Chapter Twenty

When Luo Ren arrived at the Luo Family headquarters, he realized just how dire the situation truly was.

The Luo Family had suffered devastating and immeasurable losses this time. When Luo Ren saw the family head, he could hardly believe that this dispirited, decrepit old man was the same decisive leader once acclaimed as the most outstanding head of the Luo Family in two centuries. All his former vigor, confidence, and the intimidating aura that deterred all challengers were now entirely gone. Before Luo Ren stood only an ordinary old man, his spirit utterly broken. Luo Ren knew that anything he said would be pointless now, so he quietly withdrew.

The statistics of the Luo Family’s losses left almost everyone hopeless. The Luo Family had suffered the most severe blow in its history. To stabilize morale, the eldest son resolutely assumed leadership in this time of crisis, restoring some semblance of hope and allowing the family to begin reviving.

All these attacks had come from the Virtual Net, targeting every Luo Family project connected to it. Not only that, but the attacker had also used other forces to launch indirect assaults—all originating from the Virtual Net as well. After the family’s technicians analyzed the events, they concluded that these attacks likely came from a single individual. In other words, the attacker was just one person.

The idea was astonishing. Such a meticulous plan, such complex operations, and the fact that the attacks happened almost simultaneously—did this person possess the power of omnipresence? Few believed such a theory.

The attacker left no clues behind; not even traces of their actions remained. Records showed that at the very first moment of the attack, eighty-nine Grey Domain Leaders and over two hundred technicians entered the Virtual Net, attempting to counter the assault. That number later rose to one hundred fifty-two Grey Domain Leaders and more than four hundred technicians, a testament to the Luo Family’s formidable strength. Even the Ji Family, renowned for their expertise in cybernetics, dared not underestimate them. Yet, despite this, they could not identify the terrifying attacker or even mount an effective defense. All they could do was watch, powerless, as disaster unfolded before their eyes.

Who was this attacker? Why target the Luo Family? Was it vengeance, retribution, or some other purpose? This question troubled Luo Heng, the new family head, more than any other. If the attacker remained unidentified, they must forever fear another sudden assault, jeopardizing the family’s future. Now, every business was inextricably tied to the Virtual Net—this time, the enemy had truly gripped them by the throat.

Many suspected the other three Great Houses, as only they seemed capable of such a feat. But Luo Heng knew this was impossible. The Luo, Yuan, Gu, and Ji Families were all evenly matched; even the Ji Family, with their superior cyber abilities, could not have subdued the Luo Family so completely. The relationships among the four families were complex, with countless intermarriages across generations. They maintained a delicate balance, and a move that would provoke the united opposition of the other three would benefit no one; none of them would be so shortsighted.

Suddenly, the communicator on Luo Heng’s desk rang.

Luo Heng frowned. Hadn’t he instructed them not to disturb him at this hour?

He pressed the connect button, and a translucent screen appeared, but strangely, it displayed nothing. An odd, unidentifiable voice came from the communicator: "A pity that our first meeting cannot be celebrated with a drink—what a shame! Ah, I almost forgot to congratulate you on your rise to family head!"

At last, the adversary revealed himself. Luo Heng’s heart leapt, but he suppressed the urge to call for help. "Who are you? Why attack the Luo Family? What grievance do you have against us?"

The other’s voice held a mocking tone. "You should ask your younger brother about that! To avoid unnecessary trouble, I had no choice but to demonstrate a bit of my strength as a warning!"

Luo Heng cursed Jie Ben inwardly countless times. "Then what do you propose to end this matter?" Their strengths were vastly unequal; even someone as shrewd as Luo Heng had to concede for now.

The other laughed softly. "As I said, it was only a warning. As long as you don’t provoke me again, I have no interest in further entanglement. My suggestion is that you cease all action against me. Of course, it’s only a suggestion. If you’re confident enough, you may ignore it—just be prepared for my counterattack if you do."

This was blatant, undisguised blackmail. Luo Heng cursed inwardly, but he understood that this was, in fact, the best outcome possible. What the Luo Family needed most now was time—to recover and regroup. He replied in a deep voice, "Can I take you at your word?"

The voice replied coolly, "Honesty has always been my virtue."

"Very well. It’s a deal," Luo Heng decided instantly.

A knock sounded at the door.

The voice in the communicator said, "It seems it’s time for me to go. Farewell!" With that, the screen went dark.

"Come in," Luo Heng called coldly.

His assistant entered and bowed. "Master, your rest period is over. Shall I brief you on your next appointments?"

Luo Heng cut him off with a dark expression. "Go and bring Young Master Jie Ben to me!"

***

Mecha Guild, Fa’er Star System.

A tall and a short man were deep in discussion.

The tall one grinned, "Well? Did you watch that YC fellow’s match?"

The short one nodded, "I did."

Tall: "What did you think?"

Short: "His fundamentals are extraordinarily solid. I doubt many could match him on that front."

The tall man was slightly surprised. "Oh? So you think he’s lacking in other areas?"

Short: "He’s not as strong elsewhere, but I have to admit, his growth is truly astonishing."

The tall one clearly agreed. "Indeed, his talent is absolutely first-rate. His future is limitless."

The short man nodded. "Yes."

Tall: "How much chance do you give him of winning?"

Short, with pride: "Within three years, he won’t be my equal."

Tall laughed, "Oh? And after three years?"

Short: "That’ll depend on how he develops. But if he keeps progressing at his current rate, the odds of him surpassing me are very high."

The tall man said quietly, "I suspect they’re starting to notice him as well."

Short: "With such talent, and causing such a stir, it’d be hard for them not to."

Tall: "Do you think he might be chosen?"

Short: "He definitely will."

Tall, surprised: "You’re that certain?"

Short, solemn: "That guy was simply born for mechas."

Tall: "But I’ve heard the guild has no records on him."

Short: "Let them worry about that."

Tall laughed, "True enough!"