Chapter 4: Escape from Prison

In the dimly lit rock prison, Mels unexpectedly encountered a mysterious person from the Federation. This individual actually claimed to be the researcher who created Mels and other New Humans, and was even prepared to reveal secrets they were completely unaware of. Although they didn't know how credible this person's words were, Mels and his companions listened with rapt attention, unwilling to miss a single sentence.

"Young man, all of us humans are not native to this planet, including these Sub-Humans, who were also created by us. Thousands of years ago, we lived on a beautiful planet, and that was our true home." At this point, the mysterious person's voice seemed to choke up, trembling with inner emotion.

"Sir, was it because an evil race used Summoned Beasts to drive you off your planet? And after arriving here, in order to have weapons to fight against them, you began researching Summoned Beasts, ultimately using us as experimental subjects?" Mels asked.

"Hmm? You know about this?" Hearing Mels' words, the somber voice sounded somewhat surprised.

"Well... we once encountered the Free Army that opposes the Federation, so we learned about these things," Mels said softly.

"So it's the children of the Free Army. Sigh... Those kids were actually the elite talents of the Federation, but they rebelled against it due to differing ideologies. I never thought that after ten years, they still haven't changed, stubbornly pursuing their dreams. It seems we old folks have truly grown old, too old to distinguish right from wrong," the voice lamented. Then, it continued slowly, "Young man, tell me everything you know, and let me think about what else I can share with you."

"Alright," Mels nodded and proceeded to recount how he had encountered the Federation people, how Divak had sent them to the Federation, including the Heavenly Sword System's destruction of Fran's Island, and everything the Free Army had told him in the submarine.

After listening to Mels' account, the voice fell silent for a long time before bursting into laughter. "Haha... Young man, you've been deceived. Divak never intended to destroy the continent because the Heavenly Sword System requires at least fifty years to fully charge its energy. Even with a complete supply of God's Crystals, it would take over twenty years to fire an attack ray capable of destroying a continent. According to your account, the Heavenly Sword has only been used once so far and cannot be used continuously. Otherwise, not only would it fail to destroy the continent, but it might also cause the core of the Heavenly Sword System to overheat, leading to the explosion of the satellite in outer space and the destruction of the entire planet. Even the Council of Elders, those crazy Old Fellows, would never dare to use the Heavenly Sword lightly!

He lured you to the Federation for a greater purpose. And by having you rely on your own strength to get there, he needed your Summoned Beast to develop further. I believe your Summoned Beast is still at a low to medium level; otherwise... hehe... Since we've come this far, I might as well explain everything to you. But before I begin, I have one request. No matter what I say, you can only listen and not ask questions until I finish. If you interrupt, I won't tell you the rest. Also, if you leave this place later, you must never tell anyone about my presence here. Otherwise, the Sub-Humans here will be completely exterminated by the Federation! If you can keep this promise, I will tell you."

"Alright, I swear in the name of the Creator God Mafa that I will not tell anyone about this," Mels declared loudly.

"Mafa..." Upon hearing the name of the Creator God, the somber voice seemed lost in memories. After a long pause, he slowly said, "Young man, any scientific research inevitably involves failures. Over thousands of years, we conducted countless experiments. Although we were able to develop Summoned Beasts for human use long ago, we could never make them stronger. Even by forcibly merging humans with Summoned Beasts through technological means, we still couldn't unleash their full power.

To change this situation, we came up with the idea of fusing Summoning Gems with humans, allowing them to be born with Summoning Gems. This would enable New Humans to evolve their Summoned Beasts through their own abilities as they grew, eventually becoming powerful Summoned Beasts. Although theoretically we could achieve this, in practice, we still encountered significant problems. The Summoned Beasts didn't become servants of humans; instead, they took over the bodies of the New Humans. These strange creatures are the Sub-Humans living here—failed experiments.

