Chapter 44
Brother-in-law: Angry.jpg
Through a short corridor of just over ten meters, two groups stood facing each other, the air thick with the smell of gunpowder.
Yang Xiaodao was puzzled, but the sensitive intuition of the young beast allowed him to pick up a sense of danger from Cameron and his group, prompting him to instinctively take a step forward.
Immediately, Bai Sheng, without even turning his head, silently reached back and restrained him, implying that he should stay still and not move.
The International Supervision General Administration had already fallen into the hands of the evolutionists, but in contrast, the Security Council had always been on the side of humanity. In preparation for future warfare against the evolutionists, the Security Council had been conducting clandestine research on the HRG program, hoping to create a human army with extraordinary abilities.
However, for reasons unknown, despite having top scientists from multiple countries, the Security Council had made no progress with the HRG program. They couldn’t even replicate the same serum that Shen Zhuo possessed.
Without the serum, they couldn’t resist the evolutionists. Therefore, they had been eagerly hoping to get Shen Zhuo but were held back by Nielsen’s authority. Now that Nielsen had fallen, it was an opportunity they couldn’t miss. It wasn’t surprising that they rushed to Shenhai, but they hadn’t expected them to arrive so soon.
“Do you have any evidence to suggest that I am still conducting the HRG program?” Shen Zhuo seemed somewhat surprised but remained very polite. “May I ask what does the so-called evidence mean…”
—There was no evidence at all. Shen Zhuo’s continued research on HRG in Shenhai was an open secret; everyone tacitly understood it. Otherwise, where did he get all those inexhaustible serums of extraordinary ability?
But Cameron’s smile lines remained unchanged. This person always had a diplomat’s smooth and disdainful demeanor, regardless of the situation. “I’m sorry, but before the Security Council’s inquiry process begins, you have no right to demand that we disclose any evidence.”
Shen Zhuo frowned in embarrassment. “I am one of the top ten permanent supervisors worldwide, protected and restricted by the security regulations of the International Supervision General Administration. Without conclusive reasons, I cannot leave my jurisdiction without proper authorization. I apologize for the inconvenience of cooperating with you all.”
Cameron took a deep breath without saying a word, and his secretary immediately understood and interjected, “Supervisor Shen, please understand. After all, the HRG laboratory is tangible evidence right in front of us…”
Shen Zhuo looked surprised, “This laboratory?”
The secretary said, “Yes.”
Shen Zhuo gestured toward Bai Sheng beside him and said, “This is Mr. Bai’s generous donation to the Shenhai City Hospital laboratory for his in-depth research on his doctoral thesis topic, ‘The Influence of Innate Comprehensive Judgment and Binary Opposition Ideology on Male Voluntary Sterilization’. May I ask if you have any evidence linking male voluntary sterilization to HRG?”
The facial muscles of everyone twitched slightly, and inexplicable gazes were cast from all directions.
Bai Sheng: “…”
While it might have seemed humorous to others, it was a different matter for Cameron’s secretary. He almost lost control of his expression, “Supervisor Shen, I understand your sentiment, but please don’t joke. We all recognize the device behind you as the Superhuman Gene Ecological Simulation Box—”
Bang!
A gunshot rang out, harsh and precise, shattering the experimental equipment into fragments, leaving everyone stunned in an instant.
Shen Zhuo withdrew the gun without looking back, smiling as he gazed at the secretary, whose face turned pale: “What simulation box?”
“…” The secretary was in disbelief. “You can’t do this. All of us saw it with our own eyes…”
“Is that so?” Shen Zhuo gently interrupted, raising the gun with one hand and aiming at the secretary’s right eye. “Whose eyes saw it?”
There was an almost suffocating silence, with the secretary’s pupils dilated in horror, reflecting the icy barrel of Shen Zhuo’s gun from more than ten meters away.
In the next moment, Cameron’s bodyguards rushed forward, hastily pulling the stumbling secretary back. “Supervisor Shen! Calm down!” “Supervisor Shen!” “Put down the gun! Stay calm!!”
Cameron raised his hand to signal the bodyguards to drag the secretary away. He smoothed his suit, stepped forward, and approached Shen Zhuo.
He disregarded the dozens of submachine guns pointed at him, capable of turning him into a sieve. As he passed by, the captain of the guard instinctively wanted to shoot, but without Shen Zhuo’s command from behind, he suppressed the urge to pull the trigger, staring helplessly as this foreigner stepped through the fan-shaped firepower of the guards, standing alone in front of Shen Zhuo.
Cameron was only half an inch taller than him, with a slightly hooked nose, facing directly at the barrel of Shen Zhuo’s gun. His gray-green eyes were cold and arrogant, unabashedly scrutinizing the Chief Supervisor of Shenhai City twenty-three years later:
“The world won’t always operate according to your expectations, Shen Zhuo.”
To everyone’s surprise, Cameron spoke fluent and smooth Chinese from the moment he opened his mouth, without even a hint of an accent.
“After being scared off by several assassination attempts, the data simulation was stopped. After experiencing one explosion, the entire HRG project was shelved. After being kidnapped and roughed up a few times, you couldn’t wait to escape the research institute and run to Shenhai. Weak, cowardly, naive, always expecting to be protected, thinking that as long as HRG stagnates, the fragile status quo can be maintained, believing that as long as humans live in the shadow of Damocles’ sword, they can peacefully coexist with the evolutionists.”
“Under the deluge, the shelter built with honey will eventually melt away. Both humans and evolutionists, these two groups of ants, will die. Don’t you understand such a simple truth?”
“…” Shen Zhuo narrowed his eyes, staring at the gray-green pupils in front of him.
A glimpse of knowing light flashed through his consciousness, but it was just a momentary illusion.
“Peaceful coexistence is unrealistic, Shen Zhuo. Since ancient times, the reproduction of organisms has inevitably followed a law, which is that the member with the highest intelligence within the population has the responsibility to determine the direction forward. Therefore, we must make choices for the two groups of ants.”
Cameron’s nose was pointed directly at the barrel, seeming convinced that Shen Zhuo wouldn’t dare to pull the trigger. His tone was soft yet filled with mockery: “Stop hiding in Shenhai like a weak and beautiful little princess. Come back with me to the Security Council’s research institute and continue the HRG project. Who knows, perhaps the group of ants that survive in the future will erect a monument for you in the United Nations Square, then express their gratitude and lay a pile of flowers in front of it, in case you would be moved to tears by that kind of thing.”
