest, the building's exterior was worn and peeling. Inside, there was neither a zombie nor living person; the space was hauntingly vacant. Theresa exchanged a look with Quentin and entered the building quickly. Following the hidden route Professor K had revealed, they arrived at an internal elevator that remained powered. She swiped Professor K's ID badge and watched the elevator panel nervously. Beep!