Seeing the conclusion, Valerie couldn't help but let out a hearty laugh. Those words were certainly something Fabian would utter; his style was too forceful, too distinct, too final.

  As his daughter, Valerie knew precisely the nature of her father, but it was only after reading his youthful writings that she truly understood.

  It turned out her father, too, had wrestled with similar internal conflicts during his youth.

  He vehemently despised foolishness.

  He detested hypocrisy.

  No.

  Rather than simply hating hypocrisy, it was more accurate to say he despised this overly real world. Valerie’s current predicament was one Fabian had navigated during his own younger years.

  He had chosen to build high fortifications, shutting everything out, escaping the demanding crowds for the quiet solitude of this small apartment, savoring his isolated existence.

  "Inherited?"

  Valerie continued to pore over Fabian's diary, attributing her inexplicable shifts in perception to heredity. Beyond that, she could find no other satisfying explanation.

  However, she couldn't grasp why her father had failed to fully utilize his incredible talent. Based on the diary's records, her father's inherent abilities were vastly superior to her own current capabilities.

  Significantly stronger.

  Yet, he ultimately chose to retreat and hide away in this modest apartment. He clearly possessed the capacity to leverage his talent for grander achievements, for greater renown.

  After realizing she wasn't the only one who felt like an outsider, Valerie quickly accepted her identity. Unlike Fabian, Valerie decided to embrace everything fully.

  Embrace her unique talent, and then successfully reintegrate herself into society.

  "One can't simply hide away forever," she murmured.

  A month later, Valerie had completely acclimated to the scope of her talent. She re-emerged into the public sphere, having learned how to view this world through an entirely new lens.

  This world held no more secrets for her!

  Fabian's detailed diary entries greatly ignited Valerie's interest. She, too, chose to become a private investigator, primarily offering assistance to the police force in resolving complex cases.

  Initially, people were unfamiliar with her, much less willing to endorse her methods. But upon learning her father was Fabian, some of the older officers immediately recalled him.

  "That rogue Fabian!"

  The senior officers held vivid memories of Fabian. His speed in cracking cases was legendary, his deductive ability undeniable, yet his capacity to provoke irritation was equally legendary.

  Virtually no one could tolerate him for long.

  Within two months,

  Valerie's reputation spread throughout Goliath City. She aided the police in solving numerous cases with astonishing swiftness, mirroring Fabian's capabilities during his prime.

  A widespread reputation naturally led to an influx of commissions. Valerie accepted all manner of requests, extending beyond official police matters.

  From locating missing persons to recovering misplaced articles, she never turned down a job.

  Each time, she could discern the true nature of reality with incredible speed, uncovering the truth. Silently, Valerie's abilities were continuously refining themselves.

  Her case-solving efficiency climbed ever higher.

  To the point where she now required only a fleeting glance to perceive everything, to intuit people's thoughts and internal emotions. This bestowed upon her a distinct sense of ascendancy over ordinary citizens.

  No matter how cunning or guarded a culprit might be, she could effortlessly pinpoint them. Valerie couldn't help but feel a touch of conceit.

  ...

  One day,

  While Valerie was out on assignment, two shifty-eyed porters furtively knocked on the door of Apartment No. 179 and, finding it unlocked, brazenly entered to loot the residence.

  First floor.

  Second floor.

  Soon, the pair reached the third floor.

  They meticulously picked the lock on the third-floor door, entirely unprepared for the apartment's owner to be sitting calmly on the sofa, sipping tea.

  Completely unconcerned by their intrusion.

  The two froze instantly.

  Then, they immediately drew small knives and grinned, revealing their yellowed teeth. Their initial plan of simple theft had just escalated into a home invasion robbery.

  They could only curse the owner for her terrible timing.

  "Don't make a sound."

  "Or our knives won't show restraint."

  "..."

  To the surprise of the two men, Mei sat on the sofa as if they were invisible, calmly sipping tea and reviewing her newspaper, displaying absolute composure.

  The two exchanged a quick glance.

  And then,

  There was no "then."

  A few days later,

  A woman arrived at the police station to report that her two sons had not returned home for several days, and she feared something terrible had occurred. She pleaded with the police for assistance in finding them.

  "Missing persons? We don't have the resources for that right now!"

  People vanished every day in Goliath City. The police simply couldn't manage every report. Unless there was a clear homicide or a case with substantial physical evidence, they wouldn't prioritize it.