Expressions varied on everyone’s faces, but the scene was quiet enough to hear a pin drop.
Upon closer observation, one would notice the researchers of HRG trying to conceal their terror, with the research director’s gaze trembling, constantly shifting between Shen Zhuo and Cameron.
The barrel in Shen Zhuo’s hand remained still, as he scrutinized Cameron from head to toe. After a while, he finally spoke, each word clear and distinct:
“…Before I pull the trigger, may I ask your name one last time?”
At that moment, the members of the Security Council were all greatly shaken: “No!” “Stop!” “Don’t!”
However, Cameron didn’t even blink, maintaining his usual aloof demeanor. He casually replied, “Elton Cameron.”
Shen Zhuo said, “Okay.” Then, with a click, he chambered a round, his index finger unhesitatingly pulling the trigger. Bang!
“No!” “He shot!!” “Mr. Cameron—”
The shocked screams abruptly ceased, leaving Cameron standing still without a single movement, with a bullet grazing his cheek.
The bullet passed by Cameron’s face, accurately knocking away the gun of a Security Council guard who had just drawn it behind him!
The members of the Security Council were frozen in place, their faces contorted in disbelief. The scene suddenly became quite ludicrous.
There was a muffled thud as the guard’s knees softened, and he knelt on the ground.
“Mr. Cameron,” Shen Zhuo smiled as he holstered his gun, and those who listened carefully could detect that the arrogance in his tone was subtly similar to Cameron: “I don’t know why your esteemed Security Council has such a gross misunderstanding of itself, but allow me to generously point out: At least I have honey, while your HRG research has produced nothing, utterly worthless, nothing but a joke.”
“…”
“You all hope to get me like hungry dogs hoping for a bone. The correct approach is to kneel on the ground and crawl towards me, hoping that I might deign to give you a scrap of meat when I’m in a good mood, instead of running up to me and barking about choices and responsibilities.”
Cameron stared at Shen Zhuo expressionlessly, while Shen Zhuo, still smiling politely, made a gesture of invitation:
“Now, please leave Shenhai quietly and politely like prodigal dogs, or else I’ll erect a monument for you in the Shenhai City cemetery and lay a pile of flowers in front of it, in case your spirits are moved to tears in the afterlife.”
Cameron took a deep breath and reached into his trouser pocket.
Logically, he might have wanted to slap Shen Zhuo, but it was also possible that he only wanted to pinch the bridge of his nose in restraint—however, he didn’t have the chance to do either. Because Bai Sheng instantly shielded Shen Zhuo with one hand, staring at Cameron regretfully with a “I advise you not to” look while snapping his fingers with the other hand.
Thud! Thud! Thud!
There was a dull sound of heavy objects falling behind him. Cameron abruptly turned around to see the dozen or so bodyguards he brought with him all kneeling on the ground, struggling involuntarily:
“My, my body feels so heavy!” “What’s going on?!” “My knees, my knees…”
“Regional gravity, a harmless little ability,” Bai Sheng smiled, explaining to Cameron, raising a finger in suggestion, “You can still crawl back to the car using your hands and knees.”
“…” Cameron’s eyes, as cold as glass shards, stared at Bai Sheng, mentally marking a huge cross against him, but he didn’t show it. Instead, he turned to Shen Zhuo, emphasizing his words one last time:
“I can provide you with an absolutely safe environment to complete the HRG project, but you just want to stay in Shenhai and continue being a supervisor?”
Shen Zhuo said coldly, “Bai Sheng.”
Bai Sheng stood in front of Shen Zhuo, “Hmm?”
“If he speaks one more word, make him crawl back to the car on his knees.”
Bai Sheng made a snapping gesture to Cameron, with a slight raise of his eyebrows, indicating that he heard it.
Not far behind, his assistant’s trembling and subtle reminder were very clear: “Mr. Cameron…”
It seemed impossible to start directly with Shen Zhuo. Perhaps he was too comfortable in Shenhai, or perhaps he had developed resentment toward the Security Council after being subjected to vigilante torture. In any case, at present, the chances of getting him to voluntarily cooperate seem very slim.
But that’s okay.
They could go back to the Security Council first and use other means to force the International Supervision General Administration to hand over Shen Zhuo. Although it would take some effort and incur more losses, the International Supervision General Administration, without the Wolf of Odin, would surely fall into chaos, and the Security Council could still achieve its goals.
Cameron stood straight, his gray-green pupils narrowing into a very dangerous shape, reflecting Shen Zhuo’s calm face.
Everyone thought he would leave at this point, but after a long silence, Cameron slowly spoke:
“Your… parents.”
Bai Sheng was about to snap his fingers to make him kneel down, but he paused at the words.
Shen Zhuo squinted almost imperceptibly.
“No, to be precise, your parents and the first batch of core members of the institute died for HRG.”
Cameron had switched to German, speaking in a low voice: “To kill a demon from a distant extraterrestrial civilization.”
Due to Nielsen’s German-Norwegian heritage, many people at the International Supervision General Administration speak German. However, almost no one here could understand, not even Bai Sheng, who couldn’t help but raise his eyebrows, subconsciously glancing at Shen Zhuo.
Shen Zhuo’s eyes, as cold as a deep pool, showed no emotion, only using German to ask back, “Who are you?”
“If you want to know about the incident back then, come to New York before the International Supervision General Administration’s election.”
Cameron paused, looking down at Shen Zhuo from the corner of his eye, “But if you don’t show up, I’ll assume you’re sticking to your own views and attempting to claim credit for the achievements of HRG… Then I will have to take stronger measures against you and Nielsen.”
Stepping back half a step, he said no more and turned to walk toward the Security Council’s entourage.
At that moment, there seemed to be a hint of hesitation in Shen Zhuo’s eyes, but at that moment, the sound of approaching winds suddenly came from above, and a large helicopter quickly descended onto the rooftop of the hospital.
Bai Sheng turned to look at Shen Zhuo, and both of them realized what was happening. Shortly after, hurried footsteps echoed from the safety corridor at the end of the hallway, followed by a loud bang as the door opened—revealing Nielsen, surrounded by his subordinates!
The Wolf of Odin was covered in blood, with a pale face and a distinct smell of rust that could be sensed from more than ten meters away. His gray eyes glinted with cold light, staring straight at his archenemy, his mouth curled in a hoarse and mocking smile:
“Quick hands, Cameron. Did you really think I was dead?”
