Chapter 23: True Greatness

"You are currently alone in the lounge with Eleven. If you feel any sense of restriction or discomfort, I need to explain the reasoning to you."

"The ordinary people in our organization do not interact with you because, apart from those with 3S and 4S genetic strength, all other humans risk being consumed and replaced by the Zerg."

"The Zerg can even absorb their memories, achieving a perfect disguise that even those closest to them cannot detect."

"Therefore, this video link is one-way. You can see me, but I cannot see you. I do not know your names, and even your voices have been specially processed on my end."

Eleven, standing to the side, added, "His identity is highly sensitive. He is a high-ranking commander in the interstellar military and one of the primary targets for Zerg consumption."

Jian Feng nodded. "That is correct. The Zerg hunt humans with discipline and specific intent."

"Their appearances this time have targeted human scholars, high-level commanders, royalty, and even... the Head of State."

...

The square was silent.

Hearing this, the crowd could not help but shudder, rubbing the goosebumps on their arms.

It was evident from the incident where the Zerg consumed the Bailey couple that the Zerg did not just consume anyone; their behavior was indistinguishable from the original individuals.

If not for Xu Rui, no one would have ever suspected their true nature.

"We all saw it; their disguises are seamless. It would be one thing if they only mimicked ordinary people, but what if they disguised themselves as high-ranking officials here?"

"It’s terrifying! I have goosebumps all over!"

"Perhaps there are Zerg disguises right here among us?"

Panic rippled through the crowd in the square.

"Quiet!" The Head of State’s aged yet steady voice resonated throughout the area.

"There is no need for alarm. Now that the Mother Bug has been destroyed, all Zerg lurking within human society will perish. Everyone is safe now."

Only then did the crowd breathe a sigh of relief.

"Right! Augustus can also see through the Zerg disguises! He is a 4S-gene Nilsian!"

"All the information aligns; could this really be the truth?"

"If this is indeed the truth, then this organization is truly magnificent! They have been silently protecting humanity from the shadows."

On the platform of merits, several men seemed completely immersed in Xu Rui’s memories.

Their eyes were intense, fixed firmly on the screen.

If the matter of Zerg infiltration was true, then, as those who had always been on the front lines against the Zerg, they understood exactly how significant this organization’s existence was.

Just imagine: if the commanding officer giving them orders was a Zerg, what a horrific catastrophe that would be!

...

But the war had ended, and humanity had emerged victorious.

This suggested that such a scenario had never come to pass.

Was it because all of this organization's plans had succeeded?

Bu Xingye muttered to himself, "Would a woman as selfish and self-interested as Xu Rui truly be willing to join such an organization?"

Meanwhile, Shi Qiyuan, his expression grave, took out his communicator and walked aside to make a call, repeatedly confirming something.

...

Seven-year-old Xu Rui clearly did not understand the weight of the man’s words.

Her delicate, well-behaved face remained tense as she blinked those bright, seemingly innocent eyes.

"Are you asking me to join you?"

The man sat upright, his hands clasped tightly on the table.

"Yes, I hope you will join. Humanity needs you to join."

"Because you are a 4S-gene powerhouse, a descendant of the powerful Qiongling race. Hundreds of years ago, your people were the main force in the fight against the Zerg."

"If our organization could have you join us, it would be like adding wings to a tiger!"

"Although with greater power comes greater responsibility, our organization will not force you. I will analyze the pros and cons for you, and you should consider it carefully."

Having said this, the man took a sip of water to moisten his throat.

His voice grew even more solemn.

"Dealing with these Zerg must be done in secret. We cannot disrupt the order of human society, nor can we allow the bugs that have already completed their disguises to notice us. Your operations must remain strictly confidential."

"Within the organization, you will have no names. You cannot have any contact with ordinary humans. We will sign a non-disclosure agreement, and you must never reveal any information about the organization to the outside world."

"In other words, in everything you do from now on—no matter how many people you save, no matter how painful it becomes—you will receive no emotional reward or recognition."

"However, the organization will provide you with all resources: survival necessities, tools for disguise, and intelligence. You may enjoy life outside of your work with multiple identities as you see fit."

The commander was hardly recruiting a new member.

It sounded more like he was listing grievances.

Once one joined this organization, it seemed their entire life would be buried within it.

The audience in the square could not help but feel a sense of reverence.

Those who joined such an organization must possess a noble spirit, guarding them from the shadows.

Xu Rui’s crisp, melodic voice rang out: "If I can kill many Zerg, I will join."

She did not hesitate at all!

...

Xu Rui said, "Except for my younger brother and the big guy, all my other relatives on Silver Frost Star were killed by these two bugs. I want to avenge them! I want to kill every last one of them!"

Her small face was pale, her eyes resolute, and her hands at her sides were clenched tightly.

Jian Feng was moved and stood up abruptly.

"You must think this through. This decision will change your entire life!"

"Yes, I have thought it through."

"The people you save will not be grateful to you; the ones you protect may even despise you! There will be times when you even question the meaning of what you are doing."

"I only want to kill bugs."

"Your sacrifices will not be commemorated; you may even be misunderstood by the outside world and reviled by thousands!"

"I do not care about the opinions of others."

Jian Feng finally could not hold back and burst into laughter.

"Good, good, good! Excellent! Welcome to the organization, Twelve."

...

The people you protect will not be grateful to you; they might even despise you.

Your sacrifices will not be commemorated.

Everything you do might be misunderstood by the outside world and reviled by thousands.

Every single word seemed to have come to pass.

Throughout her life, Xu Rui had been reviled and insulted by countless people, hated by all, with everyone eager to see her disposed of.

Those who had once been hurt had plotted against her many times; if she had not been a 4S-gene powerhouse, she would have died long ago.

Bu Xingye pulled at his hair in a fit of agitation.

"What is going on? Could there be a misunderstanding in all of this? My legs are paralyzed, my parents are dead—could these Zerg be behind it all?"

"How is that possible... clearly... I saw these things with my own eyes! The evidence I investigated also pointed to Xu Rui, and she never denied it herself!"

Xu Chu, on the other hand, had become the calmest among them.

"How could she deny it? By telling you it was the Zerg’s doing? Would you have believed her?"

At this moment, Shi Qiyuan walked over. "I know who this man is now. He was admitted to a psychiatric hospital twenty years ago."