  The police station declined the case, but Valerie readily accepted the commission. While the police offered their services pro bono, investigating and locating individuals under a private retainer required payment.

  She was not operating without cost.

  Initially, the investigation proceeded smoothly.

  Valerie learned from the woman that her two sons worked as warehouse porters. After making inquiries among other porters, she confirmed that the brothers had failed to report for work for several days.

  Following the threads of information, she traced the origin point.

  Valerie systematically eliminated all false leads and irrelevant distractions, eventually tracking the entire trail right to her own residence. Only then did she recall the incident.

  A few days prior, her apartment had indeed been subjected to a burglary. All the residents at No. 179 had suffered some degree of financial loss. Could the burglars have been those two brothers?

  Yes.

  It had been those two brothers.

  Valerie recalled the size of the footprints left by the two intruders at the time, allowing her to roughly estimate their stature. It must have been those two brothers.

  However,

  The trail terminated abruptly there.

  All evidence and clues indicated that the two brothers had vanished into thin air after entering the residence. The core issue remained: where could they have disappeared to? No unfamiliar individuals had been seen entering or leaving the apartment in days.

  Valerie frowned in frustration.

  This was merely a very simple missing persons inquiry, yet it presented her with an unprecedented level of investigative difficulty. The logical path of her inquiry had been severed abruptly.

  The path ahead was utterly perplexing.

  Knock, knock, knock!

  Mei opened the door.

  "Valerie? What's the matter?"

  "Auntie, I brought you some pastries when I got back."

  "Thank you. Let me pour you some tea."

  "No need to trouble yourself, I still have some tasks I need to rush off to."

  "Alright, don't stay out too late yourself."

  "Understood, you should also try to get to bed early."

  As Valerie spoke with Mei, her gaze settled upon her aunt, and she affected an air of indifference while subtly sweeping her eyes across the living room and floor space behind Mei.

  After heading downstairs,

  Valerie's expression gradually sharpened into seriousness.

  She had confronted a distinct problem.

  If there existed someone whose thoughts she couldn't penetrate, whose actions she couldn't fully discern, whose true nature remained entirely outside her grasp, and who left not the faintest trace of evidence.

  Then,

  How was one supposed to investigate such an individual?

  Valerie was fiercely unwilling to entertain the thought of her own aunt being involved. However, if the disappearance of the two brothers was somehow connected to her aunt, she genuinely found herself at an absolute dead end.

  The heavens had blessed her with extraordinary talent, yet it seemed they had simultaneously placed individuals on Earth whom she couldn't comprehend or predict. Valerie forced herself to envision her aunt as a perpetrator of a crime.

  She immediately shuddered in response.

  If that were the case, her aunt would be the perfect criminal—one that even Valerie, with all her skill, couldn't flawlessly apprehend!

  If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

  Finally,

  Valerie’s painstaking investigations yielded nothing. The trail of clues terminated abruptly upon reaching Mei. Even if she had desired to press further, there was simply no viable avenue.

  The more truths she uncovered and the more realities she witnessed through complex cases and official commissions, the more rapidly her own analytical abilities sharpened.

  Before long,

  She uncovered the truth that documented history had been significantly fabricated. Valerie experienced a rush of excitement similar to what Fabian had felt when he first made this revelation, immediately becoming fully absorbed in the pursuit.

  She was determined to unearth the genuine historical record.

  Of course,

  Valerie had absolutely no intention of announcing this monumental discovery publicly. Recklessly challenging a power capable of altering the entire historical narrative of the world was certainly not a prudent course of action.

  She was simply unable to restrain her impulses, entirely engrossed in the captivating process of seeking fundamental truth.

  ...

  1990.

  Nova Federation International Industrial Fair.

  The International Industrial Fair was a large-scale global exhibition, showcasing the most advanced industrial technologies and weaponry from the majority of the world's nations.

  Each International Fair effectively spurred the mutual development of global industrial technology, allowing nations to learn from each other's cutting-edge techniques.

  This process dramatically accelerated technological advancement across various countries.

  The exhibits drawing the most intense attention at the fair were undeniably the weapons and military equipment. As the international atmosphere grew increasingly frigid and tense, nations were aggressively striving to augment their military capabilities.

  With the emergence of more advanced weaponry, rapid updates and replacements became naturally imperative.

