Chapter 54: VALEN MANGROVE

VIVIAN

Vivian climbed into the hovercar with Herbert.

As the vehicle lifted from the school grounds, Vivian suddenly remembered something.

She turned toward Herbert. "Wait. How do you know my adopted father?"

Herbert glanced at her. "What?"

"How did you get his number?"

Herbert stared at her as if she had just asked the strangest question in the world.

"Have you forgotten my name already?"

Vivian blinked. "My name is Herbert Va....lennn."

He emphasized the last word. "So you don’t remember my clan name?"

Vivian’s lips parted.

Oh.

She quickly covered her mouth, hiding her laughter.

So that’s why he’s connected to Darius.

Then another thought struck him

Wait...

He said to her, "What is your Serial’s clan name?"

She looked at him. "Alvin."

Herbert’s face immediately darkened. "So it’s my clan name you forgot?"

He turned his back toward her, clearly offended.

Vivian tried not to laugh.

Why does he look like a child whose candy was stolen?

Before she could say anything, the hovercar began slowing down.

They had arrived. Vivian looked through the window.

Her eyes widened.

A gigantic gate stood before them.

Across it were several enormous golden letters:

VALEN MANGROVE

Her car dropped down and they came out together.

A sophisticated robot approached the vehicle. "Are you Miss Vivian Valen?"

Vivian nodded. "Yes."

The robot bowed politely. "Welcome, Miss. Please proceed."

Another Hover car was waiting. The Robot opened it. "After you, Miss."

Vivian stepped inside with Herbert and Serial.

The moment the door closed, the vehicle began moving again. The robot took the hologram wheel.

Vivian looked around. "Who is driving us?"

Herbert gave her a strange look. "The Robot of course. This is a different car. It requires a driver."

Vivian’s expression became serious. "What if the robot malfunctions?"

Herbert blinked. "What?"

"What if it crashes?"

Herbert stared at her. "Are you really from Haxia?"

Vivian frowned. "Yes."

"Or did you fall from another planet?"

Vivian’s eyes narrowed. "What is that supposed to mean?"

"I mean..." Herbert rubbed his forehead. "You’re asking if a self- driving military-grade Robot will suddenly forget how to fly and crash you?."

"I’m just asking questions to be sure."

The hovercar suddenly accelerated.

Vivian grabbed the seat. "AH!"

Herbert sighed.

She is definitely from another planet.

The hovercar flew deeper into the Valen territory.

Vivian stared through the window.

There were Buildings, more buildings, more taller buildings.all in the sky.

She could see the Training grounds. Military facilities. Factories.

Research centers, Residential districts. Even a hospital.

Everything seemed to stretch endlessly.

Finally, the hovercar descended in front of an enormous building.

Vivian stepped out. "Finally! We arrived at the Valen mansion."

Herbert stared at her. "Are you really this dumb, or are you pretending?"

Vivian frowned. "What again? If you don’t insult me? You won’t perform as a male right?"

"Didn’t you see the sign outside? Before we used the second Hover car?"

"I saw it."

"And?"

Vivian shrugged. "What about it?"

Herbert pointed behind them. "Everything from that gate until here belongs to the Valen Clan."

Vivian froze. Her eyes slowly widened. "What?"

She turned around.

"Wait."

She looked at the enormous territory. "You mean this entire place we just passed..."

She pointed toward the distance. "All of this belongs to the Valens?"

Herbert nodded. "They belong to the Valen direct ascendants."

Vivian’s legs almost gave out.

What kind of terrifying family is this?!

She looked around again.

How rich are they?

She swallowed.

Even the Astronova family can’t fill their teeth with this!

A huge smile appeared on her face.

My father really gave me a ridiculously rich background.

She touched her chest.

Why was Isaac always so sweet and kind to Vivian? He is a reliable father.

Herbert suddenly ruined her thoughts. "This building is only Uncle Darius’s office."

Vivian’s mouth dropped open. "Only...?"

They entered the building.

Vivian quickly realized this wasn’t an ordinary office.

The security was terrifying. They passed through several checkpoints.

At every level stood heavily armed soldiers and robotic guards.

Some soldiers saluted Herbert.

Others immediately scanned Vivian.

They entered one elevator. Then another to another.

Vivian quietly counted. She was already tired and exhausted.

How many floors does this place have?! If an Assassin comes in he will be confused and exhausted.

Finally, they reached the highest level.

A massive metallic door stood before them.

A robot scanned their identities.

ACCESS GRANTED.

The door opened. Vivian stepped inside quietly.

Then she froze.

Behind a massive desk sat a man who looked surprisingly young. She hadn’t looked at Darius properly when he came to save her in the Astronova mansion.

His hair was a beautiful sea-green, and his silver-green eyes were sharp yet calm.

He looked handsome enough to be mistaken for Vivian’s father.

Darius Valen looked up. A smile appeared on his face. "Vivian."

