Chapter 162 - Chapter 161

The world was in turmoil. Power struggles emerged in every corner of the globe, and no one was immune to the chaos that followed. Governments faltered, military forces were overwhelmed, and new factions rose to prominence. In Kuala Lumpur, a city bustling with life yet shadowed by uncertainty, the Mentalist Nation began to consolidate its strength.

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In a quiet training hall nestled in a secluded part of Kuala Lumpur, Arjun stood alone, his breathing calm yet focused. For weeks, he had felt the barrier between his current self and something greater—a breakthrough waiting to happen. The techniques from the Stargazer Empire had resonated with him in ways he hadn't thought possible, combining discipline with clarity.

As he executed a precise series of forms, his movements became fluid, like water flowing without interruption. Then it happened—a silent shift, a wave of understanding that rippled through his entire being.

Arjun stopped mid-motion, his eyes closed as he felt it: the world's rhythm. The earth beneath him, the faint hum of life around, even the unseen currents of energy in the air—it all connected.

He had reached Level 4, and it was not just power. It was enlightenment.

When he opened his eyes, the room was quiet. Those training with him had stopped to watch, their awe unmistakable.

"Arjun," one of the older Mentalists said, stepping forward hesitantly, "what just happened?"

"I've crossed over," Arjun replied simply, his voice calm yet filled with resolve. "The techniques… they're real. They're the key. But this is only the beginning."

---

Later that evening, the Mentalists gathered in a circle, the air thick with tension.

"We've been scattered for too long," Arjun said, addressing the group. His tone was steady but commanding. "The world is changing, and we can no longer afford to sit on the sidelines. Governments can't protect us. Other ability users are carving out territories. If we don't stand together, we'll be crushed."

There were murmurs of agreement, but also uncertainty.

One younger Mentalist, a woman named Suri, raised a hand. "Standing together is one thing, but what's the plan? How do we even begin to unite when everyone's pulling in different directions?"

Arjun nodded, appreciating the question. "We start here, in Malaysia. This is our home. We claim it, protect it, and expand outward. But we don't do it with brute force. We do it with discipline, strategy, and unity. This isn't about domination—it's about survival and growth."

Another voice cut through the crowd. "Why not invite the Stargazer to lead us?"

The room fell silent. The mention of the enigmatic figure had become commonplace among their ranks. Stargazer's techniques had propelled many of them to new heights, and his wisdom was undeniable. But could they truly rely on someone they had never met?

Arjun crossed his arms, his expression unreadable. "I respect what Stargazer has done. His teachings have guided us, but leadership isn't just about power. It's about being here, in the trenches, building trust. For now, we lead ourselves. But if he responds to our call for unity, we will welcome him."

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Over the next few days, plans began to take shape. The Mentalists divided themselves into groups, each with specific tasks:

Diplomatic Unit: To reach out to ability users across Malaysia, inviting them to join their cause.

Training Corps: To strengthen their ranks and help others advance in their abilities.

Intelligence Wing: To monitor government activities and other ability user factions.

"We focus on Kuala Lumpur first," Arjun explained during a meeting. A map of Malaysia lay spread across the table. "This city is the heart of the region. If we secure it, the rest will follow. We offer protection to those who join us and neutralize threats without unnecessary violence."

"And the government?" Suri asked.

"They're in disarray," Arjun replied. "Their soldiers can't keep up with ability users. They're relying on outdated strategies. We monitor them closely, but for now, they're not our priority."

The meeting ended with a consensus: Malaysia would be their foundation. From there, they would build a sanctuary for ability users, a place where they could thrive without fear of persecution.

---

The online Stargazer forum had become a hub for mentalist worldwide, a space where ideas and techniques were shared anonymously. It was here that Arjun made his move, posting under the alias Ocean treader:

> "The world is fractured, and the time for scattered efforts has passed. Unity is our only path forward. To those who share our vision, join us in Kuala Lumpur. Together, we will carve out a sanctuary, a home for those who refuse to bow to fear. Stargazer, if you see this, know that your teachings have sparked a movement. Will you stand with us?"

The post quickly gained traction, drawing responses from all corners of the globe. Some offered support, others skepticism, but the message was clear: the Mentalist Nation was no longer just an idea—it was becoming a reality.

---

In a high-security meeting room, officials and military leaders sat around a long table, their expressions grim.

"The Mentalists are organizing," one advisor reported. "They've begun consolidating power in Malaysia, and their influence is spreading."

"And we're still fumbling in the dark," another official snapped. "Our soldiers are outmatched, our resources stretched thin, and the exosuits…"

"They're still in testing," a representative from PowerGen interjected. "The first deployment showed promise, but they're not ready for widespread use."

"We don't have time to wait!" the military commander barked. "Ability users are tearing the world apart. We need those suits now, ready or not."

The room fell silent as the senior official, a composed woman with sharp eyes, spoke up. "Rushing the suits won't solve our problems. They're a band-aid, not a solution. What we need is an understanding of cosmic energy. Until we crack that code, we'll always be a step behind."

"And how do you propose we do that?" the PowerGen representative asked.

The woman leaned forward. "We invest everything we have into research. If PowerGen can't deliver, we find someone who can. Because if we don't figure this out soon, there won't be a world left to save."

The debate raged on, but one thing was clear: the government was outmatched, and time was running out.

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As the Mentalists moved forward with their plans, the governments of the world scrambled to catch up. The stage was set for a clash of ideologies, powers, and ambitions. And in the shadows, the Stargazer watched, his influence growing with every passing day.