Because of a single remark from Xiao Ran, quite a few people suddenly emerged from the backup hangar, which had appeared to contain only a handful of people and a number of mechs. The atmosphere instantly grew tense. Giliam turned to look at Ingram, then at Xiao Ran, who had spoken. Frowning, he unconsciously assumed a guarded stance—not only against Ingram, but against everyone in the hangar.
Ingram's expression changed the instant his identity was exposed, but he quickly regained his composure. Only the look in his eyes as he watched Xiao Ran carried an additional, unreadable meaning.
Naturally, Elsam was the most shocked. As a native human of the Earth Sphere who had even served alongside them in the Special Combat Training Unit, he had never imagined that neither of the two was an Earthling.
Elsam stared at them in disbelief. "H-how could this be...?"
Xiao Ran glanced at Elsam, raised a hand, and lightly waved it to signal Luo and Kane not to be nervous. Then he continued, "Basically, even if you share the same appearance, that does not mean you belong to the same race. Though you may all collectively be called humans, there are still certain differences between different human races. Aside from racial traits, the most obvious difference is physical ability."
"Of course, there are also people who attain extraordinary physical capabilities or special powers through self-training, as well as examples of the same race developing different evolutionary tendencies and traits due to differences in their living environments. So even if you are human, you are not the same as the humans of the Earth Sphere. From the first time I saw you, I sensed that you differed from others. That was why I brought you aboard this warship and kept you under strict watch."