In the early notes on the border gate, there was a mention of a rare plant: “It’s said to be an invasive species that accidentally crossed over when the border gate opened, extremely hard to cultivate.”

What exactly was this border gate? Was it a fixed location or did it appear randomly? Could it be opened deliberately by someone? These questions left Jenny puzzled.

She resorted to the most straightforward approach.

One day later, she summoned the Homeland Security Chief, instructing, “Proceed to Colorado; I will meet you at the state government in ten days.”

Those familiar with her abilities had no doubt and set off without question.

Meanwhile, she chartered a private jet to visit various incident sites alone.

The first attacked convoy had been ambushed in a narrow canyon, just wide enough for one person to pass and filled with sharp turns. In such a confined space, panic among the merchants would have made any escape futile, allowing the monster to capture them all at once.

Choosing such a place for an ambush showed the monster’s cunning intellect.

Jenny arrived at the small town with a heavy heart, just as the townsfolk were holding a ceremony for the families of the deceased. A middle-aged priest, bearded and holding a cross in one hand with a bell in the other, recited prayers to entrust the souls to peace.

Dust swirled in the air.

Out of the shadows emerged faint, unsteady silhouettes—men and women, young and old—eyeing the cemetery with blank stares as they trudged forward.

So, souls really do exist. Jenny observed quietly from a distance.

The priest wasn’t performing any theatrics or conjuring dramatic effects; he moved the cross rhythmically, and the simple actions combined with his unrelenting prayers seemingly guided the souls to heaven.

What a wondrous world this is.

She stayed for a while, but was on the verge of leaving when she noticed a small boy by the altar. Around eleven or twelve, charming, dressed plainly, he stood respectfully with hands at his sides, sensing her eyes, he turned to peer in Jenny's direction.

Jenny offered him a slight smile.

The boy blinked in surprise, hesitated, then slipped through the crowd, running up to her. “Excuse me, ma'am.”

“What’s on your mind?” Jenny asked, intrigued.

The boy respectfully bowed. “Sir, is it true—you’re from the White House?”

Jenny didn’t answer directly, but grinned and countered, “Have you ever seen someone from the White House?”

“I had the privilege of seeing you once; you were engaged with the Secretary of Defense. I didn’t mean to offend—I figured you wanted your identity concealed, so I refrained from making a scene. Please forgive me.”

“I see...”

What had transpired at the White House was no secret by now. Rumors about her extraordinary abilities ran rampant, speculating whether she was an angel or an alien, all thanks to the people's vivid imaginations. It wasn't a surprise that a boy who had seen her deal with affairs could recognize her.

Even if doubts brewed inside, Jenny remained poised. “And why are you seeking me?”

“It’s about the monster.” A serious expression overtook his youthful face. “When it first appeared, my teacher predicted trouble and urged vigilance. We finally tracked it to Colorado.”

Having longstanding contact with federal agents influenced Jenny’s mindset, believing the local authorities wielded influence: “In this area?”

“Yes, but it moved toward the town about two weeks ago. My teacher said the White House would eventually send someone and went to meet you at the state government... I was just lucky to find you here.”

Shyness crossed the boy’s face. “I don’t know much else.”

Jenny’s fondness for him grew—his innocent wit was endearing. “These are critical insights. The town, then? Which way?”

Pleased by her warmth, the boy was enthusiastic: “Head thirty miles east from here. It might’ve moved, though. My teacher believes it’s looking for something in Colorado—you should first check in with the state government.”

His frequent mentions of “teacher” hinted at deep trust and admiration. Jenny chuckled, asking, “And your teacher belongs to which institution...?”

“He’s a renowned scholar locally.” He replied, “You’ll meet him at the government.”

“Thank you,” Jenny nodded.

“It’s my duty to help eliminate threats,” the boy blushed, but stayed resolute.

Her eyes lingered on him thoughtfully, resolving to have the Colorado scholar investigated—how he deduced the monster’s intent from unrelated incidents was as telling as any peculiarity about the boy himself.

***

America's vast expanse divides into states and counties, each varying in wealth. Colorado, nestled in the West with its mountainous terrain, is isolated compared to bustling cities.

Areas subdivide into cities, counties, districts, and so forth, with mayors, commissioners, and district leaders. The state capital operates under a governor, eschewing a mayor’s post.

Such local officials are typically elected, competing on merit, prohibited from holding local office to prevent power consolidation that could undermine federal oversight and control.

But, government workings are rarely straightforward…

Governor James had efficiently managed Colorado for seven to eight years, maintaining average records that neither drew negative attention from superiors nor stood out to the President, allowing him to continue smoothly.

However, underestimating him as merely mediocre would be folly.

Jenny viewed Governor James as exceedingly competent upon her first impression. Once her security team regrouped with her outside the city, he arranged a prompt reception within the government, where his wife greeted Jenny in person, while a generous banquet awaited the security team.

Rested by next day’s end with dossiers securely sent, he assured, “Local units are on high alert for the monster. Any movements, you'll know first.”

Though his expression remained hidden, Jenny detected no deceit. Whether corrupt or diligent for the country, such differences meant little—her path diverged from theirs, her commitment already sworn to her husband.

Scanning through documents, she stated, “Firstly, fetch me a map. Secondly, are you familiar with the Colorado scholar?”

Governor James dispatched someone for the map. “The local academic institution has a reputation; its research, especially in natural phenomena, is notable around these parts.”

“Should any from the scholars seek me, bring them forth.”

“Will do.”

“That’s all; you may go.”

That afternoon, a representative of the Colorado scholars arrived, an individual by the name of Director John, seeking an audience concerning the monster. Jenny received him.

Mid-aged, weathered in appearance, John seemed more a lab scientist than a typical director, yet exuded a relaxed scholarly demeanor as he greeted, “Pleased to meet you, madam.”

“No formalities necessary,” said Jenny, discerning him as an ordinary man from a glance. “Your student mentioned your institution's efforts in trailing the monster.”

Director John humbly nodded. “Indeed—our network is extensive, our findings often reliable.”

Her reflection was clear: while government covertly managed the crisis away from panicking civilians, locals opened up more to familiar scholars than to the state.

“Have you located the monster?”

John's admission arrived lined with confidence: “The monster resides five miles east of the town, in the woods.”

"A town…” Connecting dots on a map, she noted, “All attack sites encircle this place—no coincidence. How long's it been there?”

“Seven or eight days, hiding post-abduction of two infants.”

Restraining herself, Jenny queried, “What about this town is particularly noteworthy?”

Director John hesitated, “It’s regular.”

“Oh, really?” she expanded her sensory reach. “I urge truthfulness.”

Startled, John bowed low, perspiration lining his back. “Forgive me, but... the details are unsure, I dare not speculate.”

An icy look accompanied Jenny’s measured reply. “Claiming forgiveness without revealing all? You must think highly of yourself—or poorly of me.”

His composure crumbled under reprimand, “No intention to deceive, madam, only uncertain of certain events.”

“Indeed.” She offered a serene grin. “Go on.”

Breathing deliberately, John steadied himself and recounted, “A decade ago, an extraordinary natural phenomenon puzzled me near that town.”

A natural yet exceedingly rare occurrence? Jenny’s interest piqued considerably.