In the early stages, we didn't pay much attention to the failed experiments, simply destroying and discarding them. However, as the experiments progressed, we discovered that these Sub-Humans possessed abilities far beyond ordinary humans. They not only had exceptional intelligence but also unimaginable strength and destructive power. After discovering this, the Council of Elders decided to make these Sub-Humans another type of biological weapon. It was because of their decision that the Federation nearly faced destruction...

Initially, we kept only a small number of live Sub-Humans as experimental subjects and tried to control their minds to serve the Federation. The early stages went smoothly. With their superior physical abilities and flexible work methods, the Sub-Humans took on almost all the most dangerous tasks in the Federation, bringing joy to the Council of Elders and the entire Federal populace. As a result, Sub-Humans began to be mass-produced, intended to replace robots as the Federation's new labor force.

However, no one expected that as these Sub-Humans gradually learned about the Federation's scientific technology and vast cultural knowledge, they developed their own intelligence. Unwilling to be enslaved by the Federation, they used certain Sub-Humans working in manufacturing companies to modify their own genetic code, giving their next generation true life.

As you can imagine, when a long-oppressed race, treated like machines, gains true life, what choice would they make? It was under these circumstances that the Sub-Humans began secretly amassing strength, preparing to take revenge on humans and even attempting to exterminate or enslave all of humanity.

Fortunately, before the Sub-Humans were fully prepared, seventeen scholars, including myself, noticed their abnormalities and directly warned the Council of Elders. Although no one believed us at first, after certain hot-tempered Sub-Humans repeatedly caused 'out-of-control incidents' within the Federation, our concerns finally gained attention.

In the end, the Sub-Humans were forced to launch their rebellion prematurely, just before they were about to be completely eliminated. However, the prepared Federation naturally didn't give them much chance. Faced with brutal suppression, most Sub-Humans were wiped out. Only a small number of highly capable Sub-Humans, relying on their own skills and the knowledge they had acquired from the Federation, escaped and came here to establish the Sub-Human nation.

Thus, thousands of years passed quickly, and the Federation completely sealed off all information about the Sub-Humans. Having lost the Sub-Humans, the Federation began creating new life forms for new biological weapons—that is, all of you now. This time, to prevent accidents, the Federation placed the new life forms on the last remaining continent of this planet for experimentation. However, the Federation's scientists didn't expect to fail once again. Even you developed autonomous thoughts and were no longer under Federation control.

Originally, over three hundred years ago, the Federation planned to completely destroy you using advanced scientific technology. But just then, the Sub-Human army appeared on the Federation's radar. It turned out that the Sub-Humans who had escaped from the Federation not only hadn't gone extinct but had even established their own homeland on this continent. Relying on the knowledge they had learned from the Federation, they created scientific capabilities no less advanced than the Federation's. After thousands of years of preparation, they crossed the ocean's barriers and led an army of millions to take revenge on the Federation.

In the early stages of the war, the Federation suffered repeated defeats. It wasn't until the Federation's hero, the handsome Rolans, appeared that the tide turned in the battle between the Federation and the Sub-Humans. After nearly sixty years of bitter fighting, the Sub-Humans were finally defeated by the Federation and forced to return to their own nation. The Federation, having exhausted its national strength, lacked the ability to advance further into the Yark Continent or even deal with you. To prevent another attack from the Sub-Humans, after thirty years of effort, the Federation established the 'Divine Barrier' between the three continents, completely separating them and temporarily ensuring its own safety.

As for me, ten years ago, I accepted a secret order from the Council of Elders to come to the Yark Continent and spy on the Sub-Humans' technological development. But I never expected to accidentally expose my identity and end up imprisoned here by the Sub-Humans. I've been locked up here for ten years!"

After listening to the somber voice's account, Mels and the others were not only unable to ask questions but even their thoughts began to freeze. There was simply too much in the person's words that they couldn't comprehend, and even the emergence and history of the Sub-Humans could only be vaguely understood.