Cameron raised his eyebrows in slight surprise, then smiled.
“It’s really great to see you alive, my dear old friend!” He exclaimed with genuine warmth and nostalgia, applauding sincerely. “I’ve been thinking about how the International Supervision General Administration’s election in three months wouldn’t be the same without you. Fantastic! The problem is finally solved! I’ll definitely come find you for a drink on election day!”
“Get out of Shenhai immediately,” Nielsen said coldly, “Don’t make me act right now.”
Shen Zhuo discreetly pulled down Bai Sheng’s sleeve from behind with two fingers.
With their intelligence, they didn’t need words. Bai Sheng warmly clasped his hands together, his face filled with a farewell as warm and sincere as Cameron’s: “Great, then Supervisor Shen and I won’t see you off. We’ll have a drink together next time we meet. Goodbye!”
With a clap of his hands, the regional gravity ability was lifted.
The dozen or so guards forced to kneel on the ground finally felt the pressure ease. Overjoyed, they scrambled to their feet and hastily retreated.
Cameron might actually go for that drink with Nielsen, but facing Bai Sheng’s smiling facade, he seemed on edge. From his expression, he probably wanted to grab that arrogant silver hair on Bai Sheng’s head and force-feed him a bottle of poison.
With a nonchalant snort from his nostrils, Cameron led his men into the elevator, not even bothering to look back as the blast-proof alloy doors closed behind him, departing from the underground laboratory.
The tense atmosphere relaxed instantly. Then the next moment:
“—Director-General!”
After Nielsen drove Cameron away, the tension was released, and he slumped down.
Before his panicked subordinates would rush to assist him, Bai Sheng had disappeared from where he stood and reappeared at Nielsen’s side, extending a hand to support him accurately.
“What happened, Director-General?” Bai Sheng’s expression at this moment was identical to Cameron’s just now, even the caring gaze seemed directly copied and pasted.
Nielsen’s current mood mirrored Cameron’s as well. If he had a bottle of poison, he might not be able to resist taking action. But first, he couldn’t conjure up any poison, and second, he couldn’t beat this bastard surnamed Bai right now. He gritted his teeth, swallowing a mouthful of blood, and managed to stand up, ignoring Bai Sheng’s friendly assistance:
“It’s nothing. Just a minor injury, still recovering. It’s inevitable that I’m feeling a bit dizzy.”
Shen Zhuo hurried forward. Nielsen, ignoring Bai Sheng’s attempt at assistance, turned to Shen Zhuo and began, “—That man called Cameron just now…”
“The Security Council may have privately restarted the HRG project, but progress has been difficult. They’re trying to force me to produce the research results on HRG gene interferon from the research institute. To achieve this, Cameron might confront you during the upcoming election.” Shen Zhuo’s tone was calm and frank, as if there were no hidden agendas. “I believe the Security Council’s next target is to remove you from the position of Director-General of the International Supervision General Administration.”
Nielsen hesitated, then asked, “Then…”
“I’m on your side.”
As if the stern rebuke on the phone call had never happened, Shen Zhuo reached out his hand proactively, looking directly at Nielsen. “Cameron’s plan won’t succeed. You will definitely remain the Director-General of the General Administration in the next term.”
Nielsen’s suspended breath finally loosened, but as he looked into Shen Zhuo’s serene eyes, a complex and unwilling feeling slowly spread in his heart.
He couldn’t help but murmur, “Shen Zhuo, I…”
Shen Zhuo interrupted him, expressing concern, “Your health is not good. Let me escort you to the plane.”
Nielsen could keenly feel a strong and understated gaze beside him—it was Bai Sheng.
The struggle for dominance among alpha wolves in mating often involves fierce and brutal tactics, where any cruel means are permitted and any bloody scene may occur.
Nielsen knew he had completely lost the upper hand. With a slight movement of his throat, he forcibly suppressed all his unwillingness and reached out to shake hands with Shen Zhuo.
“Alright.”
***
Nielsen’s helicopter was actually dispatched urgently by Chen Miao. He had to rush back to Basel, Switzerland, so he would first took this helicopter to fly to Shenhai Airport and then transfer to his own Gulfstream G550 back to the International Supervision General Administration.
The rooftop terrace was howling with strong winds. Chu Yan might have been discovered tipping off; she stood there with an innocent and timid face, twisting her fingers. Several International Supervision General Administration inspectors were staring at her suspiciously.
Shen Zhuo gave a signal to the accompanying Shui Ronghua with his eyes. The female doctor immediately understood, reached out, and hugged Chu Yan, then took a few steps back toward the Shenhai City Supervision Office. The people from the International Supervision General Administration seemed to want to stop them but didn’t dare.
“That Rong Qi is just temporarily lying low. I’m afraid he will soon make a comeback.” Nielsen said in a low voice, standing in front of the open helicopter door. “The ‘Tyrant’ can neutralize the abilities of evolutionists, turning them into ordinary people, but the neutralization limit only goes up to S. Part of Rong Qi’s abilities have already reached beyond S, so even if the ‘Tyrant’ is activated to its limit, he can still retain some power.”
“So far, the ‘Tyrant’ has been weakening him, but I’m not sure if he can continue to evolve. If his power further increases, the consequences will be very terrible. We must find him as soon as possible.”
Shen Zhuo replied succinctly, “I understand.”
Nielsen politely nodded to Bai Sheng and turned to board the plane, but Shen Zhuo remembered something: “By the way, did Rong Qi leave any words before leaving?”
Previously, Chu Yan described in detail when she informed them that Rong Qi said something to Nielsen before retreating into the spatial tunnel, but she couldn’t hear it clearly due to the distance.
In fact, Shen Zhuo just casually asked, but Nielsen’s movements froze for a moment.
“…No.” The Director General averted his gaze, masking his expression as he pulled the corners of his mouth. “He didn’t say anything.”
“…”
Shen Zhuo and Bai Sheng exchanged a glance, both knowing what was implied but remaining composed.
“Well then, see you at the re-election voting assembly.” Nielsen nodded farewell for the last time, refraining from further words, and turned to board the helicopter.
The rotor began to spin, and soon the helicopter lifted off the ground, growing smaller in the high sky as it flew toward Shenhai Airport in the distance.
“…What is he hiding?” On the rooftop terrace, Bai Sheng held Shen Zhuo with one hand while stroking his chin with the other, lost in thought. “Could it be that Rong Qi humiliated him severely before fleeing?”
