A colossal building over two thousand meters tall stood towering on the plain. Surrounding it were tens of thousands of massive structures, all forming interconnected zones with the majestic giant building at their core. Wide highways and arched overpasses served as the vital links for all transportation. Hundreds of meters above the ground, countless train stations built from high-strength materials dotted the sky. Due to the extreme population density, traditional subways and roads could no longer meet the residents’ travel needs. The only solution was to rely mainly on suspended aerial trains, creating a brand-new, three-layered transportation network.

The capital military district was located more than eighty kilometers northeast of the core residential area. From the height of the floor where Ian Morris stood, looking in that direction, one could clearly see countless flickering beams of light converging from different corners, forming a thick, dense white curtain of light above the city.

As one of the admirals of the Earth Federation, Ian Morris always maintained the standard military posture that had become second nature to him. The lines of his face were resolute, as hard as rock, even somewhat stubborn. His high, straight nose and thin, tightly pressed lips together formed a sharp, commanding face. Although he was already over seventy years old, he showed no signs of aging; instead, he exuded a deep, restrained strength.

This was the administrative main building of the Federation Army’s capital military district. Usually at this time, Ian Morris would hold a cup of hot tea, stand on the balcony, and enjoy the lingering coolness in the air before sunset—a sensation that always lifted his spirits.

Behind him, the half-closed door connecting to the office silently swung open. A tall young woman in a light blue naval uniform stepped out. Her uniform was clearly custom-made, excessively accentuating her full, ample chest, and the skirt was at least ten centimeters shorter than standard. With her slender black high heels, anyone shorter than her could easily see the color and style of her underwear between her legs. Yet, under the icy aura she exuded and the murderous intent in her sharp gaze, no one had ever dared to try.

“General, the test results are in. The blood sample matches the archival data with one hundred percent accuracy. All comparison materials came from the core backup of the Census Bureau, and I personally supervised every step of the testing process. There was no possibility of forgery or substitution. It is certain that the report and sample sent from the Western Theater are both genuine and valid.”

She stood behind Ian Morris, her body slightly bowed. Though her voice was pleasant, it was as mechanical and rigid as a machine.

“So, that child is indeed a descendant of Henry Carter?”

The admiral did not turn around, but his tone clearly betrayed a trace of excitement that could not be ignored.

“I repeated the test one hundred and sixty-eight times. Machine analysis, manual calculation, proton computation in a vacuum environment… All results matched the target sample information.”

At this point, the female officer’s speech slowed a little. She paused, then said in a rather puzzled tone, “There’s one thing I find hard to understand.”

“Speak—”

The general’s voice was steady and powerful.

“His blood composition is completely different from that of ordinary people. There are elements in it that we cannot comprehend. It appears to be a cellular protective layer formed under special conditions, capable of effectively resisting radiation and even sealing wounds in a short time. With an efficiency six times faster than normal, it can regenerate and repair damaged body parts. This may be an entirely new evolutionary pathway, very likely related to the environment of the S12 old mining district.”

“That’s not the answer I want—”

Ian Morris slowly turned around, looked seriously at the female officer standing before him, and said in a deep voice, “I just want to know, is that child truly a descendant of Henry Carter?”

His words were filled with urgency and severity, and the forcefulness radiating from the old man made the female officer involuntarily shudder. She instinctively brought her feet together, raised her head, and answered in a standard, affirmative tone, “Yes!”

The general stared at her coldly for a few seconds, then turned back again, casting his gaze toward the distant residential area and the gray sky shrouded by the artificial light curtain.

“Send my guard to bring that child back. Tell them his safety must be ensured… and, set out immediately—”

……

The dinner in front of Isaac Carter was extremely sumptuous.

A plate of spicy minced beef with chili, a plate of tofu stewed with bean paste, a plate of stir-fried shredded gourd with vibrant color, and a large bowl of steaming hot rice piled high.

Maurice Baker sat across the table, slowly sipping brandy from a flat flask. His eyes, already somewhat tipsy, kept darting glances at Isaac Carter.

“You make me feel utterly disgusted.”

Isaac Carter shoveled rice into his mouth, mumbling, “I mean, your gaze right now.”

“You are my only hope now.”