The starship 03 and Faceless were on eventually docked at one of the famous transport hub planets in the Exile Sectors. This was one of the few planets in the Exile Sector in alright shape. However, the balance of power was also complicated as a result. Mercenaries and galactic pirates alike docked here, and there was also a thriving black market.
And the organization both saboteurs belonged to was pulling the strings.
The ship’s hatch slowly opened.
03 had his hands behind his head as he casually asked, “Are you going to leave now?”
Faceless redonned the hood of his cloak. “No, not any time soon. I need to go back due to the orders I received from the organization. There’s a mission to complete.”
Faceless shot 03 a puzzled look. 03 was his partner, so he was usually notified as well for these kinds of missions.
03 snorted, “Another Level A mission? Fingers crossed it won’t be as disgusting as that long stint in the Clay Empire.”
Any operatives assigned to Level A and above mission would only be briefed once they return to HQ, where they would be searched from head to toe for listening devices before being informed verbally. This way there would be no written records to leak.
03 grumbled as he strode forward.
The young man was infamous around here. Everyone parted ways for him.
Faceless pulled down his hood as he trailed behind to cover every shred of skin.
As they traversed through the crowds, Faceless overheard a conversation that made his footsteps slow subconsciously.
“This insect tide was especially bad, ah. So many planets in the Exile Sectors have become insect nests. It’s a good thing we still have people here who can put up a fight.”
“The consequences are more widespread than you might think. I heard there’s nowhere to stop for repairs in any of the nearest ship routes.”
“That’s better than nothing. If Grantz wasn’t guarding the frontlines at the rift, the Exile Sectors would literally just be fertilizer for the bugs.”
Faceless smiled faintly under his cloak. Grantz never changed. That country born from smoke and blood understood better than anyone the tragedies insects enacted in their wake.
When Faceless returned to attention, he noticed 03 silently staring at him from beside the hovercar he had walked over to at some point. The door was already open.
03 scratched his cheek when Faceless finally came over. He tilted his head and gestured for Faceless to get in first.
Faceless gave 03 a look. He only found it strange once he got in the car. Normally, 03 would impatiently start urging him whenever he spaced out and even make a few pointed jokes at his expense.
Yet 03’s attitude towards him seemed to have drastically improved from the moment he entrusted the antidote to him. After a moment of reflection, Faceless came to the conclusion that he was right about 03 really liking money.
The hovercar quickly arrived in front of a skyscraper. A few elevator rides later, they reached a certain floor.
There were three gates down this corridor. Someone came over with a tray from the first gate. Like always, Faceless and 03 removed all their weapons and communication devices like holominds.
There was still a body search left. 03 stepped forward first. A staff member came over with a scanner. 03 spread his arms. He lightly remarked to the other party as they drew close, “If you touch me, I’ll kill you.”
The inspector could not help but take a step back before proceeding with even more caution.
When both were checked, the gates finally opened. They closed again after them.
Behind the last gate was a reception room almost bare except for the circular device in the middle.
As soon as they stepped in, the device lit up.
Several holographic images were gradually generated in the seats around the conference table. The faces of all these suited individuals were blurred.
03 clicked his tongue and subconsciously leaned away, completely tense. Deep disgust was all he felt for the group of people surrounding him and Faceless
03 glanced at Faceless, who just stood there motionless like always. This guy was the same as ever, as if he couldn’t care less about anything. How did the person who almost burst into tears upon learning of how deeply he was deceived back then become like this?
When the silence was finally broken, it was as if a chorus of voices were speaking as one.
[As excellent members of the organization, the organization offers you great convenience in return. However, only when your aims do not conflict with ours.]
[Thus, before we get down to business, we’d like to confirm something. Faceless?]
Everyone turned in unison towards Faceless. Their blurred faces straddled the line between ridiculous and frightening at this moment.
[Our records reveal you requested the remaining materials from Experiment D425. Why is that?]
03 looked down. He couldn’t help but glance at Faceless too.
Faceless didn’t move a muscle. His black cloak completely obscured his expression. Only now did 03 realize the benefits of a getup like his.
Faceless responded evenly, “Just a sudden bout of nostalgia. I wanted to see if there were any mementos left behind.”
Back then, Faceless and a portion of the Ye family joined the organization. Unwilling to carry out assassinations or recruit new members, they were assigned to a squad of researchers. At the start, the rebels were just discontent with Norton killing his father and remaining siblings. Things weren’t as tense between them and the people of Grantz yet.
Faceless could still go home from time to time. Then things spiraled out of control. They became traitors.
Faceless could only stay holed up in the laboratory everyday. With all the time he spent there, it wasn’t unreasonable for him to have left a memento or two.