One’s head can be severed, and blood can flow, but the humiliation from someone of the same gender is absolutely intolerable. The thought patterns of an S-class male were vividly displayed here, and Shen Zhuo couldn’t help but chuckle.
“By the way, what did Cameron say to you in German?” Bai Sheng suddenly remembered, pulling Shen Zhuo into his embrace with vigilance. “That guy acted all high and mighty; he didn’t say anything sensitive to you, did he? Why did he specifically switch to German?”
Shen Zhuo pressed two fingers against his chest, reluctantly creating some distance between them, and mocked, “I thought being proficient in German was basic for philosophy majors.”
“…”
For a rare moment, Bai Sheng’s expression turned blank, and then he struggled to justify himself: “I was just confirming. I could understand what he said about mom… dad… and the institute accident…”
“He said my parents died in an incident during the HRG research years ago, so HRG isn’t solely my achievement. I can’t claim it as my own,” Shen Zhuo said lightly. “It’s almost like a threat, wanting me to cooperate with the Security Council.”
Bai Sheng appeared flippant on the surface, but he was actually very tactful in social matters, especially when it concerned the other party’s parents. He surreptitiously glanced at Shen Zhuo’s composed expression and casually cleared his throat after a while, seemingly nonchalant:
“So… back then, you…”
“I was only six years old that year; I hardly remember anything,” Shen Zhuo said. “The doctors said the shock was quite severe.”
Bai Sheng nodded silently with an “Oh…”.
Then, after pondering for a moment, he recalled Shen Zhuo’s previous statement in the hospital ward about the HRG project started 30 years ago, primarily for optimizing human genes and prolonging human life. He furrowed his brow again:
“But your parents’ HRG research back then had nothing to do with evolution. Nowadays, the development of superpower-enhancing drugs is led by you. How can that guy with the surname ‘Ca’ say it’s not solely your achievement? Isn’t that moral blackmail?”
“…”
The rooftop was howling with strong winds, blowing Shen Zhuo’s dark hair and obscuring his expression for a moment.
But that was just a fleeting detail.
“Yeah,” Shen Zhuo chuckled and averted his gaze. “So, there’s no need to pay attention to that person.”
The sky was dim, stretching endlessly.
Looking down from the rooftop of the hospital, the multitude of people flowed incessantly, with Cameron and others already completely disappearing into the distant stream of traffic.
“Your parents and the first batch of key personnel in the research institute all died for HRG…”
“…to kill that demon from a distant extraterrestrial civilization.”
Gazing through the vast emptiness, Shen Zhuo squinted slightly.
“…Hey, isn’t that the kid?”
“So pitiful, both parents died in that accident, leaving only him…”
“I heard he has a half-brother from the same mother but a different father, but he disappeared, probably dead too!…”
“It’s so eerie, did you guys hear? When the accident happened, everyone went berserk like possessed by demons; everyone was killing each other, and the kid’s mother, before dying, was trying to kill him!”
“Wow, really?”
“No way. What kind of mother tries to kill her own child before dying?”
…
“What nonsense are you all talking about here?!” A stern reprimand exploded suddenly:
“Stop discussing that child’s matters, understand?! Everyone, go review the confidentiality regulations!”
The murmurs scattered into the wind, leaving no trace behind.
…
Nine-year-old little Shen Zhuo resembled a child carved from white jade, his eyes as pure and hollow as black agate, reflecting the vast and dim sky above the hospital rooftop.
“…It’s not easy. He can finally leave the hospital today. The custody of this child will belong to the research institute from now on. I hope he can grow up healthy and safe…”
“Yes, indeed. We don’t expect much from him, as long as he can go to school and study like a normal child…”
Little Shen Zhuo stood at the hospital gate, looking up at the elderly, gray-haired dean of the research institute. His voice, which had not spoken for many years, still sounded a bit hoarse but tender and innocent:
“Will Mom still come to the security floor to see me?”
There seemed to be a hint of sadness in the kind eyes of the old man. After a while, he crouched down, smiled at the child in front of him, and said, “There is no security floor anymore.”
Little Shen Zhuo nodded, seeming to understand something, then asked again, “Mom, does she love me?”
“…”
After a long silence, the old dean gently touched the child’s soft black hair and smiled in response, “How could a mother not love her child?”
Little Shen Zhuo pursed his lips, lowered his head, and his bangs covered the clearly defined eyelashes.
The old dean looked at the young orphan in front of him, gently caressing his forehead with warm hands, hesitating several times before finally asking, “Xiao Zhuo, do you remember if you ever saw shadows in the security floor that others couldn’t see? Or heard voices that others couldn’t hear, trying to communicate with you?”
Little Shen Zhuo raised his head in confusion.
“It doesn’t have to be a humanoid shadow; it could be any shape, appearing on surfaces like mirrors, water, or any reflective object observing the Earth and humans. It seems particularly interested in you; maybe only you could see it in the whole house… Do you remember?”
Faced with the old man’s eager gaze, little Shen Zhuo shook his head perplexedly.
“…”
The old dean sighed disappointedly.
“Yes,” he murmured, “the shock you experienced was too great; you’ve completely lost your memory.”
Seeming somewhat guilty and remorseful, little Shen Zhuo silently lowered his eyelids. However, the old dean soon rallied, lifting the child and patting his back, forcing a smile, “Let’s not talk about that anymore! What’s the use of dwelling on it?—Come, Uncle will take you to your new home; you’ll be living in the research institute from now on! Uncle will teach you to read personally!”
…
The figures of the old and the young gradually faded away, the old one becoming increasingly hunched and feeble, while the young one grew taller and more upright. Eventually, one day, the old man silently disappeared from the passage of time.
The child from years ago finally grew into an adult, his silhouette tall and silent, walking alone in this world. He traversed peaks where countless looked up to him, faced enemies on all fronts, and also trod through the bloody and treacherous depths, burdened with infamy.
He had always been alone.
On the rooftop terrace, Shen Zhuo, the chief supervisor of Shenhai City, let out a long, silent sigh, the tail of his breath dispersing with the wind.
He leaned his back against Bai Sheng’s sturdy arm, listening to the cheerful and smiling voice speaking behind him, while the others clustered in groups, walking toward the nearby staircase.
A solitary bird flew across the distant horizon, and Shenhai City unfolded like a vast painting, gradually spreading toward the end of the horizon.
