Chapter 273
Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/PazjBDkTmW
You can buy coins here to unlock advanced chapters: https://gravitytales.com/coins-purchase-page/
Chapter 273: "The Power of the King!"
"Does the matter you mentioned, which requires the [device] to handle separately, also include erasing any traces of your new subordinate’s existence?"
Suddenly, someone posed this question to Nia. Though their face was hidden, the sarcasm in their tone was unmistakable.
The person continued:
"I know exactly what you and your team are planning."
"So what?"
Nia laughed scornfully:
"Feel free to try whatever you have in mind. Do you think I care?"
The figure beneath the hoods shook their head, putting an end to the pointless bickering and turning back to discuss other matters.
—
After confirming that he was unharmed, Wang Xiao quickly returned to the base to check in.
Reflecting on his earlier performance, he felt that his handling of the situation had been inadequate.
Perhaps it was because he had never encountered such bizarre events before, but he realized that his reaction to the crisis had been unusually erratic.
At this point, all he could do was make up for it through subsequent actions, hoping that the problem wasn’t as severe as he had imagined.
—
In a room within the central spire.
Shi Jin lifted her head from a thick stack of case files and rubbed her eyes vigorously.
Having spent a few days in her new position, Shi Jin felt as though her head was being stuffed with an overwhelming amount of information.
As a superpowered individual and a relative of a first team member, Luke had a far more comprehensive record than those born in the outer city.
Shi Jin had expended considerable effort just to grasp the details of his life.
Twenty years might not seem like a long time, but when documented in detail, it could fill several thick volumes, especially when combined with the cases Luke had handled—some of which involved Shi Jin herself.
Though her name had been heavily crossed out on those files with a thick marker, she still felt as though she were looking down on her former self from a High Position.
Closing the files, Shi Jin jotted down some notes on the side.
Luke had been the previous occupant of her position, and he had mysteriously disappeared in early October. His last known signal had appeared near Fourth Commercial Street.
After that, it seemed as though some device had interfered with his signal, causing it to flicker sporadically in Hope City without any discernible pattern or reference value.
"Where would such a person be if he’s still alive?"
—
In the inner city, within a corner of the sewer.
The slanting rays of the setting sun filtered through the metal grating of the sewage outlet, illuminating a small area of just a few square meters.
The mold growing there, upon exposure to the light, seemed to wilt like woodlice emerging from beneath a stone.
In this dim, damp, and narrow space of only a few square meters, a pile of tattered daily necessities was stacked.
Despite the cramped conditions, there was still an open space large enough for one person to move around.
At that moment, the setting sun cast its rays on the man’s back.
As he performed push-ups, his back rose and fell, the muscle contours not yet very distinct, but the more striking detail was that he had only one arm.
"Four hundred ninety-eight… Four hundred ninety-nine… Five hundred…"
A strained whisper escaped his lips as sweat dripped onto the ground faster than it fell from his forehead.
He struggled to flip over and gazed outside in the direction of the sunlight, like a prisoner peering out from a cage into the brightness of the outside world.
Gazing at the marks carved into the wall with stones, Luke silently counted for a few seconds, then muttered to himself:
“It’s already November…”
He had lived here as an unregistered resident for a month since losing his identity.
His mindset had shifted from the initial feelings of grief and confusion to a firm resolve.
The moment he saw his four former teammates return from the outside world, receiving the admiration of everyone, he realized a truth —
Everyone must take responsibility for their choices. Since he chose to investigate the truth behind his father’s death, he had to bear everything that followed.
He hid away after losing his identity, and while sorting through the details in his mind every day, he began to train his body and abilities with relentless intensity.
Lying on the ground, gasping for breath, Luke gradually stood up.
His only left hand clenched tightly, the muscle definition in his arm beginning to take shape.
He turned his head to look at his empty right side and couldn’t help but recall the moment he was struck by that knife.
That faceless figure might have been the leader of the "Believers." Their strike was lightning-fast and incredibly precise, severing his arm along the joint without leaving any shattered bones.
Luke gazed at the faint phantom limb that seemed to shimmer around him, and a lightly glowing aura flickered in the air.
The light converged, creating an invisible storm in the narrow space, eventually taking the form of a translucent right arm that radiated light.
After tirelessly honing his abilities day and night, Luke finally advanced his power further.
Those dreamlike lights were no longer just shields or barriers; they had become extensions of his limbs, transforming into his arm.
It’s almost there, it’s almost there.
As long as he continued to grow stronger, one day he would uncover the true cause of his father’s death himself.
He had no intention of becoming an enemy to anyone, unless that person stood in his way.
—
In the inner city, at the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Zhuang Mian placed her plan on her superior’s desk.
He read it word for word and then turned to her with an approving look:
“Very good, your ideas are quite impressive.
"The sewer system in the inner city is extensive, with over a hundred large drainage outlets for people; acting recklessly would definitely lead to unnecessary consequences. A small team crossing over is indeed a better choice.
"As for the sewer design blueprints you need for the inner city, I will apply for them from above; if they have no objections to the plan, we will have results soon.”
The older man paused, looking back at Zhuang Mian with a broad smile:
“Your reputation has been spreading in the department lately. They say you have unique techniques in interrogation, always turning off the surveillance and recording devices before starting one-on-one questioning.”
Zhuang Mian nodded:
“That’s true; these are some ideas I came up with. They always work wonders on those tough nuts.”
Zhuang Mian was sincere, mostly speaking the truth but selectively glossing over the specific details of those ideas, which were clearly insignificant.
“I must admit, you are my best student, though, of course, you are only one of them for now.”
“Thank you for your recognition.”
A genuine smile spread across Zhuang Mian’s face, difficult to suppress:
“I will continue to work hard and complete all tasks!”
With that, Zhuang Mian turned and left, leaving her former teacher alone in the room.
