Unholy Player
Chapter 205: Henry’s Call

Chapter 205: Henry’s Call

While all 12 cities buzzed with chaos—news channels streaming live footage from Shelter City 8, forums erupting with theories about the PTF and the mysterious third-generation mutants—Adyr stepped slowly out of the simulation chamber.

"Just as I thought... upgrading talents to level 4 is harder than expected," he muttered, a faint frown crossing his face.

But the issue wasn’t merely reaching level 4. The real problem was proving it.

Especially after increasing his [Sense] stat, he believed his Observer talent was ready to evolve. Yet the simulations at Player Headquarters weren’t enough. Despite offering up to 75% realism, they still fell short. For the system to truly recognize a level 4 talent, simulated conditions weren’t sufficient. It needed to be real—an authentic situation, observed under authentic pressure.

And this wasn’t his only concern.

After raising all his talents to level 3, his energy reserves had dropped to the 700s. Maintaining the Mother Tree alone required a daily tribute of 30 crystals, not to mention the steady cost of feeding his Sparks. At this rate, he’d need to replenish his reserves soon.

"I’m getting stronger... but power comes with more obligations," he chuckled dryly, already calculating possible solutions.

Then, a sharp beep from his wristband pulled him from his thinking process.

When he checked the digital display on his wristband, he saw the caller’s name: Henry Bates.

"Mr. Bates," He answered, offering a slight smile to the elderly man on the screen.

"Adyr, I’ve been trying to reach you for the past 2 hours. I figured you were busy with simulations." Henry smiled, but the tension beneath his facade was easy to spot.

"Yeah. I’m working on my talents," Adyr replied plainly. "What’s up?"

Henry gave a slow nod, hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Before I get to the reason I called, why haven’t you been using the game pods lately? Is something wrong?"

Adyr gave a faint, knowing smile. He’d been expecting this sooner or later. Ever since his evolution through Minddrake, there was no longer any need for him to use the pods. He’d wondered when someone would question the change—now Henry, clearly concerned, was finally calling to ask.

Rumors had already started to swirl within the PTF. The idea that Adyr might have died in the other world had become a quiet but persistent shadow, especially since he was, without question, their most capable Player. His death would have been a devastating loss.

Not wanting to feed that misconception, Adyr gave a direct answer.

"Everything’s fine. Don’t worry. I’ve just found another way to enter the world—one that doesn’t require the pods."

Henry’s eyes widened at that. Relief and shock were mixed plainly in his expression.

"I see," he said simply. He didn’t press further. He knew that if Adyr wanted to share how he did it, he would.

Especially after consulting Dr. Conrad Halberstam—the psychologist who had once assessed whether Adyr was a potential threat—Henry’s attitude had changed. He now understood, at least to some extent, the kind of person he was dealing with.

And so, he’d made a quiet decision: to respect Adyr’s space and avoid any questions or actions that might provoke him.

Henry suppressed his curiosity and shifted the topic.

"So, if you’re still improving... can you tell me how strong you are right now?" He paused, then added with a sharper tone, hoping for a clearer answer. "How much have you progressed since your last battle with Cannibal?"

Adyr raised an eyebrow. The question struck him as oddly specific. It was clear Henry was building up to something, but he chose not to withhold anything.

"How much have I improved, huh?" A faint smile crossed his lips. "If I faced Cannibal and his minions again, I wouldn’t even need to lift a finger."

It wasn’t arrogance, nor exaggeration. With his Genesis talents, Presence and Malice, even a trace of unleashed bloodlust would be enough to bring first-generation mutants to their knees—and force Cannibal to surrender without a fight.

Another wave of shock hit Henry as he swallowed dryly. He studied Adyr’s face through the screen, trying to tell if he was joking, but the young man’s expression was cold and serious. He meant every word.

Henry couldn’t hide his reaction.

After a brief pause, he let out a sudden laugh. "I was expecting something like, ’I can beat them with one finger’ or ’one punch is enough,’ but this... this is more than enough for the mission I’m about to give you."

Adyr waited for him to finish, unfazed by the laughter. "What mission?"

"I believe Rhys mentioned it to you before," Henry began. "About a terrorist organization near Shelter City 8—one displaying Spark abilities similar to Cannibal’s."

Adyr remembered. Rhys had brought it up in passing after their sword training, right before leaving, though he hadn’t gone into detail.

He gave a small nod, signaling that he recalled the conversation.

"There have been developments," Henry continued. "Right now, a massive mutant force is attacking Shelter City 8. They’re all first-generation, but that’s not the only issue. They’re showing signs of Spark-like effects—unnatural speed, enhanced strength. And worse, their bodies are covered in strange armored segments that standard STF weaponry can’t penetrate."

He leaned forward at his desk, posture shifting, voice growing more serious.

"What we’ve gathered from the station suggests that two Overlords are behind this assault," Henry said. "Somehow, they’ve acquired Spark abilities—just like Cannibal. And now, they’re using those powers to strengthen their followers and lead an attack on the city."

Adyr finally understood the real reason behind the call.

"What about their Players? Can’t they do anything?" His voice carried a faint, amused sarcasm.

Henry sighed. "To be honest, most of their Players died in the other world—before even completing their first evolutions. And the remaining three... are on standby. Their City Manager doesn’t want to send them into active combat."

Adyr smirked. "So they’re weak, huh?"

The City Manager’s decision was easy to decipher. The last 3 Players weren’t strong enough to stop an army of mutants, and if they were thrown into battle, they’d likely die.

Henry let out another laugh. "They’re not weak, boy. The mutants surrounding that city are just too strong."

Then, with a teasing glint in his voice, he added, "So—what do you say? Feel like going there and taking a look?"

Adyr heard the genuine tone behind the question and laughed.

Not long ago, he had spent a long time convincing Henry to send him into a fight against Cannibal.

Now, the same man was calling him willingly, asking him to face an even more dangerous battlefield against far stronger enemies.

Adyr had no objections. From the start, this was exactly the situation he had been maneuvering toward. Any mission that promised extra energy crystals was one he wanted to be personally assigned to.

"All energy crystals and Sparks will belong to me," Adyr said, starting the negotiation without rejecting the offer.

"Of course," Henry replied, not missing a beat. "But let the research team take a few crystals for analysis. We’ll compensate you in merit."

Adyr didn’t object. That had already been part of his plan.

Also, if the Sparks he found weren’t useful to him, he was more than willing to trade them for merit. The goal wasn’t just personal gain—it was also to help the research team grow. Those guys were genuinely useful when it came to developing new equipment.