Chapter 44
Brother-in-law: Angry.jpg
Through a short corridor of just over ten meters, two groups stood facing each other, the air thick with the smell of gunpowder.
Yang Xiaodao was puzzled, but the sensitive intuition of the young beast allowed him to pick up a sense of danger from Cameron and his group, prompting him to instinctively take a step forward.
Immediately, Bai Sheng, without even turning his head, silently reached back and restrained him, implying that he should stay still and not move.
The International Supervision General Administration had already fallen into the hands of the evolutionists, but in contrast, the Security Council had always been on the side of humanity. In preparation for future warfare against the evolutionists, the Security Council had been conducting clandestine research on the HRG program, hoping to create a human army with extraordinary abilities.
However, for reasons unknown, despite having top scientists from multiple countries, the Security Council had made no progress with the HRG program. They couldn’t even replicate the same serum that Shen Zhuo possessed.
Without the serum, they couldn’t resist the evolutionists. Therefore, they had been eagerly hoping to get Shen Zhuo but were held back by Nielsen’s authority. Now that Nielsen had fallen, it was an opportunity they couldn’t miss. It wasn’t surprising that they rushed to Shenhai, but they hadn’t expected them to arrive so soon.
“Do you have any evidence to suggest that I am still conducting the HRG program?” Shen Zhuo seemed somewhat surprised but remained very polite. “May I ask what does the so-called evidence mean…”
—There was no evidence at all. Shen Zhuo’s continued research on HRG in Shenhai was an open secret; everyone tacitly understood it. Otherwise, where did he get all those inexhaustible serums of extraordinary ability?
But Cameron’s smile lines remained unchanged. This person always had a diplomat’s smooth and disdainful demeanor, regardless of the situation. “I’m sorry, but before the Security Council’s inquiry process begins, you have no right to demand that we disclose any evidence.”
Shen Zhuo frowned in embarrassment. “I am one of the top ten permanent supervisors worldwide, protected and restricted by the security regulations of the International Supervision General Administration. Without conclusive reasons, I cannot leave my jurisdiction without proper authorization. I apologize for the inconvenience of cooperating with you all.”
Cameron took a deep breath without saying a word, and his secretary immediately understood and interjected, “Supervisor Shen, please understand. After all, the HRG laboratory is tangible evidence right in front of us…”
Shen Zhuo looked surprised, “This laboratory?”
The secretary said, “Yes.”
Shen Zhuo gestured toward Bai Sheng beside him and said, “This is Mr. Bai’s generous donation to the Shenhai City Hospital laboratory for his in-depth research on his doctoral thesis topic, ‘The Influence of Innate Comprehensive Judgment and Binary Opposition Ideology on Male Voluntary Sterilization’. May I ask if you have any evidence linking male voluntary sterilization to HRG?”
The facial muscles of everyone twitched slightly, and inexplicable gazes were cast from all directions.
Bai Sheng: “…”
While it might have seemed humorous to others, it was a different matter for Cameron’s secretary. He almost lost control of his expression, “Supervisor Shen, I understand your sentiment, but please don’t joke. We all recognize the device behind you as the Superhuman Gene Ecological Simulation Box—”
Bang!
A gunshot rang out, harsh and precise, shattering the experimental equipment into fragments, leaving everyone stunned in an instant.
Shen Zhuo withdrew the gun without looking back, smiling as he gazed at the secretary, whose face turned pale: “What simulation box?”
“…” The secretary was in disbelief. “You can’t do this. All of us saw it with our own eyes…”
“Is that so?” Shen Zhuo gently interrupted, raising the gun with one hand and aiming at the secretary’s right eye. “Whose eyes saw it?”
There was an almost suffocating silence, with the secretary’s pupils dilated in horror, reflecting the icy barrel of Shen Zhuo’s gun from more than ten meters away.
In the next moment, Cameron’s bodyguards rushed forward, hastily pulling the stumbling secretary back. “Supervisor Shen! Calm down!” “Supervisor Shen!” “Put down the gun! Stay calm!!”
Cameron raised his hand to signal the bodyguards to drag the secretary away. He smoothed his suit, stepped forward, and approached Shen Zhuo.
He disregarded the dozens of submachine guns pointed at him, capable of turning him into a sieve. As he passed by, the captain of the guard instinctively wanted to shoot, but without Shen Zhuo’s command from behind, he suppressed the urge to pull the trigger, staring helplessly as this foreigner stepped through the fan-shaped firepower of the guards, standing alone in front of Shen Zhuo.
Cameron was only half an inch taller than him, with a slightly hooked nose, facing directly at the barrel of Shen Zhuo’s gun. His gray-green eyes were cold and arrogant, unabashedly scrutinizing the Chief Supervisor of Shenhai City twenty-three years later:
“The world won’t always operate according to your expectations, Shen Zhuo.”
To everyone’s surprise, Cameron spoke fluent and smooth Chinese from the moment he opened his mouth, without even a hint of an accent.
“After being scared off by several assassination attempts, the data simulation was stopped. After experiencing one explosion, the entire HRG project was shelved. After being kidnapped and roughed up a few times, you couldn’t wait to escape the research institute and run to Shenhai. Weak, cowardly, naive, always expecting to be protected, thinking that as long as HRG stagnates, the fragile status quo can be maintained, believing that as long as humans live in the shadow of Damocles’ sword, they can peacefully coexist with the evolutionists.”
“Under the deluge, the shelter built with honey will eventually melt away. Both humans and evolutionists, these two groups of ants, will die. Don’t you understand such a simple truth?”
“…” Shen Zhuo narrowed his eyes, staring at the gray-green pupils in front of him.
A glimpse of knowing light flashed through his consciousness, but it was just a momentary illusion.
“Peaceful coexistence is unrealistic, Shen Zhuo. Since ancient times, the reproduction of organisms has inevitably followed a law, which is that the member with the highest intelligence within the population has the responsibility to determine the direction forward. Therefore, we must make choices for the two groups of ants.”
Cameron’s nose was pointed directly at the barrel, seeming convinced that Shen Zhuo wouldn’t dare to pull the trigger. His tone was soft yet filled with mockery: “Stop hiding in Shenhai like a weak and beautiful little princess. Come back with me to the Security Council’s research institute and continue the HRG project. Who knows, perhaps the group of ants that survive in the future will erect a monument for you in the United Nations Square, then express their gratitude and lay a pile of flowers in front of it, in case you would be moved to tears by that kind of thing.”
