Cipher looked at the group. "Now, we need to decide how we’re getting to Beijing."
He held up a finger. "The first option is I fly us there myself. With Maya’s speed buff, I should be able to get us there in about five hours compared to the usual ten hours by plane." He paused. "That means we can relax here, maybe get some rest, and take off a few hours later."
He held up a second finger. "The second option, which I’m against, is taking a flight. That would mean we’d need to leave in just a few minutes if we want to be there on time."
He looked around. "What do you guys think?"
"Obviously Cipher’s idea," Dante said without hesitation.
"I think so too," Ryker agreed.
"Ew." Maya’s face scrunched up in disgust. "Who wants to go in that thing?"
"It’s not that bad, right?" Cipher thought to himself. Although it was just some metal sheets he’d put together, it didn’t look that bad... right?
Before he could defend his creation, Selene stepped forward.
"Absolutely not," she said firmly. "As the strongest human and also the Chief Enforcer, everywhere you go, you represent the Association. For that reason, I won’t allow you to fly around in that scrap metal."
She pulled out her phone and began typing. "I’ll have them prepare a special aircraft for us that won’t embarrass the Association."
Cipher looked down in disappointment. She didn’t even give him a chance.
"I guess plane it is then," he said with a sigh. "Since we’ll be taking off soon, you guys should start preparing."
He glanced at them. "If you need anything from Iris, just take it. Ask her to put it on my tab."
Not that he ever used his money for anything really, so he guessed they could have it.
...
The team stood on the private runway, staring at the aircraft before them.
"This is... a plane?" Dante asked, his jaw hanging open.
The aircraft was sleek and elegant, looking like something straight out of a sci-fi movie.
"This is the I-7," Selene explained, a hint of pride in her voice. "A custom aircraft designed and built by Iris specifically for high-priority Association missions. It features mana-reinforced plating, noise-canceling enchantments for stealth operations, and an interior designed for both comfort and tactical briefings."
She gestured toward the boarding stairs. "It can also withstand attacks up to B-rank and has an emergency barrier system capable of blocking a single A-rank strike."
"As expected of Iris," Cipher thought.
Maya was completely mesmerized. "This is amazing!" she said as she quickly climbed up.
Ryker followed behind her, trying to maintain his composure but failing to hide his impressed expression. Dante bounded up after them like an excited child.
Cipher stepped inside and paused.
The interior was incredible. Plush leather seats lined both sides, each with enough space to fully recline. Soft ambient lighting created a calming atmosphere, and the walls were adorned with subtle wood paneling that gave it a luxurious feel. A small bar sat at the back, fully stocked.
It looked even better than his house. Not that his house was much to compare to - he still lived in the quarters assigned to him when he’d first joined the Association as a newbie. Maybe he should change that, but he didn’t see the need to.
Then again, Selene was probably going to move him out soon, citing something about "maintaining the image."
The flight itself passed smoothly. Maya spent the first hour exploring every corner of the aircraft, pressing buttons she probably shouldn’t have been pressing. Dante discovered the bar and helped himself to snacks while Ryker reviewed the information they had about the Gate.
Selene spent most of the flight on her tablet, coordinating with Association personnel.
Cipher found a quiet corner and closed his eyes, letting his main mind rest while his other mind discussed the gate with the Heavenly Demon.
When they touched down in Beijing, the sun was beginning to rise.
...
Li Chen stood waiting for them at the bottom of the stairs, hands clasped behind his back. As Cipher descended, Li Chen lowered himself into a respectful bow.
Cipher and the others returned the gesture.
"I didn’t expect the Guild Master himself to come pick us up," Cipher said.
Li Chen straightened with a slight smile. "Who else is worthy enough to welcome the strongest human?"
In his mind, Li Chen acknowledged the real reason. He had to come himself and clear almost everyone from the area. He didn’t want to create any drama with the association. For the same reason, they would be heading directly to the Gate - he wanted no interactions between the Association members and the people of his guild.
"Are you guys ready?" Li Chen asked. "We’ll be moving directly to the Gate."
"Yeah, we rested on our way here, so we’re ready to dive in any time," Cipher said. He glanced around. "Don’t you have a team? No one’s accompanying you?"
Li Chen laughed. "With the strongest human by my side, why would I need a team?"
Maya, Dante, and Ryker all nodded proudly, puffing out their chests as if they were the ones being complimented.
Selene covered her face with her hand.
These two were among the strongest people in the world, but they knew nothing about proper protocol. How had they even risen to their positions?
She decided not to embarrass her boss in front of an outsider. She’d explain to him later how to properly handle such situations.
...
They arrived at the Gate.
It towered before them, a swirling vortex of blue energy that pulsed every few seconds.
It definitely felt different, Cipher thought. Compared to the other gates Cipher had seen before - even the Murim one - this one had a distinct quality to it - the mana surrounding it felt denser, with a twinge of something he didn’t quite get yet.
Li Chen stepped forward and pointed at it. "This is the Cultivation Gate," he said. "The last time I entered, I barely made it out alive. The creatures and people inside operate on an entirely different power system than what we’re used to."
He turned to face the group. "Once we’re inside, stay close. The safe zone should give us time to prepare before we venture deeper."
Cipher nodded. "Understood."
They gathered together, and Ryker initiated the party formation. One by one, notifications appeared before each of them as they accepted.
"Everyone ready?" Cipher asked, looking around at his team.
Maya gave a thumbs up. Dante cracked his knuckles. Ryker’s hand rested on his sword hilt. Selene’s expression was calm but focused.
Li Chen drew his blade. "Let’s go."