"Old sir, from what you've said, it seems you've lived for over a thousand years? How is that possible!" Sol suddenly asked. "Haha, for a human, it's certainly impossible to live for a thousand years. But for a machine, as long as there is energy and parts are regularly replaced, even ten thousand years is no problem! As I am now, rather than a flesh-and-blood human, I'm more like a completely lifeless machine. Apart from still having a human brain, everything else is mechanical," the somber voice replied to Sol with a touch of sorrow.

"Humans can not only live for thousands of years but also become machines? This is simply unbelievable," Sha Luo murmured.

"Little girl, from your perspective, of course it's impossible. But in the Federation, this is quite ordinary. Advanced scientific power not only allows humans to surpass their limits but also enables some to escape the threat of death. In the current Federation, many famous individuals have achieved eternal life through mechanization. I once thought this was a wonderful development, but after spending ten years here, my perspective has changed. In truth, as long as a person can realize their ideals and live a brilliant, happy life in their short lifespan, whether they have eternal life is simply not important," the voice said.

Listening to this person's words, although Mels and the others couldn't fully grasp the profound meaning behind them, they could still sense his loneliness and solitude. After a long while, Mels slowly asked, "How should we address you?"

"Hehe, I've long forgotten my name. You can call me the Forgotten One," the somber voice replied.

"Alright, Elder Forgotten One, I'd like to ask you, are there no guards here? How have you survived? Is there anything to eat here?" Kaslo, who had been silent for a long time, suddenly spoke up.

"Food? Ah, right, you need food! Sigh... I originally thought you could keep me company for a few more years, but now it seems that won't be possible. I don't know exactly where this place is, but I'm certain it's a prison built in a hidden location. There are no guards here, and no one comes to deliver food. I am a mechanized life form; as long as there is air and sunlight, I can survive. But you are ordinary humans! It seems it won't be long before you starve to death here," the Forgotten One said.

The Forgotten One's words immediately shocked Mels and the others. If there really was no food here and no guards, then even if they starved to death, no one would likely know. Although Mels and the others possessed extraordinary abilities, Mels had already tested earlier that with his current strength, he couldn't break those iron bars bare-handed. Even more troublesome was that, at some point, a small metal ring had appeared on his hand, preventing him from summoning Little One.

Looking at those iron bars, which seemed like steel but were exceptionally hard, Mels suddenly felt a chill run down his spine and couldn't help but think fearfully, "Could it be... could it be that we'll really starve to death in this place?"

Just as Mels was pondering this, Sol and the others had already approached the iron bars, trying to break them. However, even with the combined strength of Akafir, Sol, and Kaslo, they couldn't break those rock-solid bars. Only after the three were exhausted did Sol walk over to Mels helplessly and say, "Boss, these things are just too hard. With our strength, we can't break them. And although I can use magic, small spells aren't powerful enough, and if I cast a large spell in such a confined space, we'd probably be blown to pieces before the door even breaks."

"That's right, Brother Mels. Without weapons, even my sword energy can't be unleashed. I'm afraid..." Sha Luo looked at Mels with concern, seemingly without any hope for the future.

"Everyone, don't panic yet. Heaven never seals off all exits. Even if we can't leave now, it doesn't mean we'll never get out! As long as we work together, I believe there must be a way to open this damned door!" Mels said.

"Boss, how about I try blasting through the wall? Although the rock here is also hard, I believe we could open a passage by repeatedly firing small magic spells!" Sol suddenly suggested, looking around. Hearing Sol's words, everyone's eyes lit up, and hope for survival reignited in their hearts. However, the Forgotten One's next words plunged them back into despair: "Young man, your idea is good, but unfortunately, it's impossible. Although these walls are made of rock, there are also composite steel cages embedded within them. Even if you could blast through all the rock, as long as you can't break the composite steel, you still won't get out."

Hearing the Forgotten One's words, everyone fell silent in shock. In truth, Mels had already considered this possibility. If those Sub-Humans could create such hard iron bars, why would they leave easily destructible stone walls?

"Elder, is there really no way to leave this place?" Mels asked, clinging to a last shred of hope.

