Shattered World, Free Exploration Zone, Territory of the Modo Civilization.
"The Soul-Switching Twins have escaped?!"
Lagos was taken aback when he received the remote notification from the military envoy. His expression showed some worry, not so much about the matter itself, but rather about its potential impact on the plan against Black Star.
"Can you capture the Soul-Switching Twins and take them back?"
The military envoy shook his head. "The Shattered Star Ring is not our territory. It's covered by a surveillance network of the Black Star Army and local civilizations. We can't spare any manpower for a large-scale operation. And the target can use the Soul-Switching Device, making their stealth capabilities astounding. So, it's probably impossible to capture them."
"That plan..."
"Don't worry, the plan will proceed as scheduled." The military envoy smiled.
Seeing this, Lagos looked puzzled.
They lost a special Universal Treasure, so why don't the higher-ups seem worried at all?
"You don't seem worried at all?"
The military envoy waved his hand, "It's alright, there's no need to send people to search for them; they'll go back on their own."
"Could it be..." Lagos's expression shifted slightly.
The military envoy straightened his expression and said, "This isn't a top-secret matter. The higher-ups asked me to tell you that you don't need to worry about the Soul-Switching Twins. Proceed with the plan as scheduled. The person in charge of Project Marvel had Beyond Grade A mage secretly plant a trigger-type mental spell trap on the Soul-Switching Twins a long time ago, creating a hidden alternate personality that is completely loyal to the Modo Civilization. Once activated, they will obediently return on their own."
"I see..." Lagos nodded subconsciously, but then frowned again. "But if that's the case, why not strip the Soul-Switching Twins of their independent consciousness and control them directly? Why take the risk?"
The military envoy dismissed the matter, saying, "Controlling the Soul-Switching Twins is simple. No matter how strange they are, they're just low- to mid-level superhumans. But do you think the Marvell Project has been running for so many years without any experiments? We've tried almost every method you can think of."
However, the results showed that the Soul-Switching Twins could only use the Soul-Switching Device's abilities when the Twin Souls possessed completely independent consciousness. Any attempt to manipulate Soul-Switching Twins bodies to use the Soul-Switching Device was futile, even with simple brainwashing; the Soul-Switching Device would no longer recognize their eligibility to use it. Therefore, we could only proceed with semi-forced use, as we are doing now.
"Why is this happening?" Lagos asked curiously.
"How would I know? It looks like the Soul-Switching Device has its eye on the Soul-Switching Twins. It's probably related to the mysteries of the soul, very superstitious. It's precisely because it's illogical that we classify the Soul-Switching Device as Cosmic Wonder. If we could figure out why, there wouldn't be any need for the Soul-Switching Twins..." The military envoy snorted. "Although they are strange, they are quite weak and not much of a threat. It's only because they can use the power of the Soul-Switching Device that people are so wary of them, just like a child holding a gun."
"Understood." Lagos nodded.
"Well, it's good that you understand the situation. In short, you don't need to worry about the Soul-Switching Twins ' problem. Just take care of Black Star."
After saying this, the military envoy cut off the communication, and the screen went black.
Lagos closed the virtual screen, let out a breath, felt slightly relieved, and a smile appeared on his face.
Although there was a slight mishap, in his view, the most important thing was that the plan against Black Star proceeded smoothly.
In a Desolate Universe Belt the Shattered Star Ring, a secret resource outpost belonging to the Modo Civilization is under attack by the Black Star Legion Armament fleet; lasers crisscross the landscape, and flames erupt everywhere.
The battlefield footage was transmitted via quantum network channel to the main control room of the base in the Thousand Lights Star System, where Iso and a group of cadres were remotely monitoring the battle.
The battle depicted in the scene ended shortly afterward. The Black Star Army fleet annihilated all enemies, captured the stronghold, and was collecting the spoils of war.
"Excellent! We've destroyed another secret stronghold of the Modo Civilization!" Nero, who was watching from a distance, laughed. "This is all thanks to Lord Iso's accurate prediction, which helped us locate the enemy's base."
With their superiors taking the lead, the cadres present all spoke up, praising Iso.
"It's nothing," Iso said dismissively, waving his hand.
"Haha, credit is credit, you don't need to be modest. I'll have someone bring you back immediately and treat you to a good meal," Nero asked with a smile.
"I plan to wander around outside for a bit; I won't go back to headquarters yet," Iso shook his head.
Nero was taken aback. "So how long are you planning to stay outside?"
"About a month."
"So long?!" Nero hesitated for a moment. "I still suggest you come back as soon as possible; there might be a new mission..."
"Why are you spouting so much nonsense? Don't I even have the right to go out and relax? Are you treating me like a tool?"
"Uh, that's not what I meant."
Iso narrowed his eyes and said calmly, "Also, withdraw these troops and bodyguards. I don't like being disturbed when I'm taking a break."
"This..." Nero looked troubled. "I can't just remove them. What if something unexpected happens?"
Bang!
