Chapter 99 Family ties

Words : 1060 Updated : Sep 12th, 2025

Web Pithon practically bounced onto the stage, his designer suit and perfectly styled hair completely different to Owen's military precision. He fanned himself dramatically with one hand, drawing scattered laughter. "Whew! Commander Owen, I'm going to need a minute to recover from that speech. I think I'm ready to run out and fight some Harbingers myself!" His grin was infectious, and even Owen cracked a smile. "Though I'd probably just throw money at them and hope they go away." The crowd laughed, and Web's grin widened. He adjusted his silk tie, every movement screaming affluence and ease. "Now, where are my manners? Minister Chen, looking radiant as always. Ambassador Rodriguez, that tie is *chef's kiss*." He moved across the stage with the comfort of a seasoned performer. Then his eyes landed on a distinguished figure in the crowd. "And Minister Reign! The man keeping our defense budgets flowing and our soldiers equipped. Though I hear your daughter's making quite the splash at the academy herself. Must run in the family!" Noah felt his stomach drop at the mention of Sophie's father. The minister's stern face remained impassive, offering only a slight nod in acknowledgment. "But enough schmoozing—though I am excellent at it, if I do say so myself." Web's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Let's talk about why I'm really here. The Pithon Foundation is proud to announce our special involvement in this year's interschool competition." He paused for effect, reading the room like a master conductor. "Usually, we wait for the cream to rise to the top, picking talent from global competitions. But you know what? I think we've been doing it wrong." He shook his head, expression turning thoughtful. "There are gems hiding in every corner of every academy. Raw talent just waiting to be discovered. And this year, we're going to find them."@@@@ His voice took on an eager edge. "To all you technopaths out there—yes, you in the back trying to hide, I see you—this is your moment! I don't care if you're first gen, second gen, or third gen. Don't care if you're S-ranked, SS-ranked, or even SSS-ranked. If you've got the spark, we want to see it shine!" He spread his arms wide. "Show us what you can do. Show us your innovation, your creativity, your passion! Because this isn't just about winning a competition. This is about seizing your chance to contribute to humanity's future!" The applause started before he even finished speaking. Web bowed with theatrical flourish, that charismatic smile never leaving his face. As he straightened, he winked at no one in particular and strolled off stage with the same easy confidence he'd arrived with. In the crowd, students were already whispering excitedly about the announcement. But Noah couldn't help noticing that Kelvin remained unnaturally still, his knuckles white where they gripped his cane. However, things quickly changed when the orchestra struck up a lively waltz, and just like that, the tension from earlier melted away. The hall transformed into exactly what it was meant to be—a gala. Board members clustered around Web Pithon, probably trying to secure funding for their pet projects. Commander Owen was engaged in what looked like a serious discussion with Minister Reign, both men's expressions grave despite the festive atmosphere. "There you are!" Noah turned to find Sophie weaving through the crowd toward them. Her friends trailed behind her, giggling about something. "Dance with me?" She held out her hand, eyes bright with excitement. Noah caught Minister Reign's gaze shift toward them. The man's expression could have frozen hell over. "I, uh..." "Oh come on, don't be such a—" "Yo, Kelvin!" Her father stepped closer. "Your sister sends weekly reports from Western Academy. She's already half way done to completing her mission. And you?" His laugh was hollow. "You're playing schoolgirl, making *friends*." The way he spat the word 'friends' made it sound like a disease. "I saw how you looked at that boy in there." Her mother's lip curled. "Like some lovesick puppy. Disgusting. Have you forgotten what they did to our family? What they took from us?" Lila's smile stretched wider. "No, Mother. I remember every detail." "Then why are you SMILING?" her father snapped. "I don't know." And she didn't. The smile felt carved into her face, a rictus she couldn't control. "I'm trying to stop." Her mother stepped back, disgust evident in every movement. "Look at her, Richard. She's enjoying this defiance." "No, Mother, I—" The smile grew wider, her cheeks aching. "Your sister," her father continued, each word precise and cutting, "has already located their weakness. She's positioned herself perfectly. And you? You can't even manage basic infiltration without getting emotionally involved." "I'm not—" Lila's voice cracked, but the smile remained. "We gave you everything," her mother hissed. "The best training, the best education. We erased every trace of weakness from you. And still, you disappoint us." "Perhaps we made a mistake," her father mused, studying her like a failed experiment. "Your sister was always the stronger one. More focused. More dedicated to the cause." "I am dedicated!" The words burst out, desperate, but still wrapped in that horrible smile. "Are you?" Her father leaned in close. "Then prove it. We want results, Lila. Real results. Not these pathetic attempts at playing normal." "You have two weeks," her mother added. "Show us progress, or we'll pull you out. Let your sister handle both academies. At least she understands what's at stake." They turned to leave, but her mother paused, glancing back at Lila's frozen form. She spoke quietly to her husband, but loud enough for Lila to hear: "That child is disturbed." Lila stood alone in the moonlight, punch glass somehow still in her grip, smile still fixed on her face like a mask she couldn't remove. A single tear rolled down her cheek, catching the moonlight before falling to the marble floor. Inside, the music played on. She could see through the windows—Noah spinning Sophie, both laughing. Kelvin and Cora making a spectacle of themselves. Everyone so happy. So normal. Her smile grew wider.

Chapter 99 Family ties

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