Chapter 4

I pulled my hand free, a solemn, almost tragic expression settling over my face. "Zachary, you’re right. In the face of humanity’s survival, what does personal love even matter?"

I turned and looked at Ruby Barrett, who stood there with guilt written all over her face. "Ruby, since everyone thinks you two are the better match, then I’ll step aside and make it happen. I hope you’ll give humanity the strongest possible child. Don’t let everyone’s expectations down."

"Faith..." Ruby’s eyes filled with tears, visibly moved. "Thank you! You’re incredible! Zachary and I will never forget your sacrifice!"

Zachary let out a breath of relief. "Don’t worry, Faith. When we have a child, we’ll have them call you their godmother."

The entire room erupted into applause.

I stood in the corner, watching the pair being elevated onto a pedestal, a cold gaze in my eyes.

The party didn’t last long.

Three days later, the most critical day arrived. It was the destined day when the base’s Supreme Leader, Commander Alden Morris, would awaken an elite lightning skill.

Ruby had been thriving these past few days. Every time she saw me scribbling calculations into my notebook, she grew more confident.

As long as I had a plan ready, it meant she did too.

The three days passed in a blink.

At exactly noon, the clouds above Vanguard Base began to churn violently. Dark violet storm clouds swallowed the sky in an instant.

Commander Morris’s awakening had begun.

Outside the isolation chamber, arcs of purple lightning lashed wildly through the air.

"The energy index is spiking. It’s already past the critical threshold!" A monitor operator shouted in panic.

"We have to begin guidance immediately, or there’ll be an energy detonation within three minutes!"

General Thomas was drenched in sweat as he turned to Ruby. "Ruby, the entire base is counting on you. This is elite-level. Are you confident?"

Even in the face of a storm that could tear the world apart, Ruby’s expression remained calm and assured.

These past few days, she had personally watched me work through every calculation without rest. She was convinced that as long as she linked into my mind, she could simply copy everything. She lifted her chin slightly.

"General, don’t worry. Elite or not, with my Spark of Dominion, everyone is the same. For me, guiding Commander Morris’s awakening is as easy as drinking water."

Zachary stood nearby, practically vibrating with excitement. "Ruby, you’re the true Mother of Elements!"

Ruby turned and shot me a condescending glance. "Faith, what are you standing there for? Move.

"I’m confident, but you know that guiding an elite skill drains an immense amount of mental energy. You’ll assist me from the side. Keep your mind sharp. Don’t fall behind my pace and embarrass me."

Through the thick reinforced glass, I looked at Commander Morris inside. His body was wrapped in lightning, his screams filled with agony.

In my past life, I had poured everything into saving him. In the end, Ruby took all the credit and then turned around and destroyed me.

I lowered my head, hiding the fleeting trace of mockery in my eyes, and followed obediently.

The isolation chamber door slid open. Violent lightning elements surged toward us.

Commander Morris stood bare-chested at the center, restrained by chains, his eyes bloodshot. He was already on the verge of losing control.

Ruby stepped forward, striking an elegant, professional pose. Then, her mental tendrils urgently plunged into my mind. That familiar sensation of intrusion washed over me again.

The next second, Ruby’s lips curled upward as she shouted at the top of her lungs.

"Follow me. Left hand, right hand, slow motion… three turns left, three turns right, twist your neck, twist your hips!"

Outside the chamber, everyone waiting anxiously froze, their eyes widening in shock.