He was the type who was both naïve and playful.
But now, this body transformed from the Ethereals had been strengthened—both in perception and physical power.
So for this super-spicy ramen, he could handle it. And as for the flavor, it was actually pretty good.
Only, he clearly didn't have the time to enjoy it right now.
The Defense Force members had already left. Rather than asking for information, tailing them was clearly the better option.
"Boss, the bill."
As Zane was halfway through his ramen and about to leave, he heard Soldier 11's voice. She had already finished eating and was about to pay.
Seeing this, Zane also planned to settle his bill and leave right after her.
The owner quickly came over to check him out, but as Soldier 11 passed by, she suddenly stopped.
"Don't try things you can't handle."
"Wasting food is shameful."
Hearing her cold words, Zane paused, then turned slightly—only to catch a glimpse of her back as she walked away.
Clearly, Soldier 11 didn't appreciate Zane's persona in the restaurant, nor the fact that he had been asking about her.
To her, it looked like he'd just tried the spicy food and couldn't handle it, then decided to leave—which made her dislike him even more.
Still, after reflecting on her words, Zane couldn't help but feel wronged. But there was no room to explain himself now.
After paying with his Dennies, Zane stepped out of the shop. He looked back at the restaurant sign, feeling somehow that this wouldn't be his last time in Mars District... or here.
...
The moonlight above was dim and misty, casting a light so faint it resembled dying embers before a grave.
The alley was dark, like the gaping maw of a monstrous beast. Zane lowered his gaze and walked deeper into the shadows.
His silhouette faded into the darkness—but his eyes only grew brighter.
Eerie green and blue lights flickered around him like ghostly flames.
His body grew taller, more solid—like a fearsome monster.
...
"So this is the place... Looks like security's tight."
"Even though the Mars District has a reputation for slack defense, it's a different story when you see it for yourself."
Zane stood atop a watchtower, his black figure sharp as a blade, blending into the night as he silently watched the scene below.
He couldn't shake the feeling there was more going on here.
But that wasn't his concern. He had come here with a purpose.
"Where are those two...?"
This spot didn't give him a full view of the garrison. Zane scanned the area, but lacking any knowledge of the Defense Force's layout, it all looked the same to him. He had no leads.
Fairy hadn't gotten much intel on this garrison either—maybe her companions would've done better.
So even though he had found the base, getting inside wouldn't be easy.
Inside the base, guards on duty were chatting, unaware that someone was observing from a distant abandoned tower.
Suddenly, Zane shook his head, smacked his forehead, and snorted.
"Hahaha..."
"When did I start acting like this?"
His pale blue Ethereal eyes glinted like frost.
"Did becoming human make me act all cautious and restrained?"
Why bother with all the trouble...
Wouldn't it be easier to just break in?
Zane dropped into a crouch, arms spread wide like an eagle preparing to dive, gathering momentum.
Above him, the clouds that once obscured the moon had cleared. Soft moonlight fell over him like a veil of silver.
He looked like a war god clad in shining armor.
Since he wasn't hiding—he might as well make some noise!
With a burst of speed, Zane shot forward and slammed directly into the front gate of the Defense Force base.
He had plenty of options.
But this one? Definitely the loudest!
Boom!
The ground cracked. The deafening sound alerted the Defense Force. Within seconds, a squad rushed to the gate window and spotted Zane.
"Whoever you are, you've trespassed on Defense Force grounds. We have the right to execute you on the spot!"
Weapons aimed at him. Harsh white lights lit up his figure, letting the squad see his face clearly.
"What the hell is that thing?!"
One soldier took half a step back in shock. His weapon even dropped from his hands.
"Wait... does that look like an Ethereal?"
"What? Are you serious? You're saying an Ethereal? In the Mars District? This isn't the Hollows—how could one be here?!"
While they argued over what he was, Zane calmly raised his hand. A ball of Ether energy formed at his fingertip.
He didn't use ranged attacks often—not because he couldn't, but because he preferred the direct brutality of physical combat.
Zane wasn't a warrior. He wasn't a mage either.
He was a battle mage!
One squad member noticed the movement and immediately sensed danger.
"Move! Scatter!"
A second later, a black beam, as thick as a barrel, burst out—instantly piercing the thick gate, blasting through multiple walls with unstoppable force.
On the other side of one wall, a few soldiers mid-meal stared blankly at the table in front of them—now completely gone, not even scraps left.
What the hell just happened?
By the gate, thanks to the warning, the squad managed to dodge in time and weren't seriously hurt.
But when they saw the door—half a meter thick—pierced through like paper, none of them even thought about raising their weapons again.
That door was tougher than any of their bones.
And that thing only raised a hand!
Courage only matters when you have hope.
But now, with no hope of winning, they couldn't even muster courage.
"Captain... what the hell is that monster...?"
One soldier's voice trembled. The unknown that was Zane had shattered what little composure they had left.
"I... I don't know..."
...
The noise was impossible to ignore. A few breaths later, alarms blared throughout the base, shrill and urgent—declaring to all that an intruder had arrived.
Zane stood before the shattered gate. He raised a fist and smashed it down—his immense strength caving in the surface. The already fragile hinges broke completely.
With a thunderous crash, the door slammed to the ground.
Zane stepped through, ignoring the staggering squad nearby. He raised his hand, Ether energy building in his palm.
In the next instant, a shockwave spread outward. Electronics in its path sparked and died—disabled by his Etheric presence.
These systems weren't built for the Hollows. They couldn't withstand the corrosion.
Watching the Ether still radiating off his body, Zane moved quickly.
Time was short—the faster he finished this, the better!
...
Meanwhile, elsewhere in the base, Soldier 11 opened her eyes at the sound of the alarm.
"Enemy attack?!"