Everyone in the organization knew that Faceless was a sentimental person. Even after all these years, he kept the luggage case custom made for him and photos of his family members. The few good memories in his life were all from the time he spent in Grantz in his youth.
Everyone stared Faceless down for a few seconds.
[Then we’ll believe you for now.]
[In truth, we intend to restart the experiments. We would like to entrust this task to you.]
03 crossed his arms as he stood idle. “We’re not researcher material. You’d best not let me catch sight of those disgusting wastes of oxygen ever again.”
[You will not have to directly participate in the experiments, but you will still play a vital role. Perhaps you haven’t realized it yourselves, but your contributions to our ultimate goal are considerable. Also, please rest assured that you will not cross paths with them. Didn’t they all die by your hands back then?]
The last sentence was directed at 03, who found an opportunity as soon as he joined the ranks of the other executives to murder all the researchers responsible for him back then.
[After years of searching, we have realized that God cannot be created. Only the Grantz are perfect…no. Not even they hold that honour. We seek their perfected version, Grantz who can live perpetually.]
“You want to make immortal Grantz?”
The group paused for a moment. They glanced at each other before saying in unison: [The Grantz were originally immortal.]
[Psychic power is related to longevity. On this basis, the Grantz were originally immortal.]
Faceless’ hood shifted a little. He seemed to sense that he was about to learn of some unspeakable secret. He didn’t even blink. “But it’s well documented that their life expectancy is far lower than average.”
The Grantz seemed cursed almost. Each and every one possessed exceptional psychic power, but not one met a good end.
They either died on the battlefield, to the insects or to members of their own family. Everyone said that the Grantz were just genetically predisposed to aggression, but history repeated itself with every generation. Grantz who had barely reached adulthood would die in their prime within a matter of years. It was almost despair-inducing.
The people of Grantz once petitioned for little Grantz to be kept away from the battlefield, from the insects. Almost everyone signed their name in hopes of giving them a better, more peaceful life. But this was never possible. The insect tide that came every few years took that life away from them.
[Today, we will share with you the secret of the Grantz.]
A hovering screen splayed out in front of Faceless and 03.
The initial image was a little shaky, but it eventually stabilized.
It seemed to be an excerpt from the exploration of some planet. A group of young people rode hoverboards like one would motorcycles. They were decked out in black tactical armour, helmets and other gear. Some even called out towards the camera.
“See the landscape here–”
The roar of a warship came from above.
They looked up, as did the camera.
One person leapt from the warship, followed by another.
The camera shook violently.
“They’re completely gearless!”
“Retreat! Retreat at once!”
The duo landed very close together on the flat land below with loud thuds. Clouds of dust were stirred up by the impacts.
“No one can survive falling from that height–”
The last sentence was cut short.
As the dust settled, the two beasts tearing each other apart were revealed.
Both of them had dark hair, dark eyes, and outstanding appearance. Their features shared some similarities, indicating they might be related by blood.
Their swords clashed again and again, each strike aiming for the other’s vital points without holding back.
The fierce battle soon ended as one of the combatants was pierced through the chest.
The other paused in place for a moment before slowly pulling his sword free. The loser quickly collapsed, barely holding himself up with his sword as fresh blood poured out.
The victor just stood there and watched the person in front of him die.
…The person on the ground hasn’t moved from his position for a long time. Even from a distance, the faint red stain spreading beneath him was evident.
Only then did the filming group react. “Aren’t those the Grantz? What are they doing??”
The person still standing suddenly glanced in their direction. A familiar face was clearly exposed to the camera.
It was Norton.
Soon, several more warships broke away from the fleet and headed over, dispersing the group of young people.
The video shook a few times before finally cutting off.
[This occurred during a Grantz military drill. The entire incident happened to be caught on livestream and the video spread minimally before being taken down. The livestream platform did not belong to Grantz, so we believe the video is still being disseminated in certain circles. This has been referred to as the start of the Grantz family internal struggles.
As a result, Grantz was unable to cover up this particular Grantz’s death as an accident. They were forced to admit that Norton had killed one of his own brothers.]
Faceless and 03 glanced up at the collective.
Faceless’ voice was a little hoarse, “What are you getting at?”
Disguised voices echoed in the room.
[We are saying that every Grantz died at another Grantz’s hands.]
Faceless’ mind went blank. “Why would they kill their own family…”
Many thoughts seemed to fly past his mind. Eventually, only one remained: Ye Muo was in Grantz, by His Majesty’s side.
……
In the study.
Adlet set down his tray and looked at Norton, who was standing by the window. “His Little Highness’s memory has not fully recovered yet, but he can recall some bits and pieces.”
