The journey to the Supers Association was uneventful.
However, Michael found himself growing paranoid due to his newfound knowledge of demonic supernaturals. Before entering the cab, he even used {Detect} on the driver.
The result was almost the same as with every other person he scanned along the way.
[Level 1 Human]
It was unsurprising, as non-Awakeners lacked attribute points and were likely judged solely by their race.
Michael recalled that a human level-up granted +0.2 to all stats and +0.5 to Intelligence. By level 11, a human's average stats would match those of a new official knight Cultivator, roughly twice as strong as the average person.
Coincidentally, this corresponded with the first rank in the knight Cultivator system.
However, Michael wasn't entirely certain about the level representation of non-Awakeners when using {Detect}. It was possible that a [Level 10 Human] was more than just a human leveling up nine times. Until confirmed, it wouldn't be wise to assume someone's prowess solely based on the level displayed.
Michael was also lucky to even encounter a middle-aged man in his late thirties—the only [Level 11 Human] he met during the trip.
He remembered reading on the forum when he read about member's level that only Awakeners and official Cultivators under the age of 20, with rare exceptions above that age, had access to the Supers Association forum. It was noted in bold that individuals in their thirties rarely had access.
It was evident that those lacking cultivation talent were left to live average lives. The Federation likely saw no benefit in sharing core supernatural knowledge with them, avoiding unnecessary risks.
From this perspective, Michael found himself agreeing with the Federation's approach.
He could easily imagine how panicked his aunt—who had lived her entire life in ignorance—would feel upon learning the truth about the world at her age.
Would it be the crushing realization of her lack of talent that devastated her? Or the fear that her children might become entangled in dangerous circumstances if they awakened or proved talented in cultivation?
Michael's vivid imagination even suggested that such despair could be exploited by demonic cultivators to recruit fresh blood.
Humans, after all, were complex beings capable of compromising their morals to fulfill their desires.
Yet, Michael also recognized another side to the issue.
If people like his aunt had been exposed to these truths earlier in life—while still young enough to adapt—they might have grown accustomed to it, just as those who lived through the Dark Age had learned to endure suppression under the Supernaturals.
Slowly, Michael began to understand the seniors who sighed at Aurora's current state.
It was becoming increasingly clear that over 90% of its residents were delicate greenhorns, fragile enough to crumble under the slightest pressure.
In this regard, Earth had an edge over Aurora.
Back on Earth, even young children were aware of the world's harsh realities.
In emergencies, widespread panic was less likely to erupt among Earth's population. But Michael wasn't as confident about Aurora.
If the truth was revealed or a crisis arose, it might lead to an increase in demonic supernaturals instead.
It wasn't impossible.
While some people might be inspired to work harder after witnessing part of the full extent of a cultivator's power—potentially increasing the nation's strength and reducing pressure on the front lines, which was likely the federation's goal—others, especially the less talented, could succumb to desperation.
Demonic cultivators might exploit this desperation, offering forbidden methods to gain strength and seducing the vulnerable into their ranks.
It wasn't impossible.
How many people back on Earth had committed terrible acts due to poverty?
If the absence of wealth could drive such actions, the lack of supernatural power could potentially lead to even worse outcomes.
Anyway, the future was currently none of Michael's business.
With his strength, he wasn't qualified to worry about it.
If the sky fell, there were stronger people than him to hold it up.
"Thanks for the ride," Michael said, paying his fare after scanning the payment code.
"You're welcome," the driver replied politely.
Without looking back, Michael made his way into the Supers Association.
This was his second time personally entering the building.
Just like yesterday, the exterior appeared quiet, but the interior was bustling with activity.
'Is it soundproofing magic or something?' Michael wondered.
Also, like yesterday, he noticed several young faces, likely new Awakeners who had come to register today.
As expected, there were fewer than yesterday.
The notable difference was that most were casually dressed, unlike Michael and the others who had shown up in their uniforms the previous day.
As he observed his surroundings, Michael lined up at the same queue leading to the receptionist who had assisted him during registration.
Though they weren't particularly familiar, Michael preferred speaking with a familiar face about his matters.
The queue wasn't long, so in about 20 minutes, he reached the receptionist.
"Good evening," Michael greeted as they made eye contact.
"Good evening, Sir. How may I assist you today?" the lady replied with a professional yet slightly more genuine smile, indicating she recognized him.
Michael didn't waste time and went straight to the point.
"Are there any monster corpses available at the Association? Also, I'd like to sell something," he said.
While purchases could be made directly from the store in the forum, items were often available for immediate pickup at the Association itself. However, selling could only be done in person at the Association.
"We do have monster corpses here, sir, but this isn't the right spot to inquire about them," the receptionist replied calmly, her expression showing no sign of surprise at the question.
"Ah, I see. My apologies. Where should I go?" Michael asked softly, feeling a bit embarrassed for wasting her time.
With a sweet smile, the receptionist pointed in a specific direction and provided clear instructions. "You'll find a counter with a sign that says 'Trade Centre.' That's where you can buy and sell whatever you need."
"Thank you," Michael said sincerely.
The receptionist nodded in acknowledgment, and Michael immediately headed toward the Trade Centre.
The Supers Association branch building was quite large, but it wasn't difficult to locate the area.
The Trade Centre resembled a shop, with a wide window counter behind which sat a middle-aged man reading a book.
The man's face bore a long, hideous scar, instantly sparking Michael's curiosity.
Subconsciously, Michael activated {Detect} as soon as he came within 10 meters—half of the skill's current range limit.
[Level ??? Human]
"Huh?" Michael froze in surprise.
As if sensing something, the scarred man suddenly looked up and locked eyes with him.
For reasons he couldn't quite explain, Michael's heart trembled.