Regarding the danger sensing ability of the [Emperor Engine], after becoming familiar with it over time, Ethan had classified it into three levels based on the intensity of the rhythmic warning signals triggered by different types of threats.
The first level represented a low degree of danger—dangers that posed no real threat to Ethan and could be dealt with easily.
The second level indicated a moderate degree of danger—threats that could genuinely endanger him if not handled carefully.
For example, during the battle with the Meteor Chasers, the danger Ethan sensed had belonged to this second level. If he hadn't managed it properly, he could very well have lost his life.
The third level represented a high degree of danger—the most serious kind. Encountering it meant facing death head-on, and the best option was to retreat immediately.
So far, Ethan had only encountered a third-level danger once—when he briefly entertained the idea of heading to Meteor Street after defeating the Meteor Chasers.
At that time, he had only been toying with the thought, trying to use his danger sense to gauge how risky it would be to go there.
As soon as the idea crossed his mind, the [Emperor Engine] exploded with an overwhelming alarm, warning him to abandon the plan immediately.
It was because of that intense reaction that Ethan had decisively dropped the idea of going to Meteor Street and instead chose to focus on growing stronger.
As for this current situation?
The danger Ethan sensed this time was actually only at the first level.
However, since the threat was tied to the airship they were about to board—and considering the inherent risks of being trapped midair with civilians—Ethan made the cautious decision to find another means of travel.
Since he had already set aside a budget of five billion ringits, money wasn't a problem. After leaving the airport, he directly purchased a high-end off-road vehicle and drove onto the highway, heading away from the city.
The engine roared as they sped along a desolate road, wilderness stretching on either side.
"How is it now? Has the danger disappeared?" Mia asked from the back seat, her voice tense.
Ethan, one hand on the wheel, replied calmly, "No. If I'm right, whoever it is is following us."
"Could it be Meteor Street again?" Lisa asked from the passenger seat, glancing back through the rearview mirror.
"Probably not," Ethan said casually.
If it were Meteor Street, and given they had just lost the entire Meteor Chase Team, they would have sent a much stronger force—not just someone who barely triggered a first-level danger response.
"Then who could it be?" Mia frowned. "We already canceled the bounty on you after Kavos City."
She had originally thought Meteor Street might be after them again. But with Ethan's dismissal of the idea, she wasn't sure who else would be so determined to track them down.
"No matter who it is," Dilumon said from Mia's lap, standing upright and swishing its tail, "I'll help Master crush them!"
Ethan chuckled at Dilumon's serious little expression. "Good job, Dilumon. Come here and let me pet you."
Bright-eyed, Dilumon eagerly leapt into Ethan's free hand.
Ethan placed the little creature on his lap, gently stroking its soft fur as he continued driving. Even he couldn't resist how adorable and comforting Dilumon was.
Just then, Lisa's eyes sharpened. "Heads up! Several vehicles approaching fast from behind!"
Mia turned quickly to look and saw five or six black cars speeding up behind them, closing the distance fast.
Even Ethan, glancing in the side mirror, caught sight of them.
Considering how fast he was already driving, it was strange to see any cars on this remote stretch of road, let alone so many at once. It was clear these vehicles were no coincidence.
"...Those are the ones," Ethan said, feeling the warning from the [Emperor Engine] pulse stronger. "Get ready for a fight."
Rather than speeding up, he relaxed his foot on the accelerator slightly, letting the black cars close the gap faster.
As the distance shortened, they saw the windows of the black cars rolling down—and figures leaning out, brandishing firearms and even rocket launchers.
Da-da-da-da...!!
Boom, boom, boom...!!
Without any warning, the attackers opened fire.
A hail of bullets and several rockets hurtled toward Ethan's off-road vehicle.
WHOOSH!
Just as the bullets and rockets were about to strike, a large portal suddenly expanded in the air in front of them.
The incoming projectiles vanished into the portal—and instantly reappeared from another portal that materialized behind the black cars.
BOOM!!!
Bullets and rockets rained down on the black cars from behind, tearing through them in a deafening explosion.
Within moments, all the vehicles had been turned into raging fireballs, thrown into the air by the force of the blasts.
The sudden counterattack gave their enemies no time to react—they were blown to pieces before they even understood what was happening.
End of Chapter 177
🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 advance chapter in PATREON
patreon.com/Achilles_Stein