“Your Majesty, His Little Highness has asked me about Prince Ano’s whereabouts a total of five times today.”
“He must be very lonely all by himself in such a big palace.”
Ano was a playful guy. Normally, he and Ye Muo would make the entire Grantz palace into their playground.
Norton didn’t even look back. “Inform his playmates to come over this afternoon.”
Adlet sighed, “You know what I’m getting at, Your Majesty. Prince Ano has always been very good at controlling–”
Adlet cut himself off almost immediately, “Many apologies, Your Majesty. I’ve overstepped. I know you must have your reasons.”
“I’ll make arrangements for this afternoon.”
Norton made a sound of acknowledgement. He shut the curtains and hid the figure of Ye Muo in the garden from sight.
Ye Muo spent most of his time in the gardens, visiting Pangzhua and the greenhouse.
When he saw the trees he planted in the greenhouse, he could tell that someone took good care of them while he was away. Each one was growing well. He noticed and counted the plaques in front, “…Ye He. This one is Big Brother’s, that one is Adlet’s…”
He paused at the last little tree. “And here’s Pangzhua’s.”
Ye Muo stood there and looked around the greenhouse in a daze. Branches and leaves dug into him as he took a shortcut through the flowerbeds.
A moment’s inattention sent Ye Muo sprawling. The flowers gently caught Ye Muo, but their tiny thorns broke his skin. Ye Muo couldn’t care less right now.
He sat there, the sun shining warmly down on his entire body. “Where are Uncle and Mom’s trees?”
Ye Muo searched the entire greenhouse to no avail. Finally, he left the greenhouse, somewhat crestfallen.
Ye He was sitting on the steps with a satiated Pangzhua sprawled out beside him. One of Pangzhua’s paws was on the apple basket nearby. It lazily stretched.
Ye He spotted Ye Muo coming out and stood up. “Done? Do you want to have a bite to eat?”
It took Ye Muo a few seconds to return to his senses. He looked at Ye He.
Ye He keenly sensed something wasn’t right with Ye Muo. Ye Muo often fell into this state of fugue as he slowly recovered his memories recently. Ye He could only do his best to redirect his attention. He softened his voice, “Adlet was just here. He said he has a surprise for you.”
As soon as Ye He’s words fell, a shout came from the distance, “Ye Muo!!”
Ye Muo turned and spotted several people standing by the entrance to the gardens. One of them soon hopped the fence.
Ye He’s mouth quirked slightly. “Here comes the annoying one.”
Ye Yun rushed over from afar, leaving Adlet and the others in the dust.
Ye Yun soon arrived in front of Ye Muo and Ye He.
Ye Muo just stood there and watched Ye Yun rush over. He subconsciously took a step back as his eyes widened slightly. It would really hurt to slam into someone at that speed, right?
Ye He pulled Ye Muo behind him at the right moment. Ye Yun quickly put on the brakes after missing, leaving skid marks on the brick road.
Ye Yun turned to his brothers as soon as he regained his balance, “Big Bro!”
Ye He gave him a look. “Calm down. I still remember the time you were too over-excited as a child and broke Ye Muo’s ribs.”
“They weren’t broken! And that was because of a rock! Forget it. There’s no point in telling you.”
Ye Yun turned to Ye Muo and dragged him out from behind Ye He. He scrutinized him from head to toe before clicking his tongue. “Really? How did you end up in the Exile Sectors? Is it so hard to stay with the main group? You have no idea how worried Mom was at home. Do you know how hard it is to console her when she starts crying?”
Ye Yun even took a moment to turn on Ye He. “I’m going to tell Mom you knew about Ye Muo a long time ago but didn’t say anything!”
“Right, I just heard that you’ve forgotten everything. Does that include me?”
Ye Yun stared Ye Muo down. “So? Who am I?”
Ye Muo was so nervous his mind went blank. He turned to look at Ye He.
Ye Yun did the same. He glanced between Ye He and Ye Muo incredulously. “What are you looking at him for? Do you know how bad he was as a kid? He’s just as bad now! Did he not say a thing about me? Or did he talk bad about me behind my back? Tell me everything he told you right now!”
Ye Muo tentatively guessed, “Second brother?”
Only then did Ye Yun calm down a bit to listen to Ye Muo.
Ye Muo felt more reassured after confirming Ye Yun’s identity. He patted Ye Yun on the shoulder.
“Big Brother told me about you a long time ago. He didn’t say anything bad about you. It was all good. I’m sorry I forgot about you. I’ll try my best to remember as soon as possible.”
Ye Yun suddenly stopped chattering incessantly. He just nodded briefly before suddenly giving Ye Muo a tight hug. “I told you not to go to the frontlines. Why do you never listen?”