Upon hearing Mels' question, the Forgotten One fell silent for a moment before slowly saying, "I don't want to deceive you. Although there is one method that could allow you to leave here, it's simply not practical for you."

"Elder, what method is it? Even if it might not succeed, we still want to try!" Mels said excitedly.

"The method is actually simple. I've already assessed your physical abilities. Your strengths are mostly between three thousand and four thousand, with the lowest being just over two thousand. The only mage, based on his internal magical energy, can reach around eight thousand, which surprised me and gave me the idea for how you could leave here.

These composite steel bars can withstand a force of approximately thirty-five thousand. With your current strength, even combined, you can't break them. However, the combined force of several people is inevitably less than that of a single individual. So, as long as each of you can reach a combat power of over twenty thousand, you could combine your strength to break them!" the Forgotten One said with a hint of amusement in his tone.

Although they didn't quite understand what unit the Forgotten One meant by "twenty thousand," Mels and the others understood the vast gap between a few thousand and twenty thousand. If the Forgotten One was referring to their combat power, it meant they needed to increase their strength several times over—something that simply couldn't be achieved in a short time.

Realizing this, Mels immediately said to the Forgotten One, "Elder, how can we increase our combat power in a short time? Can you teach us methods to train our martial arts?"

"Haha, you truly are an exceptionally clever young man. No wonder even that old fellow Divak chose you," the Forgotten One laughed heartily before suddenly turning somber and saying to Mels, "Although I have methods to teach you, it would take at least two months for you to see improvement. But without food, I'm afraid..."

Hearing the Forgotten One's words, Mels finally understood why he had said there was a method but that it wasn't practical. Just as everyone was feeling disappointed again, Akafir took out a large bundle and said to Mels, "Boss, this is water I secretly hid on myself. I took it from the Wind Ship. I don't know if it'll be useful?" As he spoke, Akafir, as if performing a magic trick, produced a large bag made of a goatskin water pouch from who knows where.

"Water of Life!" Looking at what Akafir had brought out, Mels couldn't help but exclaim excitedly. Then, with a cheer, he hugged Akafir, jumping up and down. "This is great, truly wonderful! With this Water of Life, not only two months, but even two years, we can survive!"

No wonder Mels was so overjoyed. The Water of Life gifted by the Elven Clan was one of their most precious treasures. When humans drank it, not only could it strengthen their bodies, but it also allowed them to go without food for extended periods. Originally, on the Wind Ship, Mels and the others hadn't used the Water of Life because they had other food. Now, they never expected that the Water of Life Akafir had secretly hidden for his own enjoyment would prove so useful.

"Elder, now you can teach us methods to enhance our abilities. With this Water of Life, we can definitely hold out until we leave this place!" In his excitement, Mels disregarded propriety and loudly asked the Forgotten One to impart his skills.

The Forgotten One didn't mind Mels' words. After a brief moment of contemplation, he said, "Alright, since you have food, I don't want the martial arts passed down in the Federation for millennia to be lost. Boys, first, one by one, release your maximum power and let me see exactly how strong you are. Don't hold back; otherwise, when I teach you, there might be deviations, leading to irreparable regrets."

After hearing the Forgotten One's serious words, Mels and the others held a brief discussion and decided that Mels would be the first to unleash his Qi energy, to see how the Forgotten One would teach him to enhance his power.

As the leader acknowledged by everyone, Mels couldn't say much and had to step up first. After everyone gradually moved away from him and retreated to a corner, Mels slowly released the powerful Qi energy contained within his body. As his face grew increasingly flushed, the air around him began to swirl, and the dry grass on the floor was naturally the first to be affected, starting to fly around his body.

Since there was no target to attack and Mels didn't want his Qi vortex to harm his companions, he tried hard to suppress the increasingly potent Qi within him, preventing it from going out of control. However, the Forgotten One suddenly shouted, "Don't hesitate! Release all your Qi. I'll guide it to one side; it definitely won't hurt your companions. You still have a lot of room left; unleash your full power!"