  Firing Range.

  Clack-clack-clack-clack-clack-clack!

  The incessant sound of gunfire echoed like a violent tempest, startling the gathered onlookers. A monstrous machine gun continuously unleashed a torrent of bullets forward.

  Flames and smoke billowed out violently.

  Long ammunition belts continuously fed into the machine gun, and spent casings were ejected with rhythmic clattering, scattering everywhere, an unsettling sight that made one's scalp tingle.

  In just one minute, this machine gun discharged 600 rounds.

  After the demonstration concluded, the announcer began to explain: "This is the latest model of the water-cooled heavy machine gun. Its maximum firing rate reaches 600 rounds per minute. By utilizing water-cooling technology for the first time, we have largely resolved the chronic overheating issue. Imagine, on the battlefield, a single burst from such a weapon could equal the sustained firepower of a hundred soldiers."

  Among the visitors were many representatives from other nations. They understood the presenter was not exaggerating; once such a weapon appeared on the battlefield,

  The battlefield would truly transform into a horrific meat grinder.

  They could scarcely picture such a tragic scenario.

  In contrast to that dread,

  They were significantly more concerned about another issue.

  "Mr. Presenter, I wish to inquire, are you currently offering this water-cooled heavy machine gun for sale? If so, I can place an order immediately!"

  "I can place an order right now, too!"

  "Of course."

  The presenter had anticipated this reaction and smiled, nodding lightly: "This is precisely why we are showcasing this new armament at the exhibition."

  Opening a new market for armaments and boosting economic revenue—this was one of the International Fair's foundational objectives. Weapons and equipment displayed here were treated as high-value commodities.

  Mei was not present in the main exhibition hall of the International Fair.

  She was in another location.

  On a wide, flat expanse, a crowd of people stood, watching with eager anticipation. Mei, dressed in a sharp black suit, was among the observers. Even Lieutenant General Weber had arrived to witness the event.

  "Miss, thank you profoundly for your generous funding!"

  A gentleman, leaning on a cane and sporting a fedora, enthusiastically shook Mei's hand. He was Ford, the proprietor of Ford Aviation Company, an enterprise specializing in researching and manufacturing flying machines.

  Ford's ambition was to create a craft capable of rapid, sustained flight through the air. He had christened this machine an "airplane." Given the recent invention of the internal combustion engine, he believed success was imminent.

  Previously, human ascent into the skies was limited only to hot air balloons. Many dismissed Ford as a dreamer; no one was willing to finance his endeavors.

  In a moment of apparent despair,

  Mei injected a substantial investment into Ford's company. This sum was adequate for Ford to utilize the best available materials to construct his most perfect experimental aircraft.

  He was naturally overwhelmingly grateful to Mei.

  "There is no need for excessive gratitude. After all, this is my venture."

  "Indeed."

  Ford's face radiated unshakeable confidence: "Your investment will absolutely prove worthwhile. I will demonstrate to the world that we are ushering in a new era!"

  A moment later,

  "Ready!"

  On the makeshift runway,

  The first pilot in human history, dressed in attire even more commonplace than usual, gave a firm thumbs-up to Ford and his team before engaging the internal combustion engine of the aircraft.

  The engine roared to life like a powerful beast.

  Clatter, clatter, clatter—

  The propellers on both wings began to rotate, spinning faster and faster. The gradually increasing wind pressure tugged the aircraft forward, startling the onlookers.

  "It's moving!"

  "It's accelerating!"

  As the aircraft sped down the strip, the propeller's thunder almost saturated the entire test field. To the incredulous gazes of everyone present,

  The plane's wheels lifted off the ground at some indeterminate point. The aircraft ascended, then, like a streamlined spear, pierced the open sky. This moment signaled the dawn of a new age.

  The observers were initially stunned into complete silence, which then erupted into joyous cheers.

  "It's flying!"

  "It's genuinely flying!!"

  "Mr. Ford, you have achieved something truly monumental!"

  Whoosh—

  The propeller plane circled back, swooping low over the heads of the crowd, its draft strong enough to blow off many hats. No one complained; they simply raised their hands and cheered wildly.

  Ford laughed heartily.

  "Miss, I told you your investment would not disappoint!"

  Mei returned his smile.

  "Congratulations. You have authored a new era."

