Chapter 137: Enhanced Perception

Just one day later, Miracle City was plunged into turmoil, all sparked by the monster tide.

In truth, only monster tides rated E-rank or higher possess the true characteristics of a "tide." Below E-rank, monsters merely run about like headless flies. But once they hit E-rank, they spread from the epicenter like a surging wave, absorbing other monsters into their ranks along the way. This concentration of force creates a formidable threat.

Whenever they encounter humans, the monsters attack in swarms. Villages caught in such a tide face grave danger, as they are not merely dealing with the usual small, wandering groups, but a relentless, continuous deluge of monsters. If their defenses are weak, they are ruthlessly overrun.

Reports indicated that the epicenter of the tide deep within the Forest of Terror had already reached B-rank. By the time it reached the outskirts of Miracle City, it had dwindled to E-rank. Yet, even an E-rank tide, with its collective momentum, could not be underestimated. Given the celestial anomaly that occurred yesterday—which many feared might be a sign of the tide escalating—Miracle City dared not be complacent. The city’s defensive forces had been fully mobilized to repel the invasion.

Although Miracle City’s defenses were capable of holding off even an S-rank tide, monster tides are inherently terrifying, fraught with unpredictable variables. For instance, the recent celestial anomaly had left the populace in a state of panic, with many speculating that such an eerie phenomenon might trigger a surge in the tide’s intensity or cause top-tier, super, or even Terror-class monsters to materialize.

Through centuries of observation, humanity had discovered a peculiar trait of these monstrous manifestations: they do not spawn in densely populated areas, appearing at worst just outside the city walls. However, many top-tier monsters could manifest in the air. If a Fallen Angel were to appear in the skies above Miracle City, it could descend and begin a massacre within minutes.

With these rumors spreading, the streets were noticeably emptier; many citizens preferred to stay indoors. Of course, if a super-monster were to truly breach the city, the meager protection of a house would be useless. It was merely a psychological defense—humans always felt that home was a sanctuary, safer than the outside world.

The news eventually reached Blue Emperor Academy, where students were engaged in heated discussions, as every monster tide was a matter of city-wide concern.

"We just arrived in Miracle City. There hasn't been a high-rank monster tide here before, has there?"

"Don't worry. The highest monster tide Miracle City has ever faced was A-rank, and that was over three hundred years ago. Usually, they are F-rank or below. C and B-ranks are quite rare. This region isn't a hotspot for tides, which is why this site was chosen to build the city in the first place!"

"..."

A local student from Miracle City spoke up proudly, "So what if a tide breaks out? Our city is equipped with magic-guided cannons everywhere, our crystal core reserves are plentiful, and the city is full of experts. If the monsters want to attack Miracle City, they’re just asking for death!"

"That’s not necessarily true. Weapons from the ancient civilization were far more powerful than magic-guided cannons. They say there were laser guns that could easily pierce through thick steel plating, but look what happened—humanity was almost wiped out anyway!"

"Exactly. Even in a low-rank tide, if you’re unlucky, a Hurricane Dominator or a few Bone Dragons could spawn. If they make it into the city, we’re in big trouble. Let’s just pray we don’t run into those terrifying creatures!"

"..."

Thanks to the chaos of the approaching tide, Luo Chen’s presence on the school path went largely unnoticed. He was surprised to discover something strange: the range of his mental perception had increased significantly.

Previously, he could only sense someone if they were within four meters of him. If he closed his eyes and focused, he could "guess" their direction of movement. Now, however, he could sense everyone within an eight-meter radius. Unlike the vague intuition of his sixth sense, this feeling was much more definitive. Without even turning around, he could tell there were two people—a man and a woman—about seven meters behind him, and that they had just changed direction to head toward their right.

To verify this, Luo Chen glanced back. He saw a couple, the man holding the woman, turning toward Academy Road Five, which was indeed to their right.

If Luo Chen’s previous sixth sense was little more than an educated guess, this new perception was different. It was like seeing in the dark—blurry and faint, but grounded in reality. Moreover, he wasn't even deliberately focusing his mental energy; it was happening naturally.

*Why have my mental perception range and accuracy improved so much for no reason?*

Luo Chen was both shocked and delighted. Could it be that the stimulation from that eyeball monster had triggered a surge of potential after he survived? That didn't make sense!

With a thought, Luo Chen plucked a leaf from the flowers planted along the path. Focusing his intent, he channeled his spiritual energy into it. The soft leaf suddenly stiffened, its tip and serrated edges faintly glinting with a sharp, blade-like aura.

It worked!

He had successfully channeled spiritual energy into the leaf without Nicole’s help! The energy conductivity of the leaf was as smooth as that of a metal weapon.

With a little practice, he could use it as a throwing weapon, saving him the money he would otherwise spend on armaments.

Luo Chen was ecstatic, at which point Nicole’s voice emerged: "Congratulations, Master! Both the volume and acuity of your mental energy have improved significantly!"

Luo Chen suppressed his excitement and asked, "Nicole, I don't understand. Why is this happening? Could it be that the eyeball monster’s evil technique yesterday caused my mental energy to become chaotic? Will there be side effects?"

"No, I just checked. Your mental energy is very stable." Nicole’s words put Luo Chen at ease. She continued, "It might be because of QQ! Just as I improved your physical constitution when I first merged with you, QQ, by integrating into your mental world, has enhanced your mental energy!"

Luo Chen couldn't believe it. "No way, that fat bird is that powerful?"

"Gaa-gaa!"

QQ let out a squawk, sounding quite offended by Luo Chen’s skepticism. *I told you I would be of great help to you. See now?*

"Master, I believe this is correct. I cannot find any other explanation!"

Regardless, this boost in mental energy was a timely gift. With such strong perception, it would be immensely beneficial for both the footwork he was learning and his ability to control the rhythm of combat.

*If my mental energy improved because of QQ, then this fat bird is truly not simple!*