Mels never expected that this unknown Forgotten One would have such keen perception. Knowing he couldn't deceive him, Mels steeled himself and shouted, "True Nameless Divine Style, Supreme Innate Combat Aura, Dual-Layer Blazing Demon Armor!" Instantly, as Mels assumed his strongest combat stance, the air around him shot toward the ceiling walls like sharp cones, filling the entire stone room with dust. If there had been other prisoners in this prison at that moment, they would have thought the end of the world had come. The tremors shaking the ground alone were enough to cause most of the prison to collapse.

At this moment, apart from Akafir and Sol, who had witnessed Mels' power before, even Sha Luo was astonished. During her battle with Mels that day, she had thought that was his strongest state, but she never imagined the real Mels could be this powerful. Meanwhile, Kaslo, standing to the side, wore a somber expression, staring intently at Mels, his thoughts unknown.

However, sensing Mels' extraordinary combat energy, the Forgotten One showed none of the amazement everyone expected. He merely said calmly, "Not bad. For your age, reaching a combat power of around eighteen thousand is quite impressive. However, even so, you still need to train hard; otherwise, don't even think about leaving this place."

Hearing the Forgotten One's words, Mels didn't have any particular reaction, but Sol couldn't hold back. He loudly said to the wall, "Elder, you're exaggerating! Even though Boss can't break those damned bars yet, his strength is obvious to all. Are you really stronger than him? If you're truly stronger than Boss, why are you still locked up here?"

"Sol!" Hearing Sol's words, Mels knew it was inappropriate and immediately tried to stop him.

However, the Forgotten One didn't mind. With a light laugh, he said, "It's good for young people to have confidence, but they must never be blind. Since you plan to go to the Federation continent, you'll face countless powerful enemies in the future. For example, Marshal Divak, whom you know, had a combat power exceeding one hundred thousand thirty years ago. How strong he is now, I'm not sure. Even an old bone like me, despite losing my energy core, still has a combat power of around twenty thousand. If it weren't for the long-term lack of new energy sources, these little bars wouldn't hold me. Alright, no more idle talk. Next." The Forgotten One's words left no room for rebuttal, and his tone seemed to carry immense confidence.

Sol moved his lips several times, wanting to retort, but couldn't find the words. Finally, under Mels' warning gaze, Sol could only pout and stop objecting. Subsequently, Sha Luo was assessed by the Forgotten One as having a combat power of thirteen thousand, Akafir eleven thousand, Sol surprisingly received an evaluation of sixteen thousand, and the last was Kaslo.

Kaslo originally didn't want to step forward, making all sorts of excuses to avoid revealing his true strength. But finally, under everyone's pressing gazes, he sighed softly and slowly walked to the spot where Mels had stood earlier. Assuming a light stance, Kaslo flushed his face red, as if exerting all his strength to circulate his Qi.

"Hmm? Young man, I don't know your reasons, but if you hide your strength, it won't benefit you or your companions. If you continue to conceal it, I won't teach you any skills. You can consider what choice to make. To prove I'm not talking nonsense, let me tell you: with your current combat power of three thousand, you're using at most one-fifth of your true strength!" Before Kaslo could withdraw his Qi, the Forgotten One coldly addressed him.

Hearing the Forgotten One's words, Mels and the others were all shocked. Since being with them, Kaslo had always claimed to be weak, and during their long time together, Mels and the others indeed hadn't noticed anything remarkable about him. However, if what the Forgotten One said was true, then Kaslo's combat power was at least over fifteen thousand—meaning he was even stronger than Sha Luo. This was simply unimaginable! Everyone's suspicious gazes immediately focused on Kaslo's face, waiting to hear his explanation.

In truth, the most shocked at this moment was Kaslo himself. He couldn't understand how his superb acting had been seen through by the Forgotten One, who even accurately stated the strength he was hiding. Knowing that if he couldn't provide a satisfactory answer now, he would inevitably be suspected by Mels and the others, Kaslo thought of the consequences of his true identity being discovered and couldn't help but break out in a cold sweat on his forehead.