Chapter Nineteen

Suddenly, an unexpected change erupted!

The Angel’s body was abruptly weighed down. Before he could react, he lost control, as if his entire being refused to obey him. Though it was a virtual world, cold sweat streamed from the Angel. A strange voice resounded explosively beside his ear, “I’ve waited so many days for you. You’ve finally logged in!”

Suppressing his terror, the Angel replied hoarsely, “Who… who are you?” He knew this might well be the last day of his life, yet he felt strangely calm. He yearned to know the title of the person before him among the Grey Domain Masters—not out of vengeance, but because his admiration for YC was profound and sincere. In every respect, the figure before him was unattainable, a mountain he could only look up to. Unconsciously, this person had become the Angel’s idol. As for his own fate, the Angel held no resentment; since learning YC might be a Grey Domain Master, he had prepared himself for this eventuality.

Frozen in an awkward pose, the Angel stood alone, surrounded by emptiness. The strange voice drifted unpredictably, “Heh, didn’t you investigate? How can you not know who I am?”

The Angel’s face shifted from green to pale. He protested bitterly, “I’m far inferior to you, but why must you toy with me?”

After a few seconds of silence, the voice spoke apologetically, “I apologize for my earlier behavior.” Suddenly the tone shifted, chilling with murderous intent, “I believe you know exactly why I sought you out!”

A tremor ran through the Angel’s heart; what must come, will come. He made no attempt to conceal his actions, recounting in detail how he had accepted the commission and infiltrated the core of the training base, leaving nothing unsaid. When he finished, a sense of despair flooded him. He was surely doomed now and simply closed his eyes to await death.

Yet, after a long moment, nothing happened. At some point, his body returned to normal.

The Angel trembled, “If you’re going to do it, just do it!”

All around was quiet. A few passersby in the distance glanced at him with looks reserved for fools.

Could it be… could he truly be spared? The Angel wondered in disbelief.

He tried moving a few steps, but the unforgettable voice was utterly silent. Suppressing the urge to cry, the Angel logged out at lightning speed.

The Luo family, research center.

Director Luo Ren sat comfortably in a soft Skywind chair, gazing through high, transparent crystal glass that afforded a sweeping view of the outside. Watching the busy crowd before him, Luo Ren felt a deep sense of security. He knew this research center was the true heart of the Luo clan, and the reason for its enduring prosperity. Because of deliberate protection by the family, the research center was not widely known, but Luo Ren was certain its capabilities ranked among the top five in the entire Far Star System. The family head trusted him to manage this department, a sign of great confidence in his abilities. This thought brought a small smile to his face. For an outsider to earn such trust was a matter of pride.

Recently, rumors about the eldest young master and the family head had swept through the clan, though nobody knew if they were true.

Ah, every family has its troubles! Even someone as wise and decisive as the family head had no solution to such matters. Luo Ren found it odd: the eldest young master had always been gentle and diligent, earning the family head’s affection. How could things have deteriorated so badly? Almost everyone believed the eldest young master was destined to succeed as the next head. The family head had privately said many times that he would inherit the mantle and lead the Luo clan to greatness. Could it be the family head suddenly favored the second young master? Impossible. The second young master, infamous for his indulgence and vice, used the Luo name to cause trouble everywhere—almost everyone looked down on him, and Luo Ren despised him most of all. Surely the family head wasn’t so foolish.

Now, everyone in the Luo clan was cautious. The news from inside was vague and elusive. No one wished to risk bad luck at such a time.

Suddenly, a piercing alarm shattered Luo Ren’s reverie!

He stood abruptly and strode into the hall. No matter the situation, he always placed himself at the forefront—a habit that may have won him the family head’s favor.

The research center was in chaos. Every researcher’s face was marked by panic.

Luo Ren’s brow furrowed deeply. He barked, “Why the panic! Return to your stations, all of you! Mo Lianfu, what’s happened?”

His composure immediately calmed the staff, restoring order—clear proof of his authority among them.

A thin young man replied in distress, “Director, someone’s attacking our optical brain! It’s lost control! What should we do? If this continues, we’re finished!”

“The optical brain has lost control?” Luo Ren’s mind exploded, buzzing with confusion. Despite his steadfast nature, it took him a moment to recover. Mo Lianfu stood before him, uncertain and expectant.

Luo Ren quickly regained his senses. He knew that now, above all, he must not panic, or all would truly be lost.

He and Mo Lianfu rushed to the optical brain control room. Usually deserted, it was now packed. Everyone’s face was pale.

An elderly researcher beckoned him urgently.

Luo Ren approached, speaking with heavy respect, “Elder Mo, what’s the situation? Is it under control?” Elder Mo was Mo Lianfu’s grandfather, a founding member of the center. He was revered by all, even the family head addressed him respectfully.

Elder Mo shook his head, “It’s very bad! The attacker is likely a Grey Domain Master—he infiltrated our center without a trace, and we failed to notice anything. Shameful!” He looked deeply apologetic.

Luo Ren pressed, “Is there truly no way to stop it?”

Elder Mo pointed to a dozen researchers wearing virtual helmets, “It all depends on them now. Among Grey Domain Masters, they’re considered skilled, but whether they can find the intruder, I don’t know.” He pondered a moment, “You should notify the family head and request backup!”

Without further ado, Luo Ren contacted the family head’s communicator. Due to the center’s importance, directors reported directly to the head.

Time passed, but he could not get through. Luo Ren’s face darkened with worry. A growing sense of foreboding gnawed at him—had something happened at the family head’s side too? Luo Ren’s heart raced. This was surely a premeditated strike—meticulous and flawless. Forced to react, he wondered: who was the attacker?

Luo Ren spoke firmly, “Elder Mo, keep watch here. I am going to seek help from the family head.” Without waiting for a reply, he leaped from the window.

Everyone gasped. It was the eightieth floor!

Mid-air, Luo Ren touched the space button on his left wrist with his right index and middle fingers. With a flash, a fiery red humanoid light armor appeared before him. Almost simultaneously, Luo Ren skillfully grabbed the right arm and flipped into the cockpit!

With a thundering roar, the red light armor’s engines ignited, propelling him rapidly toward the northwest!