Expressions varied on everyone’s faces, but the scene was quiet enough to hear a pin drop.
Upon closer observation, one would notice the researchers of HRG trying to conceal their terror, with the research director’s gaze trembling, constantly shifting between Shen Zhuo and Cameron.
The barrel in Shen Zhuo’s hand remained still, as he scrutinized Cameron from head to toe. After a while, he finally spoke, each word clear and distinct:
“…Before I pull the trigger, may I ask your name one last time?”
At that moment, the members of the Security Council were all greatly shaken: “No!” “Stop!” “Don’t!”
However, Cameron didn’t even blink, maintaining his usual aloof demeanor. He casually replied, “Elton Cameron.”
Shen Zhuo said, “Okay.” Then, with a click, he chambered a round, his index finger unhesitatingly pulling the trigger. Bang!
“No!” “He shot!!” “Mr. Cameron—”
The shocked screams abruptly ceased, leaving Cameron standing still without a single movement, with a bullet grazing his cheek.
The bullet passed by Cameron’s face, accurately knocking away the gun of a Security Council guard who had just drawn it behind him!
The members of the Security Council were frozen in place, their faces contorted in disbelief. The scene suddenly became quite ludicrous.
There was a muffled thud as the guard’s knees softened, and he knelt on the ground.
“Mr. Cameron,” Shen Zhuo smiled as he holstered his gun, and those who listened carefully could detect that the arrogance in his tone was subtly similar to Cameron: “I don’t know why your esteemed Security Council has such a gross misunderstanding of itself, but allow me to generously point out: At least I have honey, while your HRG research has produced nothing, utterly worthless, nothing but a joke.”
“…”
“You all hope to get me like hungry dogs hoping for a bone. The correct approach is to kneel on the ground and crawl towards me, hoping that I might deign to give you a scrap of meat when I’m in a good mood, instead of running up to me and barking about choices and responsibilities.”
Cameron stared at Shen Zhuo expressionlessly, while Shen Zhuo, still smiling politely, made a gesture of invitation:
“Now, please leave Shenhai quietly and politely like prodigal dogs, or else I’ll erect a monument for you in the Shenhai City cemetery and lay a pile of flowers in front of it, in case your spirits are moved to tears in the afterlife.”
Cameron took a deep breath and reached into his trouser pocket.
Logically, he might have wanted to slap Shen Zhuo, but it was also possible that he only wanted to pinch the bridge of his nose in restraint—however, he didn’t have the chance to do either. Because Bai Sheng instantly shielded Shen Zhuo with one hand, staring at Cameron regretfully with a “I advise you not to” look while snapping his fingers with the other hand.
Thud! Thud! Thud!
There was a dull sound of heavy objects falling behind him. Cameron abruptly turned around to see the dozen or so bodyguards he brought with him all kneeling on the ground, struggling involuntarily:
“My, my body feels so heavy!” “What’s going on?!” “My knees, my knees…”
“Regional gravity, a harmless little ability,” Bai Sheng smiled, explaining to Cameron, raising a finger in suggestion, “You can still crawl back to the car using your hands and knees.”
“…” Cameron’s eyes, as cold as glass shards, stared at Bai Sheng, mentally marking a huge cross against him, but he didn’t show it. Instead, he turned to Shen Zhuo, emphasizing his words one last time:
“I can provide you with an absolutely safe environment to complete the HRG project, but you just want to stay in Shenhai and continue being a supervisor?”
Shen Zhuo said coldly, “Bai Sheng.”
Bai Sheng stood in front of Shen Zhuo, “Hmm?”
“If he speaks one more word, make him crawl back to the car on his knees.”
Bai Sheng made a snapping gesture to Cameron, with a slight raise of his eyebrows, indicating that he heard it.
Not far behind, his assistant’s trembling and subtle reminder were very clear: “Mr. Cameron…”
It seemed impossible to start directly with Shen Zhuo. Perhaps he was too comfortable in Shenhai, or perhaps he had developed resentment toward the Security Council after being subjected to vigilante torture. In any case, at present, the chances of getting him to voluntarily cooperate seem very slim.
But that’s okay.
They could go back to the Security Council first and use other means to force the International Supervision General Administration to hand over Shen Zhuo. Although it would take some effort and incur more losses, the International Supervision General Administration, without the Wolf of Odin, would surely fall into chaos, and the Security Council could still achieve its goals.
Cameron stood straight, his gray-green pupils narrowing into a very dangerous shape, reflecting Shen Zhuo’s calm face.
Everyone thought he would leave at this point, but after a long silence, Cameron slowly spoke:
“Your… parents.”
Bai Sheng was about to snap his fingers to make him kneel down, but he paused at the words.
Shen Zhuo squinted almost imperceptibly.
“No, to be precise, your parents and the first batch of core members of the institute died for HRG.”
Cameron had switched to German, speaking in a low voice: “To kill a demon from a distant extraterrestrial civilization.”
Due to Nielsen’s German-Norwegian heritage, many people at the International Supervision General Administration speak German. However, almost no one here could understand, not even Bai Sheng, who couldn’t help but raise his eyebrows, subconsciously glancing at Shen Zhuo.
Shen Zhuo’s eyes, as cold as a deep pool, showed no emotion, only using German to ask back, “Who are you?”
“If you want to know about the incident back then, come to New York before the International Supervision General Administration’s election.”
Cameron paused, looking down at Shen Zhuo from the corner of his eye, “But if you don’t show up, I’ll assume you’re sticking to your own views and attempting to claim credit for the achievements of HRG… Then I will have to take stronger measures against you and Nielsen.”
Stepping back half a step, he said no more and turned to walk toward the Security Council’s entourage.
At that moment, there seemed to be a hint of hesitation in Shen Zhuo’s eyes, but at that moment, the sound of approaching winds suddenly came from above, and a large helicopter quickly descended onto the rooftop of the hospital.
Bai Sheng turned to look at Shen Zhuo, and both of them realized what was happening. Shortly after, hurried footsteps echoed from the safety corridor at the end of the hallway, followed by a loud bang as the door opened—revealing Nielsen, surrounded by his subordinates!
The Wolf of Odin was covered in blood, with a pale face and a distinct smell of rust that could be sensed from more than ten meters away. His gray eyes glinted with cold light, staring straight at his archenemy, his mouth curled in a hoarse and mocking smile:
“Quick hands, Cameron. Did you really think I was dead?”
