Cecil

When Humins first came into contact with the Zerg, he didn't have any particularly malicious intentions. Rowan could confirm this shortly after receiving the custom-made Biological Armor from the Zerg.

However, this was not good news, because Rowan had already noticed many irregularities and anomalies, which meant that at least one unknown force was plotting something against the Zerg.

However, as the actual ruler of this star system, a member of their highest authority, and a potential participant in the conspiracy, Humins claimed to know nothing about the hidden plot. He couldn't even offer a possible guess, which inevitably raises suspicions about how he infiltrated the Epoch Clan Council of Elders.

However, Humins wasn't actually that bad. Perhaps the faction that orchestrated the conspiracy needed to avoid suspicion and attract the attention of a more powerful force, so they sent someone completely unrelated to the matter.

Fortunately, even if Humins was truly incompetent, his status as an elder of the Epoch Clan genuine. All ordinary information, and even some confidential information, from the Ji Clan began to be shared with the Zerg, helping Zerg to respond to the Star Sea Alliance's plans as soon as possible.

Although Sarah didn't know when the scene transmitted by the Overlord occurred, she knew that Humins was already a member of the Intellect at that time. Otherwise, Rowan wouldn't have been able to obtain this first-person perspective.

Clearly, this message is a communication between Humins and Elder Cecil. As an elder of the Epoch Clan, it is quite normal for Humins to speak with another Epoch Clan elder. Moreover, Sarah could tell from Humins's somewhat informal greeting that the two were not hostile to each other.

"As always, Elder Humins, what brings you here?" From Cecil's very polite and proper reply, Sarah felt that although the two were not enemies, they were not very close either; they were probably just ordinary colleagues.

"Haha, it's nothing, I just wanted to Cecil Elder Cecil for his help last time. I wouldn't have gotten this overseas assignment opportunity either. Your vote was a lifesaver."

Sarah understood something. She knew that Humins didn't have much lifespan left, and he had put in a lot of effort to get sent to the Riken Race to work on Life-Extending Serum.

Everyone else was working for the Zerg, but his motives were different. The forces in the shadows were vying for power, and in the end, they chose a neutral person who was involved in both sides. This is probably why Humins was successfully sent to the Zerg side.

Judging from their conversation, Cecil was certainly not a friend of Humins, yet Cecil supported Humins's overseas assignment. It's rare for someone to help without any kinship or connection, so Cecil likely had ulterior motives, considering the analysis of the covert power struggles just now.

Those people, this Elder Cecil, are most likely members of a clandestine force. Sarah focused her mind; Cecil's identity contained a wealth of information. Moreover, it must hold the reason that troubled the Overlord, and she needed to investigate carefully.

"You're too kind, Elder Humins. I didn't covet that seat, and you are the popular choice anyway. My support is just icing on the cake, nothing special." Cecil's reply remained polite, while maintaining a slight distance.

"Elder Cecil, you don't need to be modest. In any case, I am indebted to you for your kindness. I am hundreds of years old and have served as an elder of the Epoch Clan for over two hundred years. Everyone knows my style and manners, and I am by no means an ungrateful person. I am indebted to Elder Cecil for this favor, and from now on you are my friend. Please feel free to ask if you need anything."

Sarah didn't know much about Humins, but she figured that even if the forces in the shadows wanted to choose a neutral person, the person would have to have a certain level of prestige and support.

Upon hearing Humins' words, Cecil raised an eyebrow slightly. From a micro-expression perspective, this is usually a gesture that occurs when someone encounters a topic that interests them. It seems that Humins' words were exactly what Cecil wanted to hear.

Therefore, Cecil pondered for a moment, then refrained from further affectation and said softly, "Thank you, Elder Humins. It is my honor to be friends with an elder like you."

Cecil's reply remained polite and proper. After a few more pleasantries, Cecil suddenly changed the subject. "Humins, I have a question. I wonder if you could help me resolve it?"

Sarah narrowed her eyes. Here it comes. As expected, Cecil really values his friendship with Humins. Since the person in charge of facing the Zerg isn't one of their own, much of the information is only hearsay. The best way to get firsthand information is to become friends with this person who faces the Zerg.

"Haha, Cecil, don't bother with 'elder' and 'sir' anymore. As I've said, we're already friends. Ask me anything you need to know, and I'll answer to the best of my ability."

"Alright, then I'll take the liberty of speaking, Humins ... Humins, although I've been an elder of the Epoch Clan for some years, I've never sought an opportunity for an external posting because of my inactive nature. I don't understand why so many people compete for this position, especially this time, with just a few newly joined remote clans."

"Haha, the world is bustling, all for profit; the world is bustling, all for gain. There are naturally some mysteries behind everyone's scramble for this. You haven't experienced it firsthand, and every place is slightly different. Many things can't be explained just by talking about them. You can only understand them by doing them yourself."

The relationship between the two was still in its early stages and not yet close enough for them to share information so readily. Therefore, Humins responded in a manner befitting his status, giving an ambiguous and evasive laugh.

"Sir, you just said we are friends. Is there some unspeakable reason for this? I am just curious. If it is really inconvenient, then forget it." Cecil's face darkened slightly, and his tone became a bit stiff.

"That's not inconvenient at all. Actually, I wasn't just making excuses. Everyone's needs are different, and their reasons for going out are naturally different." Humins probably felt it wasn't good to contradict himself so soon after saying that, so he thought for a moment and continued:

"For example, money is like scrap metal to us, but some people are obsessed with it. They like to collect a lot of wealth, even if they may never use it. Others have a stronger need for power. Within the clan, elders are at the pinnacle of power, but there are other elders who can restrain them. But outside, especially in the outer regions, with the status of the Epoch Clan elder, one can be a supreme ruler, a local tyrant, in a certain area. There, it is easier to enjoy the satisfaction that power brings."