Henry Clark muttered to himself as he knocked on the iron door next door: "Number 33, time to clock in. Uh, no, I mean, there's a visitor. Hurry and open the door."

Chapter 4: Crimson Heart

A small window slid open on the iron door, and a pair of cool, clear eyes inside sized up Henry Clark from head to toe.

The person inside was silent for a moment before unlocking the iron door.

The heavy iron door's hinges let out a dry, grating sound that echoed far down the corridor.

"You look so reluctant. What, you don't want to see guests?"

Henry Clark swaggered in. "Let me tell you, even though you're the top pick, you can't act all high and mighty."

A flash of surprise crossed 33's eyes. 088 was usually quite talkative, but today he seemed a bit off.

First, he was wearing sunglasses, and behind them, his eyes were actually closed. On top of that, there was a wild, unrestrained air about 088's expression.

In this base, all the trainees lived cautiously. Any who let themselves go had long since died off.

More importantly, not even sunglasses could hide the powerful confidence radiating from 088, as if he was in control of everything.

It was like a slave suddenly becoming the master—same person, but a completely different spirit.

088's change left 33 a bit at a loss.

Fierce competition made the trainees wary and hostile toward each other.

But her relationship with 088 was different.

On the surface, they ignored each other, even seemed hostile, but in private, they were partners, comrades-in-arms, brothers who had faced life and death together.

"Look at you, all dazed. Don't worry, I'm not crazy."

Henry Clark said domineeringly, "Today, we're going to take down everyone who bullied us, get some real justice, and take back our lost freedom!"

Henry Clark took a deep, intoxicated breath. "The air of freedom really is sweet."

33 was silent for a moment before saying, "What's your plan?"

"I like how calm and meticulous you are, always thinking before you act!"

Henry Clark was pleased that 33 didn't ask him why he was acting crazy or hesitate, but instead went straight to the plan.

That was decisiveness—and trust in him.

33 frowned slightly. "Don't waste time."

Private contact between team members was strictly forbidden. Even though they had survived hellish training and would soon be leaving the base.

That rule still held.

There were cameras everywhere in the corridor. Henry Clark's movements would definitely alert the security team.

By 33's estimate, they'd arrive within ten minutes. Whatever 088 wanted to do, he had to hurry.

33 had delicate features, but a purplish-red scar slashed diagonally across her face. Because of the scar's contraction, her whole face looked a bit fierce.

Because of the scar, when she frowned, one eyebrow was higher than the other. Fortunately, her bright eyes made up for everything, making her look especially spirited.

Henry Clark knew that the scar was self-inflicted by 33, to keep others from coveting her looks and to avoid trouble.

Surviving in the base was even harder for the girls than for the boys.

"No rush, we have plenty of time."

Henry Clark reached out and gently smoothed 33's furrowed brow. Her eyebrows were dark, long, and naturally arched—strikingly beautiful.

33 was not used to such physical contact. She clenched her fists tightly, every muscle in her body tensed and ready to explode.

If it were anyone but Henry Clark who dared get this close, 33 would have smashed their head in with a punch.

Henry Clark understood 33's tension and comforted her, "Why are you so nervous? You're not even as good-looking as me. My looks are a perfect ten, and you only score a one."

33's body gradually relaxed. She thought seriously for a moment. "Two."

"Hahaha, no need to be so modest."

Henry Clark laughed and said, "Before we start our rebellion, there's one more important thing we need to do."

33 said nothing, just looked at Henry Clark, signaling him to get on with it.

"We are people, not machines. We should have our own names, not just be represented by numbers."

Henry Clark said seriously to 33, "Remember, my name is Henry Clark, not 088."

33 only half understood. She had grown up in the base, learning only about fighting and killing. She didn't really grasp these things.

Henry Clark, 088—it didn't seem much different to her.

Henry Clark didn't care whether 33 understood or not. He gripped her shoulders firmly and said, "I remember your surname is Yun. From today on, your name is Grace Hill. Yun as in cloud, Qing as in clear as water, Shang as in clothing."

"Got it?"

Grace Hill hesitated for a moment before nodding.

"What's your name?"

"Yun, Qing Shang!"

Henry Clark nodded approvingly with a smile. "Very good, Comrade Grace Hill, let's do this!"

Grace Hill didn't say anything, but a fierce fighting spirit ignited in her bright eyes.

The sense of ceremony in having a name wasn't important. What mattered was being able to fight side by side with Henry Clark—that was the real meaning.

Henry Clark asked curiously, "Aren't you afraid?"

He wasn't afraid because he had been reborn, everything was under control, and he was confident enough.

But Grace Hill knew nothing, yet she was willing to rebel with him. In terms of strength, it was like an egg hitting a rock.

Grace Hill replied coldly, "Death is all there is."

Henry Clark was a little moved. "A true hero! Awesome!"