Cameron raised his eyebrows in slight surprise, then smiled.
“It’s really great to see you alive, my dear old friend!” He exclaimed with genuine warmth and nostalgia, applauding sincerely. “I’ve been thinking about how the International Supervision General Administration’s election in three months wouldn’t be the same without you. Fantastic! The problem is finally solved! I’ll definitely come find you for a drink on election day!”
“Get out of Shenhai immediately,” Nielsen said coldly, “Don’t make me act right now.”
Shen Zhuo discreetly pulled down Bai Sheng’s sleeve from behind with two fingers.
With their intelligence, they didn’t need words. Bai Sheng warmly clasped his hands together, his face filled with a farewell as warm and sincere as Cameron’s: “Great, then Supervisor Shen and I won’t see you off. We’ll have a drink together next time we meet. Goodbye!”
With a clap of his hands, the regional gravity ability was lifted.
The dozen or so guards forced to kneel on the ground finally felt the pressure ease. Overjoyed, they scrambled to their feet and hastily retreated.
Cameron might actually go for that drink with Nielsen, but facing Bai Sheng’s smiling facade, he seemed on edge. From his expression, he probably wanted to grab that arrogant silver hair on Bai Sheng’s head and force-feed him a bottle of poison.
With a nonchalant snort from his nostrils, Cameron led his men into the elevator, not even bothering to look back as the blast-proof alloy doors closed behind him, departing from the underground laboratory.
The tense atmosphere relaxed instantly. Then the next moment:
“—Director-General!”
After Nielsen drove Cameron away, the tension was released, and he slumped down.
Before his panicked subordinates would rush to assist him, Bai Sheng had disappeared from where he stood and reappeared at Nielsen’s side, extending a hand to support him accurately.
“What happened, Director-General?” Bai Sheng’s expression at this moment was identical to Cameron’s just now, even the caring gaze seemed directly copied and pasted.
Nielsen’s current mood mirrored Cameron’s as well. If he had a bottle of poison, he might not be able to resist taking action. But first, he couldn’t conjure up any poison, and second, he couldn’t beat this bastard surnamed Bai right now. He gritted his teeth, swallowing a mouthful of blood, and managed to stand up, ignoring Bai Sheng’s friendly assistance:
“It’s nothing. Just a minor injury, still recovering. It’s inevitable that I’m feeling a bit dizzy.”
Shen Zhuo hurried forward. Nielsen, ignoring Bai Sheng’s attempt at assistance, turned to Shen Zhuo and began, “—That man called Cameron just now…”
“The Security Council may have privately restarted the HRG project, but progress has been difficult. They’re trying to force me to produce the research results on HRG gene interferon from the research institute. To achieve this, Cameron might confront you during the upcoming election.” Shen Zhuo’s tone was calm and frank, as if there were no hidden agendas. “I believe the Security Council’s next target is to remove you from the position of Director-General of the International Supervision General Administration.”
Nielsen hesitated, then asked, “Then…”
“I’m on your side.”
As if the stern rebuke on the phone call had never happened, Shen Zhuo reached out his hand proactively, looking directly at Nielsen. “Cameron’s plan won’t succeed. You will definitely remain the Director-General of the General Administration in the next term.”
Nielsen’s suspended breath finally loosened, but as he looked into Shen Zhuo’s serene eyes, a complex and unwilling feeling slowly spread in his heart.
He couldn’t help but murmur, “Shen Zhuo, I…”
Shen Zhuo interrupted him, expressing concern, “Your health is not good. Let me escort you to the plane.”
Nielsen could keenly feel a strong and understated gaze beside him—it was Bai Sheng.
The struggle for dominance among alpha wolves in mating often involves fierce and brutal tactics, where any cruel means are permitted and any bloody scene may occur.
Nielsen knew he had completely lost the upper hand. With a slight movement of his throat, he forcibly suppressed all his unwillingness and reached out to shake hands with Shen Zhuo.
“Alright.”
***
Nielsen’s helicopter was actually dispatched urgently by Chen Miao. He had to rush back to Basel, Switzerland, so he would first took this helicopter to fly to Shenhai Airport and then transfer to his own Gulfstream G550 back to the International Supervision General Administration.
The rooftop terrace was howling with strong winds. Chu Yan might have been discovered tipping off; she stood there with an innocent and timid face, twisting her fingers. Several International Supervision General Administration inspectors were staring at her suspiciously.
Shen Zhuo gave a signal to the accompanying Shui Ronghua with his eyes. The female doctor immediately understood, reached out, and hugged Chu Yan, then took a few steps back toward the Shenhai City Supervision Office. The people from the International Supervision General Administration seemed to want to stop them but didn’t dare.
“That Rong Qi is just temporarily lying low. I’m afraid he will soon make a comeback.” Nielsen said in a low voice, standing in front of the open helicopter door. “The ‘Tyrant’ can neutralize the abilities of evolutionists, turning them into ordinary people, but the neutralization limit only goes up to S. Part of Rong Qi’s abilities have already reached beyond S, so even if the ‘Tyrant’ is activated to its limit, he can still retain some power.”
“So far, the ‘Tyrant’ has been weakening him, but I’m not sure if he can continue to evolve. If his power further increases, the consequences will be very terrible. We must find him as soon as possible.”
Shen Zhuo replied succinctly, “I understand.”
Nielsen politely nodded to Bai Sheng and turned to board the plane, but Shen Zhuo remembered something: “By the way, did Rong Qi leave any words before leaving?”
Previously, Chu Yan described in detail when she informed them that Rong Qi said something to Nielsen before retreating into the spatial tunnel, but she couldn’t hear it clearly due to the distance.
In fact, Shen Zhuo just casually asked, but Nielsen’s movements froze for a moment.
“…No.” The Director General averted his gaze, masking his expression as he pulled the corners of his mouth. “He didn’t say anything.”
“…”
Shen Zhuo and Bai Sheng exchanged a glance, both knowing what was implied but remaining composed.
“Well then, see you at the re-election voting assembly.” Nielsen nodded farewell for the last time, refraining from further words, and turned to board the helicopter.
The rotor began to spin, and soon the helicopter lifted off the ground, growing smaller in the high sky as it flew toward Shenhai Airport in the distance.
“…What is he hiding?” On the rooftop terrace, Bai Sheng held Shen Zhuo with one hand while stroking his chin with the other, lost in thought. “Could it be that Rong Qi humiliated him severely before fleeing?”
