Chapter 380
The night stretched on endlessly as thick fog rolled through Loang. People walking the streets couldn’t see each other even from a hundred yards away.
Hidden beneath a fog-covered abandoned building was an advanced laboratory. The man made another video call to Judy, his voice filled with excitement. “Your Highness, I’ve found a way to quickly identify royal blood.”
At Loang Airport, Roy was practically floating as he boarded the plane, completely oblivious to Bruce sitting nearby.
Bruce made an effort to strike up a conversation, and since Roy was in such a good mood, they ended up chatting the whole flight to Basterel. Roy even offered to give him a ride when they landed.
Bruce declined, but they exchanged phone numbers.
“We should play some games together sometime,” Roy said.
“Sounds good,” Bruce smiled.
After Roy left, a car pulled up for Bruce. Instead of heading to a hotel, they drove straight to Horington.
It was the weekend at York Residence. Shermaine grabbed an astronomy textbook and went to Stephen’s study to ask for help. It took him a few minutes to answer the door.
When he opened it, she caught a faint smell drifting from inside. It reminded her of beef jerky.
Stephen’s expression was blank. “What do you need?”
Shermaine held up her book. “I’ve got some questions I was hoping you could help me with, Dad.”
“Let’s go downstairs.”
“Okay.”
Once they started talking about astronomy, Stephen came alive. His understanding of the subject was impressive and far-reaching.
Astronomy was one of the oldest sciences. It focused on studying celestial bodies in space, along with the structure, properties, and movement patterns of the universe.
Shermaine didn’t have much experience in this area, but she could keep up with Stephen’s conversation easily enough.
Stephen looked at her with growing admiration. “You’re the smartest person I’ve ever met, a genius.”
Shermaine’s eyes flickered slightly. “Thank you for the compliment, Dad.”
“Don’t mention it. I’m just being honest.”
Shermaine’s IQ was the highest in the world. She was the most perfect human being on Earth. Any child she and Joshua had together would have exceptional genes.
“Since you’re so interested in astronomy, do you think there’s another parallel dimension besides Earth?” Stephen asked.
This parallel space would have more advanced technology than Earth, though it would be filled with violence and war.
Shermaine paused for a moment, then said yes without hesitation.
Stephen pressed further. “Why are you so certain?”
If she hadn’t encountered that crystal sarcophagus, Shermaine might not have been so definitive. Before she had real answers, she would have said “maybe” or “possibly.”
But Shermaine knew the crystal sarcophagus was special. It didn’t belong to Earth.
Shermaine said, “The universe is huge, and just because we can’t prove something exists doesn’t mean it doesn’t. That’s why the world has so many unsolved mysteries.”
It was a pretty ordinary answer, but it made sense.
Shermaine went on, “It’s like how you look all proper and serious, but you sneak around eating beef jerky.”
Stephen was speechless for a moment before he protested, “I don’t sneak beef jerky.”
Just then, King Tiki came downstairs from the study. He’d found some evidence and brought it down as proof.
Shermaine gave him a meaningful look. “Do Grandpa and Joshua know you like beef jerky?”
Stephen fell silent. Of course they didn’t know, because the real Stephen never ate beef jerky. This excellent human was terrifying, but he couldn’t blow his cover. “I haven’t been home in years. You think they’d know?”
‘Fair enough,’ Shermaine thought. ‘I’ll let it slide for now.’
Evening came and night fell. Joshua returned home earlier than usual today. His voice came from behind them. “What are you two talking about?”