Chapter 466: Where is Luke?
The Frustrating Search
The President's simple statement caused the military heads to flush with embarrassment. Norman Gant wanted to object but ultimately stayed silent.
The Mech Corps had performed well, proving the resilience of human soldiers, but in the context of the entire war, their contribution was negligible.
"We need Kryptonian technology. We need the materials used to build the Kryptonian starship to create new weapons that can counter aliens. This acquisition plan is only the first step; there are more important arrangements to come."
"That is the reason. Does anyone have any further questions?"
Sam Lane stepped forward. "Even if it's an acquisition, it shouldn't be entrusted to Tesla. That company was only founded two years ago."
"They offered a total budget of eight billion dollars."
Adam's gaze shifted to the short old man. "General Lane, please tell me which company offered more."
The officials exchanged glances. Eight billion dollars—it was insane.
Sam Lane was speechless. Eight billion dollars to buy debris? Was that woman out of her mind? Had she gone insane after Luke Shaw's death?
The eight billion dollars silenced everyone. Faced with such outrageous wealth, what could you do? They were using money to clear the path, and even if people were unhappy, they had to manage a smile.
Aside from a fool or a lunatic, who would oppose that much money?
The officials, having received their explanation, left. Adam walked to the window, gazing out intently.
"Young Master, where on earth are you?"
A Soul on the Loose
Due to the US President's insistent demands, the storm quickly spread across the entire world.
The smaller Asian countries, even if reluctant, could only cooperate as much as possible. Coupled with media promotion and the enormous bounties offered by Tesla, it wasn't long before several countries saw a frenzy of activity dedicated to excavating starship fragments.
A fist-sized piece of debris could net one thousand US dollars. This kind of opportunity was unprecedented.
The collection efforts were in full swing. In just half a month, over five thousand fragments were recovered. Of course, this included counterfeits, but a quick scan by the detection equipment could instantly determine authenticity.
Genuine fragments were paid for; fakes were dumped directly into the trash.
Linda and the Thirteen Apostles traveled back and forth across India, Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, and other countries, constantly testing the fragments for a soul fluctuation. Unfortunately, there was consistently no good news.
Luke seemed to have vanished into thin air. No matter how hard they searched, they couldn't find him.
Inside a luxury hotel in Bangkok, Linda stared intently at the "Luke Shaw" in front of her.
"Are you sure you haven't detected his soul signature?"
Number Eight's expression was solemn and serious. "We are more worried about the Original Body's safety than you are. Please do not doubt our loyalty. We are one with the Original Body; if anything happens to him, we will suffer too."
"Then why is there still no news?"
Linda was becoming hysterical, her eyes bloodshot, her killing intent rising and falling like a tide.
"It's been almost a month! We've searched through the fragments in several countries, and it's completely useless! Damn it, where is he?!"
Bang!
She punched the wall. Cracks spread out like a spider web.
Number Eight opened his mouth but chose silence. He could never understand why the Original Body was so entangled with this rebellious Kryptonian girl. Weren't the intellectual and gentle Sister Carol, or the clever and articulate Barbara, better choices? Even Emily, though fully devoted to her country, wasn't a bad choice!
But he had given all his favoritism to this one girl.
After the outburst, Linda's emotions calmed down considerably. She said gravely,
"Could he have fallen into the ocean?"
"Absolutely not."
"How do you know? You're not a marine creature."
Faced with the girl's questioning, Number Eight showed exceptional patience. "Every trench in the Bay of Bengal has been searched by Brother Two. No soul fluctuation of the Original Body was detected."
Linda frowned slightly. "Number Two?"
"Yes."
"He's in the ocean?"
"Correct."
Linda grew more confused. "Why would he be in the ocean? Did he turn into a fish?"
"I'm sorry, I can't tell you."
"If you can't talk, then get lost! Send out Number Twelve."
Number Eight was resigned. He relinquished control of the body to Number Twelve. As soon as Number Twelve took over, "Luke's" expression instantly changed from cold composure to a cringing, nervous look.
After a month together, Linda had figured out the personalities of the twelve apostles. Number Eight was the hardest to deal with, Number Six was the most annoying, and Number Twelve was the most cowardly—a little intimidation would make him confess anything.
"Look at me."
Linda stared at him intensely, her eyes radiating red light and a chilling killing intent.
"Is what Number Eight said true?"
Number Twelve frantically nodded, his cringing posture combined with Luke's face making him strangely repulsive.
"Sit up straight."
Number Twelve immediately straightened his back and gave a pained smile. "Sister, please don't do this to me. The others are going to laugh me to death."
"Answer my question."
Number Twelve sighed helplessly. "Brother Eight wasn't wrong. The Bay of Bengal was searched. As for Brother Two, I really can't tell you. The Original Body gave a death order."
Linda stared at him for a long time. Once she confirmed he wasn't lying, she retracted her gaze and sat on the sofa, lost in thought.
India was searched, Nepal was searched, Bangladesh was searched, Thailand, and Myanmar were all covered. Even if there were omissions, they wouldn't be significant.
Luke, where are you, really?
"There's only one place left."
Number Eight reoccupied the body. "China. Perhaps the Original Body is there."
Linda looked up blankly.
"Really?"
"No matter what, we have to try."
Number One said soberly, "Things are complicated in China. Our power doesn't work well there."
Number Seven sneered, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Of course it won't work! It's an international dispute. Even a fool can see that. How could they possibly obey the US President's orders?"
Linda frowned.
"Money won't work either?"
"It works in the shadows, but not openly."
Number Five added, "In that region, Grandpa might be able to help. He has some friends there."
Number Eight spoke.
"Friends alone aren't enough. We must adjust the plan and utilize official channels."
"Eighth Brother, you're joking again."
Number Three shook his head. "I think Eighth Brother's point is very valid. To operate there, we must have official permission. Otherwise, we won't get anywhere."
Linda rubbed her temples, her fatigue evident.
"Just tell me what good ideas you have."
"Investment is a good choice. China has over a billion people and huge potential. If we can establish roots there, it will greatly increase the market value of both ShowMe and Tesla. Likewise, it benefits them, too. It's a win-win."
Number Six scoffed. "Third Brother, you're thinking too simply. The Original Body once said that some things cannot be considered from a commercial perspective; you have to look at politics."
"Then what do you suggest?"
"If I knew, why would I need you bunch of useless people?"
Number Six launched a broadside insult, and the room erupted into chatter. They all spoke using one body, one phrase after another, sometimes switching personalities mid-sentence.
A kaleidoscope of different expressions flashed across Luke's face, making the veins throb on Linda's forehead.
"Everyone, shut up!"
"I've made my decision. The day after tomorrow, I'm going to China, as an investor."
Support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/MistaQuartz
On Patreon, you can explore Extra Chapters in advance!