  Lieutenant General Weber gazed upward at the plane, soaring freely in the sky like a magnificent eagle. His mind, however, remained still, his eyes betraying no emotional ripples.

  He directed a question to a nearby technician.

  "What is your aircraft's specified payload capacity? If it were carrying ammunition and weaponry, would structural modifications be necessitated? Furthermore, what is its maximum continuous flight duration?"

  The technician hesitated, unsure how to reply.

  "General, we have not yet conducted the relevant tests and experiments, so we cannot provide accurate data and answers at this time. The structure is certainly adaptable, but the payload capacity is fundamentally determined by the engine's output."

  And so,

  The technology prerequisite for a full-scale World War was now completely ready. Once hostilities commenced, any battlefield would swiftly morph into a massive meat grinder.

  Machine guns.

  Artillery.

  Airplanes.

  The scope and destructive impact of this impending war would far eclipse anything known in history.

  Weber craved power. He could no longer afford to wait. As long as he could initiate this conflict, he would secure unprecedented strength. And now,

  He only lacked the precise catalyst.

  That catalyst would arrive sooner than expected.

  ...

  1995.

  A colony of the United Kingdom of Westland, suffering chronic exploitation, saw its national economy teetering on the brink of collapse. It was forced to declare bankruptcy, triggering a complete national failure. The enraged colonial populace turned its fury toward the United Kingdom of Westland. Capitalizing on this volatile situation, over a dozen other Westland colonies rose up in armed revolt, proclaiming their independence.

  As the United Kingdom of Westland struggled desperately to manage this vexing internal crisis, the Nova Federation acted decisively. Weber initiated his move without hesitation.

  He publicly declared that the United Kingdom of Westland had engaged in indiscriminate attacks while suppressing the colonial uprising, resulting in heavy casualties among a Nova Federation merchant fleet.

  Among those killed was an individual holding an inherited count title.

  The Nova Federation immediately mobilized its military, disregarding the United Kingdom of Westland's warnings, and advanced into the latter's colonial territory, demanding a satisfactory explanation.

  Sane individuals understood the Nova Federation's true objective, but the hawkish faction held dominance within the Federation's leadership. A major conflict between the Federation and the United Kingdom of Westland was inevitable regardless.

  It was far better to seize this moment to secure the most advantageous strategic position.

  The situation rapidly escalated into extreme tension. The initial spark was merely the bankruptcy of a small nation. The architect behind this carefully orchestrated collapse was, naturally, Mei.

  A nation's economy is an exceedingly fragile mechanism. Once one critical link broke, the entire structure would crumble like a set of dominoes.

  The time was perfectly ripe.

  Mei showed no restraint.

  The Nova Federation exploited the ensuing chaos, colonies declared secession, and the frustrated United Kingdom of Westland could only grimly confront the developing crisis.

  Weber gave the United Kingdom of Westland little time to react. Large military forces swiftly and relentlessly occupied one Westland colony after another.

  A full-scale war thus erupted with a resounding bang.

  Hegemony.

  Independence.

  Other nations, caught precariously between these two ideological poles, were rapidly drawn in. Vassal states were compelled to provide military aid to their mother countries, thereby being dragged into the whirlpool of conflict.

  Some nations, merely because they occupied crucial strategic positions, were attacked without any credible pretext. No power could completely remain aloof from the escalating violence.

  The rapid spread of warfare led to severe economic deterioration. Even nations not directly engaged in the fighting found their situations worsening daily, leading to widespread domestic chaos.

  【Key Coordinate · Established】

  【Upgrade Task 7 · Completed】

  【Truth Manifestation Level · Upgraded】

  【Truth Manifestation · LV8?】

  ——

  【Ability: Truth Manifestation】

  【Level: LV8】

  【Description: All sentient perceptions within this reality become the wielder's own perceptions. All sentient beings' fantasies, legends, myths, and prevailing concepts in this world can be temporarily manifested. Duration: One Hundred Thousand Years. The specific manifestation effect cannot exceed the controller's current Grade.】

  ——

  The effective duration of Truth Manifestation's influence grew increasingly vast. This specific upgrade was particularly significant, expanding the effect from the initial one thousand years to a hundred thousand years—a massive hundredfold increase.

  This year,

  Valerie was 31 years old.

  "Auntie, please take care of yourself. Remember to wear warm clothes when the weather turns cold. I promise I'll still come to visit you often."