Iso slammed his fist on the table and roared, "What? Do I need your protection? These people are following me so closely, I bet they're spying on me! I'm telling you, get these people out of here, or I'm heading back to Dragon Calm right now. What kind of relationship do I have with Black Star? Who are you to tell me what to do?"
Nero's expression froze, a hint of annoyance creeping over him.
This old man used to be so easy to get along with, what's wrong with him today? He's acting like he's on fire. Is he on his period?
Despite his annoyance, Nero didn't dare to contradict Iso. After all, Iso was there to help, representing Dragon Calm, not as his subordinate. Moreover, Iso was an elder, both Dragon Emperor's adoptive father and his godfather's friend, so he couldn't do anything.
The person didn't want to go back to headquarters, and he couldn't persuade them otherwise. He couldn't just kidnap them and take them back, otherwise even if his godfather didn't blame him, he wouldn't be able to explain it to Aunt Ames.
Nero swallowed his anger and forced a smile. "Since you prefer peace and quiet, I'll tell the guards not to follow you closely."
That's more like it.
Iso glanced at the surrounding officials and casually spoke:
"You all heard that?"
While the two were arguing, everyone in the room stopped what they were doing and fell silent. When they heard Iso's words, they could only nod in response.
"Alright, that's settled then. I'm going back to my room now." Iso gave a faint "hmm," put his hands behind his back, and turned to walk away.
As Iso's the Sight of Father's Back disappeared from sight, the expressions on the faces of many people in the room turned rather grim.
"Who does this old man think he is, so arrogant?" A Calamity Grade bodyguard frowned. "If it weren't for the Legion's orders, would I want to protect him?"
"Exactly, this guy really doesn't know what's good for him." Another person also expressed considerable dissatisfaction.
"Alright, alright, that's enough. He's still my elder, after all. Maybe he's just in a bad mood today. If he doesn't want to, then don't force him." Nero frowned slightly, gave a few instructions, and hung up the call.
To be honest, he had considered reporting it to Han Xiao, but then he thought that Iso had just done a good job, but his attitude towards him was a little bad. If he were to complain, it would be like crying to his parents over a minor setback. His godfather wanted him to be able to stand on his own, and doing so might disappoint his godfather.
"I'm not angry... I'm not angry..."
In the headquarters office, Nero muttered to himself, and indeed, he felt his mood gradually calm down, and he began to feel a sense of Zen, as if he had grasped some special trick to staying calm.
"Godfather! Something's happened!!"
More than half a month later, Han Xiao, who was staying at the Black Star Palace in the Shattered World, received a message from Nero. He was startled by Nero's loud voice as soon as he answered the call.
"Calm down, what's going on?" Han Xiao moved the communicator away a little and casually picked at his ear with his pinky finger.
"Oh no, Iso is missing!" Nero said anxiously.
Han Xiao paused, raising an eyebrow slightly. "What do you mean by 'disappeared'?"
"He's just gone missing! We don't know where he's gone, we can't find him anywhere."
"Didn't you send someone to follow him? How did he manage to get lost?" Han Xiao asked curiously.
"I..."
Nero, sounding annoyed, recounted what had happened. Because Iso had shown aversion to the bodyguard, the bodyguard hadn't been following him closely for a while, so as not to disturb Iso's relaxation. However, while resting on a city-state planet, the bodyguard discovered that Iso had disappeared.
"Oh, and they also found a video message Iso left in the room."
"What did the old man say?"
"He said it was a message specifically for you, to remind you of our recent agreement." Nero played the video again; it was exactly the same.
Having figured out the whole story, Han Xiao stroked his chin, his expression quite subtle.
About a month ago, when Han Xiao was chatting with Iso, Iso mentioned that he was planning to take the opportunity to leave the Shattered Star Ring and continue his travels, and made a tacit agreement with him. Han Xiao immediately thought that this was the reason for Iso's disappearance, and that the old man was leaving.
But then Han Xiao thought about it again and felt that something was not right.
'That's strange. The old man clearly promised to help me and leave only after the Super Star Cluster Alliance matter was over. Wouldn't it be breaking his promise to leave now? Could it be that he couldn't hold back any longer?'
Han Xiao's thoughts shifted slightly, but he didn't show it on his face. He simply nodded to Nero and said:
"Okay, I'll handle this. Don't worry about it for now."
"I... sigh, okay." Nero hesitated, wanting to defend himself, but gave up after a pause, sighed dejectedly, and hung up the call.
Han Xiao straightened up from the recliner, his eyes shifting, and tapped the table lightly with his fingers twice. Suddenly, he pulled Phillip out of the quantum vision.
"Master, what are you doing?"
"Get me Iso's activity records for the past month."
Although Han Xiao suspected that Iso might have run away on his own initiative, it was still better to investigate carefully at this time.
Phillip quickly found the records, Han Xiao closed his eyes, rapidly reviewing them in his mind.
"Hmm, seems fine. Just over ten days ago, he accomplished a great feat by destroying a secret stronghold of the Modo Civilization. That seems normal..."
Han Xiao muttered to himself.
These records seemed normal at first glance, but he had a strange intuition that something was amiss.
