Chapter 211: S-Ranker! The guard raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued despite his official stance. Humanoid-monsters that had the ability to speak the human tongue were too far and few, and seeing one in person was a once in a lifetime opportunity for somebody like him. He looked directly at Yara. "You can speak?" Yara met his gaze steadily, keeping her voice respectful but clear. "Yes, sir. I can speak." A flicker of surprise crossed the guard’s face, but after a moment’s consideration, he shook his head once again, his expression returning to its usual firmness. "It doesn’t matter. The rules are clear: beasts are and will always be considered potential threats unless they’re controlled by a registered beast master or equipped with a magical suppression collar. Your... companion doesn’t fall under either category. I can’t grant entry." A dangerous glint flashed in Selene’s eyes. Her aura suddenly erupted outward without warning. Multiple gasps emerged from the queue behind them as the pressure settled over everyone in the vicinity. Lesser awakeners stumbled backward, those near the checkpoint felt their knees weaken from the overwhelming force of her released power. She hadn’t even cast a spell, yet her power was undeniable. The guard who’d denied Yara entry couldn’t help but take an involuntary step back, his face paling as the aura pressed against him like a mountain. Fear flashed across his face, as he felt Selene’s gaze on him. "Guards! Gather up!" he shouted, his voice cracking slightly despite his attempt at authority. He pushed his sword forward in a defensive stance, the blade trembling in his grip. "Hostile detected at the checkpoint!" The guards stationed along the wall and at nearby posts began rushing on their location, their weapons drawn, forming a loose perimeter around Selene and her group. Although they appeared to be brave on the outside, their movements were hesitant, uncertain even. They could feel her power, could sense that engaging someone of that level would end very badly for them. The captain of the guards, a lieutenant of the base noticed the commotion from his position atop the wall. His eyes widened as he felt the presence that Selene was releasing. ’A-rank? No... higher. Damn it, what is Morris doing now offending such a powerful person?!’ He immediately rushed to the scene, his voice silencing the shouts of awakeners and guards alike. "Everyone put your weapons down! NOW!" The surrounding guards hesitated, but eventually they lowered their weapons, though their grips remained tight and their eyes stayed fixed on Selene. The captain approached quickly, positioning himself between Selene and the checkpoint guard, his posture respectful but not subservient. Looking at the rare beast that Selene was riding, the lieutenant instantly knew that she came from a powerful background, the beast radiated the aura stronger than even A-rank beasts. Yet, Selene was able to subdue it, speaking of her power and connections. "Miss, may I ask your name?" He asked respectfully. Selene’s aura remained active, but she didn’t escalate further. "Selene." "May I ask your level?" He asked once more, his tone careful not to antagonize her. "Twenty-five." ’As expected...she is a pseudo Evolver too.’ The captain’s jaw tightened before he turned his head to glare at the guard who’d started this mess. "Did Miss Selene pass all standard security checks?" "Y-Yes, Captain," The guard, Morris, stammered, sweat beading on his forehead. "What about her companion?" He asked, his glare growing stronger. "T-There’s nothing flagged on her record or her companion’s...they’re both clear." The captain’s glare intensified, promising a very unpleasant conversation in the near future. "I will speak with you later. Properly." Morris swallowed hard and nodded. The captain turned back to Selene, his expression changing to an apologetic one, "Miss Selene, I sincerely apologize for my subordinate’s behavior. He’s new to this posting and hasn’t yet learned that there are... exceptions to certain rules when circumstances warrant." His eyes briefly assessed Yara—taking in her intelligent gaze, her calm demeanor, and the complete absence of hostile intent despite being threatened by the guards moments earlier. She clearly had self-restraint, and understood only to act when her ’master’ told her to. "You and your companion are free to enter the base. She appears to be very civil, and I’m confident she won’t cause any trouble." He paused, then added carefully, "Though I would appreciate if you could keep her close and ensure she doesn’t wander into areas where less... understanding personnel might react poorly." Selene’s aura finally retracted, the oppressive pressure lifting as quickly as it had appeared, a small smile forming on her face, "That’s acceptable. Thank you, Captain. You’ve been really helpful, and professional." Yara nodded respectfully to the guard captain, already liking him considerably more than the guard who’d called her a beast and tried to deny her entry based purely on species rather than behavior. ’At least some humans have sense,’ she thought, though she kept the observation to herself. Still, she understood Moon and Selene’s words back in her home world. This world was going to be cruel, and she will face prejudice, she can only push forward and grow stronger. The captain stepped aside, gesturing toward the open gate. "Welcome to Rocketer Base. If you need directions to the medical facilities for your injured companion, I can provide an escort." "That’s okay, I’ve been here before. There is no need for me to trouble you, captain," Selene said, signaling for Mirage to move. The captain nodded his head, not pressuring her, "No trouble, I will let you go then." He turned towards the other guards who stood frozen, "Move out of the way! Let Miss Selene and her companions enter!" The guards were startled for a brief moment, before they hurriedly moved away from the gate, opening the path for Mirage to move gracefully. The other awakeners that had been watching the entire scene since the conflict had began could only wish they had the same might as Selene. Indeed, might makes right...always. *** Top 15 Gt (weekly) = 5 CHAP ON 5th, 5 Chaps on 10th! Let’s try hit it.