  Valerie was now a mature woman, dressed smartly and with an air of efficiency. At first glance, she projected the image of a strong female executive, a complete departure from her earlier persona.

  A few years prior, after uncovering the historical fabrications, her inherent abilities had progressed significantly. She had now reached a level where she could influence surrounding reality with her individual will.

  However, she never easily utilized this power, always maintaining absolute secrecy.

  Four years ago, she concluded her self-imposed detective games, returning home to gradually take over the family enterprises. Gloria was now 62; she could no longer afford to indulge her own eccentric pursuits.

  Not only the family assets and business, but Valerie also entered the political arena at Gloria's insistence, inheriting her mother's extensive network of political connections cultivated over many years.

  In a few days, Valerie would be inducted into the House of Lords. Their family inherently possessed a hereditary baronetcy, qualifying them as nobility. Coupled with Gloria's strategic networking, securing a seat in the House of Lords was not a substantial challenge.

  Consequently, Valerie had to vacate Downing Street.

  "Okay, you are always welcome back anytime. I will keep the second-floor apartment reserved for you indefinitely."

  "Then, goodbye, Auntie!"

  "Farewell."

  Valerie, filled with confidence and earnest anticipation, was thus formally introduced to the House of Lords, becoming a peer. She ardently hoped this nation could become even stronger and more prosperous.

  This was her genuine hope as a citizen of the Nova Federation.

  She had always believed she was unique in her capacity.

  Until, that is, she encountered Weber.

  His military uniform was impeccably sharp, and his gaze was like a honed blade. The mere aura he exuded conveyed a powerful sense of oppressive authority. This was clearly a superhuman wielding immense, restrained power!

  Valerie's gaze, which inherently sought essence and truth, instantly detected that Weber's power originated from the very act of war itself. This immediately caused Valerie to frown deeply.

  Allowing such an individual to command the Nova Federation's foreign wars might dangerously drag the entire Federation into an abyss. He craved not victory, but rather, the war as an end in itself!

  Weber had been promoted to General two years prior—the highest attainable rank. His return to Goliath City this time was for crucial, high-level strategic discussions concerning the ongoing conflict.

  Discussions regarding tactical advantages.

  Regarding prevailing battle conditions.

  Regarding acceptable casualty rates.

  Regarding military expenditures.

  After all formal proceedings concluded, Valerie and Weber engaged in a private meeting and discussion. Evasiveness was pointless; Weber had undoubtedly detected her own latent power as well.

  Those of the same extraordinary kind were always exceptionally sensitive to one another.

  The two avoided questioning each other about the source of their respective abilities. Valerie merely inquired about Weber's true disposition toward this war and toward the Federation itself.

  Lies were utterly meaningless between them.

  Valerie immediately understood Weber's core motivation. This audacious man had never intended for this war to conclude. All talk of achieving victory or hegemony was mere political posturing.

  He desired to shatter the entire world, including this Federation, before he would ever cease his actions.

  "So,"

  Valerie's face was grimmer than ever: "You possess no intention of halting this conflict, even if the Federation ultimately faces collapse."

  Weber's expression remained impassive.

  He gazed coldly at Valerie: "I know what you intend to do. If you genuinely believe that neutralizing me alone can halt the spread of this conflict, then you are fundamentally naive."

  "What exactly do you mean?"

  "Whoever stands in my way, I will crush them. I welcome any form of engagement—be it financial maneuvering, political sabotage, or the most brutal slaughter. I am absolutely willing to accommodate."

  Any form of conflict, any form of war, would only serve to strengthen Weber. He did not fear accumulating numerous enemies; he only feared the absence of opposition. Valerie, in his eyes, was too short-sighted.

  Did she truly believe he was the sole architect of this massive war?

  Utterly naive.

  "I welcome you to join this war in whatever capacity you choose. However, I must offer a warning: if you are truly fortunate enough to succeed in stopping me…"

  Weber's cold, stern face rarely betrayed any emotion, but now a faint smile appeared.

  "Then, you will witness absolute despair."

  "What on earth are you implying?"

  Weber offered no further answers to Valerie's inquiries.

  "You claim you can perceive everything. You can even see through my true intentions with a single glance. Then find the origin of everything and present it to me."

  Valerie fell into deep contemplation.

  What, precisely, did he mean by "absolute despair"?