"The Angel has a special ability, it’s to alter human cognition," said the girl, "He modified your perception of him."
"Because he wants you to become dependent on him, obedient," the girl spoke softly, "He has done the same to thousands, even more people, turning them into so-called family members; Bryant used his terrifying spiritual power to erode these people, making them the living dead, numb to the outside world. He calls them artworks, collectibles."
He obediently took two steps back and leaned against the wall.
The girl continued, "This is also part of an experiment. I’m breaking the rules by telling you this, just to remind you to stay away from Bryant, he’s under my command, and I must do this."
"No, that can’t be true."
Yang Ming argued, "Then why haven’t they detected any psychological disorders in me?"
"I don’t really understand either," the girl said calmly, "Come with me to a research institute, and I’ll try to help you, as a way to atone for his sins."
A peculiar feeling rose from the depths of Yang Ming’s heart.
This girl... to tell the truth, she’s quite nice.
"What should I call you?" Yang Ming suddenly asked.
"Secret," the girl said calmly.
"Alright, Miss Secret," Yang Ming said, "that’s a great name... Can I go talk to Bryant?"
"People under mental control find it hard to break free from their cages."
"You can call me Captain Catherine."
"Catherine, I know at least three different Catherines," Yang Ming squinted and smiled, "But I think, you might want to look at the shell on your chest, it’s been flashing for quite some time now."
Catherine shook her head, holding the communicator in her palm, her expression changing several times, and cursed softly, "Damn, those Federation guys!"
She glanced at Yang Ming and quickly left.
Before leaving, she didn’t forget to turn her head and remind him, "Stay far from our world, Mr. Detective, and use your cleverness for the benefit of society!"
Yang Ming nodded with a smile.
He had to admit, because of those resilient and clear eyes, he began to take an interest in the face behind Catherine’s mask.
Catherine pulled Bryant away and placed Yang Ming’s luggage at the entrance of the hospital.
Yang Ming could only shake his head helplessly in response.
After turning around, he was left to explore the Fire Suppression Festival by himself.
However, before Yang Ming could hail a taxi, a luxurious stretch hover limousine stopped in front of him, and two ordinary transformed people alighted.
Yang Ming recognized them at once; they were the man and woman who had been monitoring him and Godoy on the commercial ship.
Now, they invoked Bryant’s name, showed a video message left by him, and thus gained Yang Ming’s ’trust.’
"Mr. Hui, please come with us, the lord has arranged accommodation for you."
"Thank you," Yang Ming nodded politely and calmly got into the back of the limousine.
After a two-hour drive, Yang Ming was brought into a manor situated by a lakeside.
This manor was much larger than Kolev’s in the Cas Federation, built like a labyrinth.
Yang Ming commented, "I didn’t expect Bryant to possess such substantial wealth."
The two transformed people glanced at each other and smiled, saying nothing.
Why they smiled, Yang Ming understood very well.
— With the power of Spiritual Control, it was too easy for Bryant to acquire wealth; he just had to create a few encounters with aging tycoons to ensure a steady stream of ’inheritance’ funds.
Among the many supermodified people, Bryant’s financial power was surely second to none.
Driven by the principle of making the best out of the situation, Yang Ming comfortably settled down.
He bathed in a three-meter-long bathtub, washing away the fatigue of the journey, and then, served by a robotic maid, he had afternoon tea and dinner.
Yang Ming transformed into a photo-taking fiend, snapping a whole set of ’manor vacation’ pictures, and sent them to Godoy and Deputy Chief Mo Ge.
Beneath the night sky, Yang Ming sat beside the pool on a lounger, holding a steaming cup of revitalizing drink and reading a detective novel he found in the library, thoroughly engrossed.
Two lines of text scrolled across his glasses.
[Boss, initial hacking into Yaha Star network complete.]
[Bryant’s spiritual power analysis report is complete. Would you like to receive it now?]
Yang Ming nodded surreptitiously, and lines of text began to appear at the bottom of his glasses.
Bryant’s secret was being revealed before Yang Ming, another corner lifted.
"How’s the rest going?"
Bryant’s voice suddenly rose.
Yang Ming first thought it was a virtual projection or holographic communication, but when he turned his head for a closer look, he realized that Bryant himself was approaching from afar.
There was a touch of fatigue in his eyes, his slightly curled long hair casually draped, wearing a silk nightgown, with crystal-clear high heels on his feet.
Indeed, very enchanting.
— If he were a woman, that is.
"Finished with your work?" Yang Ming quickly stood up and asked with a smile.
"Yes," Bryant smiled, "As I mentioned in my letter, I’m also responsible for protecting this planet. Those terrorist organizations controlled by the New Federation CIA always like to make a point during our Empire’s grand ceremonies, showing their superiors they’re at work."
Yang Ming earnestly said, "That sounds like a very sacred mission."
Bryant sighed lightly, "Essentially, it’s just a security job."
The two shared a laugh.
"Have a seat," Bryant gestured for Yang Ming to sit down, and then with a flick of his fingers, another lounge chair flew over a dozen meters, landing next to Yang Ming.
Yang Ming asked quietly, "What ability is this? Telekinesis?"