Chapter 464: The Internal Meeting of the Thirteen Apostles
Envy and Aspiration
The mention of Number Two elicited various reactions among the group.
Number One, Three, Five, Eight, and Ten didn't seem to care at all. Number Four, Nine, Eleven, Twelve, and Thirteen showed expressions of envy. Number Six expressed disdain, and Number Seven even openly mocked the idea.
"What, you want to try the taste of reigning over the Four Seas too?"
"How about I suggest to the Original Body that you go be the damn King of Atlantis, and he comes back here to study?"
Number Twelve quickly pleaded, "Brother Seven, no, Sister Seven, please spare me! I was just talking. I would never actually think that!"
"I figured you didn't have the guts."
Number Seven scoffed. "Do I really need to explain what kind of person the Original Body is? You lot had better dismiss any improper thoughts."
Silence fell over the group. After a moment, Number Ten suddenly spoke.
"I hope Sister Seven won't laugh, but I truly want to go out and see the world."
"Who doesn't?"
Number Eleven grumbled, "Since we were born, it's been nearly a year, and all we do is study, study, study. We're not even allowed to leave the door. How is that different from being a prisoner?"
Number Four cleared his throat. "It's best to say less of those things."
"What's the big deal about saying it? He can't kill us just for this!"
"Big Brother, Third Brother, what about you? Don't you feel bored?"
Number One chose silence. Number Three ignored him entirely, immersed from beginning to end in the ocean of knowledge. He was the quintessential scholar, believing all pursuits inferior to studying.
Number Eleven was rebuffed and pouted.
The Varied Souls of Luke Shaw
All Thirteen Apostles inherited Luke's high intelligence, but their personalities varied greatly:
Number One: Steady and somewhat of a silent brooder.Number Two: Decisive and resolute, acting swiftly without delay—the one most like Luke.Number Three: A bookworm who cares little for other matters.Number Four: A classic opportunist, skilled at reading the room.Number Five: Similar to Number Three but leaning toward scientific research; he proposed many of the Floating Armor's concepts.Number Six: A cynical hothead, acting as a vigilante who looks down on everyone.Number Seven: Though ranked seventh, she acts as the leader among them. Perhaps influenced by the obsession, she is the strongest and the most unpredictable, sometimes defending the Original Body and sometimes mercilessly mocking him.Number Eight: The strangest, rarely speaks, but when he does, it can be shocking.Number Nine: A pervert who often secretly browses pornography when alone and fiercely denies it when caught.Number Ten: Straightforward and honest; he dares to speak his mind, even to the Original Body.Number Eleven: Loves the colorful world, and his greatest dream is to pass through a garden of flowers without getting a leaf stuck to him. He hates studying.Number Twelve: Cowardly, timid, and lacks initiative.Number Thirteen (The Youngest): A pure-hearted male who yearns for sweet, innocent love and childhood sweethearts.
"Actually, we should go out and have a look."
In the quiet atmosphere, Number Eight expressed his opinion.
Number Five was surprised. "That doesn't sound like something you'd say."
Number Ten said solemnly, "Whether we go out or not must be decided by the Original Body. If we anger him, we're all done for."
Number Eleven muttered, "In the Original Body's current state, it's impossible for him to know what we're thinking."
Number Seven glanced at him askance.
"So you think this is a chance to escape the cage?"
Number Twelve weakly raised his hand. "Can we let Brother Eight finish his thought?"
Everyone fell silent, then turned in unison to Number Eight, who said slowly,
"Going out is inevitable. Without us, Linda can't find the Original Body. The best method is to split up, with each of us responsible for an area to conduct a carpet search."
Number Nine was delighted. "Does that mean we'll all get our own body?"
Number Six sneered. "What, can't hold it in? Want to find women?"
Number Nine waved his hands rapidly. "Don't say that, Sixth Brother! We're all men."
Number Seven let out a heavy harrumph.
Number Nine quickly corrected himself. "Except for Sister Seven."
Number One finally spoke. "You all go. I will remain within the Original Body."
"No, if anyone stays, it should be me."
"Why?"
"Because I'm the smartest."
Number Five tilted his head as if it were obvious. "Don't forget, I designed many of the Floating Armor's components."
Number Six said coldly, "Those two things have no relation whatsoever. If you ask me, the one who should stay is me."
Number Ten angrily retorted, "Sixth Brother, that's going too far."
Numbers Eleven, Twelve, and Thirteen exchanged glances. They were all tempted but remained silent.
Souls have no physical sensation. They can only experience the colorfulness of life by merging with a body. Unfortunately, different souls and bodies often have incompatibilities; the greater the difference, the less they feel. It's like oil and water—even if forced together, they will eventually separate.
Luke's body, however, did not have this problem. They could all merge with it perfectly.
"How about we draw lots? Whoever draws it, gets it."
Number Four offered his suggestion. Number Seven stared at him furiously.
"Are you serious? If the Original Body finds out, he'll smack you to death!"
Number Four shrank his head. "I was just making a suggestion. Never mind if it's a bad idea."
Number Nine said, "I think we should stick to the old way and take turns. That way, even if the Original Body gets mad, he won't have a specific target."
"That's a great idea!"
Number Eleven clapped his hands in approval. This way, he would also have a chance to experience the beautiful world using the Original Body.
Number Eight said somberly,
"Taking turns is the most feasible method, but it requires Linda's consent."
Number Ten was displeased. "Why should we listen to her? We are the clones, and she's just an outsider."
Number Eight glanced at him and continued,
"The current Linda is not the Kryptonian girl she once was. Haven't you felt it? That terrifying killing aura emanating from her."
"It's the Tiger Viciousness True Scripture!"
Number Three opened his eyes. "The martial art she's using is the Tiger Viciousness True Scripture. Back then, that old beggar left China to make a living abroad because of that book."
Number Four hesitated. "I remember the old man didn't practice that set of techniques, did he?"
"He didn't, but he passed it on to his apprentice."
Number Seven said angrily, "That old man had ill intentions."
Number Twelve was confused. "What's going on? Is there something wrong with the technique?"
Number Three explained, "According to the legends, the Tiger Viciousness True Scripture is a demonic cultivation method. Its power is boundless, and its killing nature is extremely strong. If practiced to a high level, one can transform into a White Tiger—slaying gods and killing Buddhas."
"These are all martial arts rumors; the specifics need verification. But it's undeniable that since practicing this technique, Linda's personality has been slowly changing, becoming more irritable and violent."
Number Eleven mumbled, "Ancient martial arts aren't that powerful, are they?"
"An ordinary person wouldn't have this effect. Linda is different. She's a Kryptonian—a Kryptonian who practices the Tiger Viciousness True Scripture. What do you think she'll turn into?"
The group mentally simulated the image, and they all simultaneously thought of a "Tigress."
Linda's personality was already rebellious. Now, practicing this kind of martial art... Well, the problem would just have to be solved by the Original Body, since he was the one who accrued the romantic debt.
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