One’s head can be severed, and blood can flow, but the humiliation from someone of the same gender is absolutely intolerable. The thought patterns of an S-class male were vividly displayed here, and Shen Zhuo couldn’t help but chuckle.
“By the way, what did Cameron say to you in German?” Bai Sheng suddenly remembered, pulling Shen Zhuo into his embrace with vigilance. “That guy acted all high and mighty; he didn’t say anything sensitive to you, did he? Why did he specifically switch to German?”
Shen Zhuo pressed two fingers against his chest, reluctantly creating some distance between them, and mocked, “I thought being proficient in German was basic for philosophy majors.”
“…”
For a rare moment, Bai Sheng’s expression turned blank, and then he struggled to justify himself: “I was just confirming. I could understand what he said about mom… dad… and the institute accident…”
“He said my parents died in an incident during the HRG research years ago, so HRG isn’t solely my achievement. I can’t claim it as my own,” Shen Zhuo said lightly. “It’s almost like a threat, wanting me to cooperate with the Security Council.”
Bai Sheng appeared flippant on the surface, but he was actually very tactful in social matters, especially when it concerned the other party’s parents. He surreptitiously glanced at Shen Zhuo’s composed expression and casually cleared his throat after a while, seemingly nonchalant:
“So… back then, you…”
“I was only six years old that year; I hardly remember anything,” Shen Zhuo said. “The doctors said the shock was quite severe.”
Bai Sheng nodded silently with an “Oh…”.
Then, after pondering for a moment, he recalled Shen Zhuo’s previous statement in the hospital ward about the HRG project started 30 years ago, primarily for optimizing human genes and prolonging human life. He furrowed his brow again:
“But your parents’ HRG research back then had nothing to do with evolution. Nowadays, the development of superpower-enhancing drugs is led by you. How can that guy with the surname ‘Ca’ say it’s not solely your achievement? Isn’t that moral blackmail?”
“…”
The rooftop was howling with strong winds, blowing Shen Zhuo’s dark hair and obscuring his expression for a moment.
But that was just a fleeting detail.
“Yeah,” Shen Zhuo chuckled and averted his gaze. “So, there’s no need to pay attention to that person.”
The sky was dim, stretching endlessly.
Looking down from the rooftop of the hospital, the multitude of people flowed incessantly, with Cameron and others already completely disappearing into the distant stream of traffic.
“Your parents and the first batch of key personnel in the research institute all died for HRG…”
“…to kill that demon from a distant extraterrestrial civilization.”
Gazing through the vast emptiness, Shen Zhuo squinted slightly.
“…Hey, isn’t that the kid?”
“So pitiful, both parents died in that accident, leaving only him…”
“I heard he has a half-brother from the same mother but a different father, but he disappeared, probably dead too!…”
“It’s so eerie, did you guys hear? When the accident happened, everyone went berserk like possessed by demons; everyone was killing each other, and the kid’s mother, before dying, was trying to kill him!”
“Wow, really?”
“No way. What kind of mother tries to kill her own child before dying?”
…
“What nonsense are you all talking about here?!” A stern reprimand exploded suddenly:
“Stop discussing that child’s matters, understand?! Everyone, go review the confidentiality regulations!”
The murmurs scattered into the wind, leaving no trace behind.
…
Nine-year-old little Shen Zhuo resembled a child carved from white jade, his eyes as pure and hollow as black agate, reflecting the vast and dim sky above the hospital rooftop.
“…It’s not easy. He can finally leave the hospital today. The custody of this child will belong to the research institute from now on. I hope he can grow up healthy and safe…”
“Yes, indeed. We don’t expect much from him, as long as he can go to school and study like a normal child…”
Little Shen Zhuo stood at the hospital gate, looking up at the elderly, gray-haired dean of the research institute. His voice, which had not spoken for many years, still sounded a bit hoarse but tender and innocent:
“Will Mom still come to the security floor to see me?”
There seemed to be a hint of sadness in the kind eyes of the old man. After a while, he crouched down, smiled at the child in front of him, and said, “There is no security floor anymore.”
Little Shen Zhuo nodded, seeming to understand something, then asked again, “Mom, does she love me?”
“…”
After a long silence, the old dean gently touched the child’s soft black hair and smiled in response, “How could a mother not love her child?”
Little Shen Zhuo pursed his lips, lowered his head, and his bangs covered the clearly defined eyelashes.
The old dean looked at the young orphan in front of him, gently caressing his forehead with warm hands, hesitating several times before finally asking, “Xiao Zhuo, do you remember if you ever saw shadows in the security floor that others couldn’t see? Or heard voices that others couldn’t hear, trying to communicate with you?”
Little Shen Zhuo raised his head in confusion.
“It doesn’t have to be a humanoid shadow; it could be any shape, appearing on surfaces like mirrors, water, or any reflective object observing the Earth and humans. It seems particularly interested in you; maybe only you could see it in the whole house… Do you remember?”
Faced with the old man’s eager gaze, little Shen Zhuo shook his head perplexedly.
“…”
The old dean sighed disappointedly.
“Yes,” he murmured, “the shock you experienced was too great; you’ve completely lost your memory.”
Seeming somewhat guilty and remorseful, little Shen Zhuo silently lowered his eyelids. However, the old dean soon rallied, lifting the child and patting his back, forcing a smile, “Let’s not talk about that anymore! What’s the use of dwelling on it?—Come, Uncle will take you to your new home; you’ll be living in the research institute from now on! Uncle will teach you to read personally!”
…
The figures of the old and the young gradually faded away, the old one becoming increasingly hunched and feeble, while the young one grew taller and more upright. Eventually, one day, the old man silently disappeared from the passage of time.
The child from years ago finally grew into an adult, his silhouette tall and silent, walking alone in this world. He traversed peaks where countless looked up to him, faced enemies on all fronts, and also trod through the bloody and treacherous depths, burdened with infamy.
He had always been alone.
On the rooftop terrace, Shen Zhuo, the chief supervisor of Shenhai City, let out a long, silent sigh, the tail of his breath dispersing with the wind.
He leaned his back against Bai Sheng’s sturdy arm, listening to the cheerful and smiling voice speaking behind him, while the others clustered in groups, walking toward the nearby staircase.
A solitary bird flew across the distant horizon, and Shenhai City unfolded like a vast painting, gradually spreading toward the end of the horizon.