He stood. "Did you like the equipment I sent you?"

Vivian nodded quickly. "Yes. Thank you, Sir."

Darius shook his head. "No."

Vivian blinked.

"Call me Father."

Vivian’s expression stiffened. "It... sounds strange."

She looked away. "And I’m not comfortable with it yet."

Darius smiled gently. "That’s fine."

"When you’re comfortable, you can call me that."

Vivian nodded. "Thank you, Sir... for taking care of me. I am very grateful to you. And for always accepting my ridiculous request. Forgive me if I have offended you with my words."

Darius walked around the desk. He laughed knowing Vivian seeing his house has been humbled. For a week she has been making some ridiculous complaints and requests. She thought he was just a soldier.

He said. "I was against you joining this mission."

His expression became serious. "But my distant nephew will be going with you."

He glanced toward Herbert. "He’ll protect you."

Herbert immediately bowed. "Yes, Sir."

Vivian looked at Herbert. "Distant nephew?"

She glanced between them. "That is, of course, assuming he doesn’t make me die from anger first."

Darius chuckled. "He wouldn’t dare make you angry."

Then his expression became stern.

He looked at Herbert. "Remember the promise you made to me."

Herbert straightened.

"This is your starting point." Darius’s voice was firm. "If you fail me, I won’t care what your mother or father does to you. Do you understand?"

Herbert bowed deeply. "Yes, Uncle."

His voice trembled slightly. "Thank you for your care."

He quickly turned his face away. Vivian noticed him wiping his eyes.

Her smile faded. She remembered the forest training.

The illusion he got into. The pain on Herbert’s face.

Whatever had happened to him.in his family had clearly left a wound.

At least Darius stood by him.

Darius returned to his desk. "Vivian, you’re officially an F-Class soldier now."

Vivian nodded.

"I saw your medical report."

He took out a storage ring. "You’re malnourished."

He handed it to her. "This contains specially prepared nutritional supplies...high-protein foods, calcium-rich supplements, fiber-rich meals, and other nutrients designed to restore your body’s condition."

Vivian stared at the ring. Then shook her head. "I can’t accept it."

Darius raised an eyebrow. "Why?"

"Borrowing your name and protection is already enough."

She pushed the ring back. "I don’t want more resources. You have done enough for me."

Darius studied her. "Why?"

Vivian smiled. "I’m fine with what I have."

She gently pushed the ring further toward him.

"When I need something, I’ll tell you."

Inside her consciousness, Beeny stared at her in disbelief.

YOU?!

The same greedy person who nearly cried over three billion Spirit Stones?!

How can you reject free food?!

Vivian replied inwardly. I’m not a charity case Beeny.

Beeny crossed her tiny arms.

Fake character development.

Vivian ignored her.

"Sir."

Darius looked up. Vivian hesitated. "What about my father?"

Her fingers tightened. "Can I know how he is now? And how too...get to him.."

Darius’s expression became heavy. He looked toward Herbert. "Leave us."

Herbert immediately bowed. "Yes, Uncle."

He left the office. The door closed behind him.

Darius returned his attention to Vivian. "Like I told you before, Isaac is gone."

Vivian’s fists tightened.

"There is no way for us to get him back."

His voice softened. "You need to let go of your father. I’ll fulfill the responsibility he entrusted to me."

Vivian lowered her head. For several seconds, she remained silent. Then she raised her eyes. "Sir."

"Yes?"

"I want a detailed report of the mission my father went on."

Darius frowned.

"And I want to know why the Guide Healers couldn’t soothe his beast frenzy. Was it really Emelianna’s orders?"

Her voice became firm. "And who approved him for that mission? I heard he was on a mission about the superior world?"

Darius stared at her. "You don’t need to worry about that."

"I do."

Vivian clenched her fist. "I want to know."

Darius was silent for a moment. Then he sighed. "Let me tell you something, but it must not leave this room."

Vivian nodded.

"Our Haxia Military has already begun an internal investigation." His expression became serious. "We’re restructuring certain procedures because incidents like what happened to Isaac should never have been allowed."

Vivian listened carefully.

"When we have enough evidence, we will act."

He looked directly at her. "So don’t worry. We won’t ignore what happened to Isaac!"

Vivian slowly exhaled. "Okay."

But deep inside, she knew something else.

I still have to find my father myself.

I can’t depend on anyone’s charity.

She stood. "I’ll be leaving for the mission tomorrow."

She bowed. "I’ll see you in three months."

Vivian turned toward the door.

"Wait."

She stopped. Darius’s expression suddenly changed. "What about your Zerg bee?"

Vivian’s body froze. Darius continued calmly. "Is that little insect still with you?"

Vivian’s legs suddenly weakened. Her face went pale. Her lips trembled.

"W... what?"

She slowly turned around. "What do you mean?"

Darius stared at her intensely.

Vivian swallowed. "How did he know about Beeny?"