Morris took a step forward and explained, “The founder’s story has already become a legend. Nobody knows how much of it is true, but it’s said that humans had gained superpowers during that time, and many used their superpowers for evil. Commander Xavier established the special department to protect regular humans.”

He looked at Brenda and said, “Commander Xavier’s real name is Hugh Xavier. I heard his wife was also part of the special department back then. Once, when Commander Xavier was out of commission, she had led the special department to achieve various victories. The two ultimately retreated to the background and lived in seclusion in the end.

“The two of them were not just husband and wife but also comrades-in-arms. Commander Xavier’s wife was a reticent woman, and the couple rarely spoke sweet nothings to each other like other married couples. But when they stood next to each other, they gave people the feeling that two of the mightiest people had formed a powerful alliance, and it was as if they knew exactly what the other was thinking. When Commander Xavier’s wife was wanted by the entire world, he was willing to make an enemy of the whole world for her sake.

“They, who served the country and the people and also did everything they could for each other, then became the legends of the special department.”

Morris went on and said, “It’s also because that era was simply too glorious and spawned too many legends that people, in the pursuit of power, started developing an interest in genetic research. That was what led to our existing V1 to V16 gene serums. At the core of it all, these gene serums are actually humanity’s attempts at overcoming their limits. They dream of becoming as powerful as those super-humans, but little do they know that all those people who once possessed superpowers just wanted to become ordinary humans once more.”

After saying all these, Morris realized that he had said a little too much. He then added, “Commander Xavier once said that with great power comes great responsibility. If your comrade-in-arms has died in the line of duty, then all the more you must take on their share of duty and live on properly instead of losing yourself in your grief.

“His wife, Simone Xavier, once lost a friend with red hair. After her friend’s death, she dyed her own hair red and lived an exciting life in her friend’s stead. All of them have never complained or regretted what they’ve done.”

As Nora listened to Morris, she suddenly found herself longing to live in that era.

As for Brenda, she balled up her fists. A wry smile formed on her countenance as she said, “I really was splitting hairs over minor issues, huh.”

After chatting for a while longer, Nora’s cell phone suddenly rang. She stepped aside and answered the call. The caller, Lisa, said, “I’m at the villa now, Nora. Marcus’ mom’s mental illness stems from psychological reasons, not physical ones, so it’s actually out of our control. At the bottom of it all, the truth is that she’s not sick at all; she’s just doing all this to numb her pain. As for insisting that Brenda is her daughter-in-law… my guess is that she’s jealous of her in a way.”

She was jealous that Brenda was living her life properly when her son was dead.

To be honest, this was a perfectly understandable mindset.

A couple of days ago, Nora had even seen the news about an 18-year-old boy who saved a 16-year-old girl who was drowning. While the girl had survived, the boy had died.

The boy’s parents were unable to bring themselves to forgive the girl and were unwilling to meet her.

It was obvious that Marcus’ mom wanted Brenda to suffer along with her so that she could feel better.

She sighed silently.

Elsewhere.

When Nora stepped aside to pick up a phone call, Brenda came up to Morris and stood next to him. She followed his line of sight and looked at Nora, who was standing near them, from the back.

Brenda suddenly asked, “Captain Ford, have you stayed single all these years because of Nora?”

Her words took Morris by surprise.

Brenda went on. “Do you also want a wife like Commander Xavier’s? A soulmate whom you can also form a powerful alliance with and who knows what exactly is on your mind?”

Morris fell silent.

He had never told anyone about his feelings.

He didn’t expect Brenda to still detect them.