Judging from the energy radiating from the rogues, Canis assessed that their ranks weren't particularly high. At best, they were around a level 4 quota high. There weren't many Superhumans of level four; most seemed to be of level three. With Nathan and Phelan's help and his own enhanced capabilities, they could likely fend off a significant number of Superhumans at once. So, Canis needed to prolong the conversation, clueless as to when the Energy Stone's regeneration would be complete. He posed another question:"If Lancelot has lost his memory, do you still need him?""We do. As long as he's alive, whether he's unconscious or not doesn't matter."In the ethereal realm of intrigue, Canis became increasingly convinced of his intuition. It seemed Jacob had his eyes set on the Energy Stone and Lancelot's power reservoir, rather than exploiting him or targeting his life. As these thoughts brewed, a shiver of dread and trepidation overcame Canis. He feared that if anything befell Lancelot
Canis's gaze flitted to Nathan as he spoke. His words, though soft-spoken, held an edge sharp as a dagger. Beneath the seemingly casual remark lay a clear message: Speak now, or face the consequences.Upon hearing those words, the group grew even more fearful. One amongst them, shivering uncontrollably with fear, blurted out first:"In truth, I'm not fully aware, but Anthony is a subject of the commander's experiments. He wants to capture him. Even if he's broken, as long as he's alive, it's all that matters.""Is this commander you speak of Jacob?""Yes, indeed."His neck recoiled as he spoke, as if he could sense the immense pressure emanating from Hubert's direction, making him tremble violently. On the other side, Hubert's grip tightened. With every passing day, Jacob seemed more and more unfathomable. It was as if he was encountering a complete stranger, with every move, every clandestine step Jacob took, Hubert felt a profound sense of alienation.Thud!Canis gently patted Huber
In a military command post under the dominion of the Anthony family, Jacob was found brooding. Seated on his bed, he propped his chin upon his hand, the other shielding half his face. A grinding of teeth broke the silence before he uttered,"I often wonder, what is your true agenda? Why use my body in such ways?"A profound stillness enveloped the room, so thick one could hear the very molecules in motion. Being a high-ranking Superhuman, Jacob was privy to these whispers of nature. After an extended pause, a haunting voice, seemingly from the netherworld, echoed back,"Your only role is to obey."It was not lost on Jacob that the voice emanated from within him. He let out a heavy sigh, weariness evident in its timbre."Is my subservience only because you are my ancestor? You've razed everything I had."The specter did not immediately respond. After an agonizing wait, the voice retorted,"I've told you. I merely sent this body ahead of time. It doesn't mean it's truly yours. Besides,
Shaking his head, Hubert tried to clear his mind of memories of Theodore. There were pressing matters at hand. The safety of those still trapped in the emergency assembly area was paramount. His father, Winston, and the others who had been by his side all this while needed him now.After descending about ten steps, they came upon a straight corridor. Five minutes down the passage, they were confronted by a steel door. This door, secured with the most advanced locking system, was specifically designed to safeguard the military's top-tier weaponry. It had a two-fold security measure; the outer one requiring a passcode, while the inner relied on fingerprints. However, the fingerprint lock was visibly destroyed. Clearly, a lightning bolt had struck, unmistakably the handiwork of Enda. No matter how advanced, the door stood no chance against a pure offensive Superhuman mutant like Enda.Click!The moment the door swung open, Enda was seen waiting. Joy was the first emotion to sweep over hi
Hubert was taken aback. In just a few months, the wood Superhuman had progressed remarkably. Typically, wood Superhumans evolved slower than other gifted Superpowers. But this one's rapid evolution hinted at even greater potential than usual gifted powers like fire or other elemental variants.A wood Superhuman from level one to three posed no real threat to their peers. However, by level four, a major shift occurs. Caradoc had experienced this shift when he consumed an Energy Stone and absorbed the radiant power of a mutated vine. While his level three could offer little to allies, by level four, he could grow vines soaring several meters. Hubert asked:"Cara, what's your current level?""Level 4, at its peak.""That's quite fast. And Enda?""He's at the primary stage of level 5."Caradoc's answer took Hubert aback, causing him to step back. He knew that lightning-aligned Superhumans evolved fast, but surely not this fast?"So, am I the only one still at the pinnacle of level 3?"Can
Hubert clenched and then opened his hand, revealing frost so thick that it blanketed his palm. With this degree of cold, toxins could easily penetrate the lungs. Not to mention, the cold could constrict one's lungs, making it nearly impossible to activate any superpower to expel the poison.Ancient texts noted that there are various toxin-bearing plants. The most basic ones would render one unconscious upon inhalation. These are found in most low-tier and common plants. However, plants cultivated by wood-element superhumans were unpredictable. Such a plant could inherit both its master's superpower and energy, while also developing its unique abilities. To counter them, one must approach with caution. Burning them was a tactic everyone must remember not to employ.Such toxin-laden plants would have poison in every crevice of their structure. When burned, the toxic substance would spread far and wide, its reach far surpassing this cold mist."There's an opening over there."Phelan's su
He paused for a brief moment, then turned his gaze towards Phelan, adding: "It aligns with what the gentleman mentioned earlier. He was not mistaken in any regard."Phelan dismissed the praise with a wave: "Too kind."Alberto refrained from further flattery, elaborating: "We are responsible for purifying and welcoming Superhumans who wish to enter. It truly astonishes me that you weren't enthralled by the mesmerizing trees. Your powers are indeed formidable."As Alberto spoke, his gaze settled on Hubert. By now, Lancelot had fainted on Hubert's shoulder, forcing Hubert to adjust his position to cradle him. It wasn't the first time Hubert had carried Lancelot. Thankfully, Hubert was not of small stature. With the advent of Superpowers, it wasn't uncommon for a Superhuman to carry another. Even a ten-year-old Superhuman child could lift Lancelot, provided they could wrap their arms around his sizable frame.Hubert responded with a soft smile, unaffected by Alberto's praise. Undeniably,
Once more, Jacob advanced, his arms unfurling to envelop Hubert in an embrace. This time, Hubert offered no resistance. To neither decline nor reciprocate—such is the utmost form of indifference. Jacob had connived relentlessly to absorb the Wang family's assets, and now that his wish had been granted, why continue to torment him?As Jacob held him close, stealing fleeting kisses on Hubert's cheek, the latter remained passive. Jacob saw Hubert's disinterest and it gnawed at him. He had devoted so much love to Hubert, only to have it crushed underfoot by this cold-hearted aloofness. Words tinged with yearning whispered into Hubert's ear:"Hubert, I've missed you terribly."Jacob uttered an impassioned litany, yet Hubert stood unmoved, saying nothing. Not until Jacob's hands began to wander to the hem of his shirt did Hubert firmly seize his wrist, teeth grinding audibly:"Do not overstep your bounds. I have no intention of sharing a bed with you ever again. I loathe you."To say he loa