"Is this him?"
Gronov Rutov made a tactical gesture, requesting confirmation of the target.
Although the true decisive battle had yet to begin, and they knew little about the Inhumans' reconnaissance technology, abilities, or classifications, Gronov Rutov still followed orders. Guided by maps drawn by micro-drones and intelligence supplied by spies, he led his squad deep into Attilan's main urban district for more precise reconnaissance—though he had noticed that these Mutants all seemed to be gathering toward the city center, not every Mutant was qualified to enter the shelters. Under the watchful eyes of these shadows, everything endured by Attilan's lower classes was recorded, to be uploaded as research material once the reconnaissance mission ended and communications were restored—though Attilan ostensibly treated its Inhumans quite equally, and most Inhumans did not need to work and could pursue what they liked or excelled at, it was certain that some form of social stratification existed within Inhuman society.
The existence of clans meant this society needed to determine status through strength of ability, and that strength largely came from Genetic Mutation. Even among the Civilian Clans, where Genetic Mutation was highly random, the royal family's ties to the Gene Research Institute could still create stable classes ranked by ability. Coupled with the widespread practice of Eugenics in Attilan, Inhumans who could not mutate, whose mutations produced abilities that were too weak, or whose mutations resulted in disabilities would undoubtedly become the bottom rung of society. The "ineffective genes" in the Gene Council's eyes could only combine with other "ineffective genes," producing more "untouchables."
Gronov Rutov's mission had come from the very highest level.
The Emperor had pulled him from the front lines solely to have him and his squad carry out a top-secret mission. The squad knew only that they would be