Beyond Grade A intuition is usually quite accurate, and coupled with the dangerous premonition Iso had mentioned some time ago, he couldn't help but have a bad feeling.
"No, we still need to ask him to verify this."
Originally, his agreement with Iso was only a symbolic pursuit, secretly letting him go. If he really captured Iso, given the previous experience, Ames would definitely be on guard and keep a close watch on him, Iso probably wouldn't be able to escape again.
However, just to be on the safe side, Han Xiao decided to bring Iso back for questioning... Anyway, since the old man broke his promise first, even if he was wrong, it wouldn't be a loss for him.
Once he made up his mind, Han Xiao gave Nero an order, instructing him to command the forces of the Shattered Star Ring to search for Iso's whereabouts with all their might.
Immediately afterwards, Han Xiao stood up, strode out of the room, and made his way to a private laboratory.
Inside the laboratory was a semi-transparent hibernation chamber, where the sleeping Lodi was imprisoned. Surrounding him were Information State restraint devices, which were the incomplete transformation of the Child of Destiny.
"Old Iso's prophecies are incredibly accurate. If he's determined to escape, unless Nero, Fording, and the others personally intervene, it won't be easy for his subordinates to capture him. However, I now have some reliable prophetic talents at my disposal..."
Han Xiao smiled inwardly.
Previously, he was just a fake "prophet" who could only rely on metaphysics and luck to catch Iso. This time it's different; he now has a genuine master prophet in his hands.
Prophets can see multiple possibilities for the future. When they compete, the situation can be roughly summarized as "I predicted what you predicted, and I predicted what you predicted." Whoever can better predict the future will have the upper hand.
Although Lodi has only undergone half of the transformation and has difficulty subjectively controlling his abilities, and the themes of his prophecies are mostly random, given the unique nature of the Child of Destiny, he should be able to hold his own against Iso for a while.
Han Xiao operated the hibernation pod for a few moments, and soon Lodi woke up. He opened his eyes blankly, and it took him a while to come to his senses. When he saw Han Xiao outside the pod, he shrank back and weakly said:
"Lord Black Star?"
"You're awake." Han Xiao opened the warehouse door and smiled, "I need your help with something; I need to borrow your prophetic abilities."
"Huh? But I can't control this ability yet." Lodi was a little flustered.
"Just do your best... Remember that old man who could also see you? The tall, thin one, the one who spoke up for you."
"I remember." Lodi nodded repeatedly. He had met Iso before and had a deep impression of him, so the memory was still fresh.
"That guy is playing hide-and-seek with me. I need to find him. Keep repeating his name in your mind, then touch my body to try and trigger a prophecy related to him."
"What if we don't receive any prophecies?" Lodi asked tentatively.
Han Xiao smiled, but his tone left no room for doubt.
"Then keep trying until you succeed!"
Upon hearing this, Lodi immediately shuddered.
He is still unable to control his prophetic abilities, needs to interact with people, and will inevitably fall into a coma. When he wakes up, he will be extremely weak, which is not a pleasant experience.
At that moment, Han Xiao's smile seemed like a devil in his eyes.
Are you ready?
"Okay... okay."
Lodi knew he had no choice but to swallow hard, frantically chanting Iso's name in his mind, hoping he could perform exceptionally well and succeed on his first try.
He reached out his hand shakily and touched Han Xiao's arm.
The moment he was touched, Lodi trembled violently as if he had been electrocuted; to an uninformed person, it would have looked like he was doing a vibrating dance.
"Ah!"
A few seconds later, he suddenly let out a short cry, his eyes rolled back, and he fell backward to the ground, unconscious.
Han Xiao, unfazed, took out a vial of emerald green injection from his pocket and gave Lodi an injection.
The fact that Han Xiao can now observe Lodi means that he can make actual contact with him. The reason Lodi fainted is that he, as an ordinary person, cannot afford the loss of his abilities. Taking some relevant medicine can speed up his awakening... This is the result that Han Xiao came to after conducting more than ten experiments.
Sure enough, not long after, Lodi's eyelashes fluttered, and he slowly opened his eyes. His blurry vision cleared again, and he saw Han Xiao's burly figure half-squatting in front of him, his burning gaze fixed on him.
Tell me, what did you see?
Lodi shrank back in fear, recalling the scene from his dream. He glanced at Han Xiao's expression and cautiously said:
"I... I saw you and a woman in a black dress caught up in a war, countless warships exploding at your hands, and a corpse lying at your feet..."
"A corpse?" Han Xiao was taken aback, memories of his past life flooding his mind. He subconsciously asked, "Iso's?"
"Yes, it's his."
Han Xiao narrowed his eyes slightly.
In his previous life, it was because of Iso's death that the Dragon Emperor lost control and committed acts of massacre, violating the peace treaty between advanced civilizations in the universe. As a result, he was besieged and eventually disappeared, his fate unknown.
Is this the convergence of world lines? Or is it for some reason I don't know?
"This is interesting. I have a feeling someone's plotting something behind the scenes..."
Han Xiao stood with his arms crossed, scratching his stubble with his middle finger, seemingly lost in thought.