Origin Chapter Thirteen: The Long-Silent Secret, Los's Return

The general had not intended to reveal his identity to Minister Loss so soon, for he knew there was no time left; yet, now that the secret had been exposed, he resolved not to hide it any longer. Their embrace was the warmest moment the two had shared since the incident on Konai. The general desperately needed this embrace...

Loss, old tears streaming down his cheeks, muttered words too choked for even the general to fully catch. They held each other for a long time before Loss finally patted the general’s back, and only then did the two slowly let go. Catching sight of each other’s tear-streaked faces, they couldn’t help but break into laughter. Hastily, they wiped their tears away with both hands. Lieutenant Qin, standing by, quickly handed them towels, then withdrew with a gentle smile.

“Brother, when our uncle passed away, I wanted so much to pay my respects, but I couldn’t at the time,” the general sighed as he faced Loss.

“I understand. Our family has lived under assumed names for decades, scattered across the stars. Some became miners, others beastkeepers, living in obscurity and hardship. Even so, many were still hunted and executed. At our height, our family numbered in the millions; after that disaster, those I can still reach are but a handful. Perhaps most have hidden even deeper, beyond the enemy’s reach. I pray my prediction is true...

Brother, do you remember? On Planets 39 and 35 alone, two purges wiped out hundreds of thousands of our kin—they sought our extermination.” As Loss recalled these memories, tears streamed anew, his voice thick with grief.

The general’s throat tightened, his words barely audible. “Yes, I remember. To escape the killings, Father turned to his dearest friend—a military hospital director. Using the latest technology, he altered my appearance. Afterward, the director destroyed all records, spoke privately with Father for over ten minutes, then saw us off. We stowed away on a cargo ship, hiding for over four years on Planet 78. Over a decade later, I finally found news of that director on the military network. The day after we left, he went on vacation alone and died suddenly of illness in his villa. His body was only found three days later.

His death was mired in controversy, but no one investigated. He left a will requesting his remains be quickly cremated. I instinctively realized he had taken his own life—to bury our secret forever. That was when I truly grew up. Our kin died by the enemy’s cruelty, but the director died for a greater cause. I understood then, and from that point, I ceased seeking out our family, choosing to hide and build merit in the army, growing stronger.

When I was promoted to brigadier general, I had the director’s son conscripted. The boy was diligent and brave; in less than two years, he dared to try for the special forces and earned a place with outstanding results. From then on, I subjected him to even harsher, secret training, forging him into a soldier worthy of pride. Ever since, I’ve kept him by my side.”

The general gestured subtly toward Lieutenant Qin. “That’s him—my aide, Qin Zhen. His father was our family’s benefactor, sacrificing his life to preserve our secret. When the Empire’s Dawn Plan succeeds, our kin must raise a memorial to Director Qin in our ancestral temple, and his descendants must forever receive our family’s gratitude.”

“Yes, his father deserves to be honored for generations, never to be forgotten,” the general echoed Loss’s vow. “Brother, for now, Qin does not know the truth. Please help me keep this secret. I don’t want him burdened.”

“I understand. I’ll tell Zaku to keep silent as well. Their family’s misfortunes are much like ours, though their enemy’s persecution wasn’t as merciless.”

“By the way, when you first awoke, you boldly mentioned the incident on Konai. Weren’t you afraid Zaku might overhear?” Loss had been uneasy about this from the start. Since arriving at the base, he’d worried about Zaku, but had not found the chance to discuss it with the general—until now.

“You needn’t worry,” the general reassured him. “Less than three minutes after we left with Chen Pi, another team arrived at the butcher shop and erased every trace—including Zaku’s memories from that time. Now, only you and I know the full truth. Zaku knows just enough, and I trust and admire him. That’s why I’ve decided to keep him here a while longer, have the technical corps and research institute train him in energy manipulation. During the upcoming base relocation, I’ll take him with me. In the future, I want him to take on important responsibilities—implementing the Dawn Plan and protecting you and your family. I’ve already spoken to him privately; he’s willing to give his life for your safety.”

Loss was surprised. “But—but… hasn’t Zaku been with me all along? When did you talk to him?”

The general grinned and waved his hand. Instantly, a scene appeared before Loss’s eyes—a holographic projection of everyone in the hall. Loss remembered the advanced technology he’d briefly forgotten.

“Brother, once you return, a specialist will teach you to use this. You’ll soon master it, making communication much easier and safer. There’s something else I must tell you—don’t be too surprised.”

“Brother, whatever it is, just say it. Our family has always prized candor and boldness!” Loss laughed.

“As you know, my appearance changed drastically after surgery. Still, I recognized you. In fact, I’d investigated you to confirm your identity. After I was certain, I decided to protect you at all costs. I also learned of your close ties with Zaku, so I gradually replaced many of your staff and guards with my own trusted people.”

Loss was startled, but he understood the general’s intent and felt no resentment—only relief, finally understanding why he’d enjoyed more freedom and privacy. It was all thanks to his brother’s arrangements, though he’d never known.

“When the youth’s will broke under torture, I could barely control his body and staggered to Zaku’s shop, seeking help. Zaku, despite knowing the risks—possibly implicating his organization—chose to help. That’s why I trust him, and want him to share our dream, including his own vengeance. I hadn’t expected to find you there, but since you were, and the situation was critical, I decided to bring you back to the base and move up my plans.”

Hearing this, Loss finally understood that his brother had been making moves for a long time, and recent events—Lianping’s ordeal and the discovery of ancient technology—had only accelerated and refined his plans. What Loss had seen and heard that day astonished and impressed him. Change was now unstoppable; a new era was near. He felt more confident in the future than ever before.

The reception ended soon after, and everyone hurried to their posts to prepare for the plan’s execution.

Outside the teleportation pod, the general and Loss embraced again, bidding each other farewell.

“Minister Loss, please come with me for the return trip,” Chen Pi said softly.

Loss nodded to him. “Thank you, Captain Chen.”

Chen Pi snapped to attention and saluted. “It’s my honor, Mr. Loss.” With that, Chen Pi entered the pod ahead.

“Brother, until we meet again.”

“We’ll meet again soon, brother…”

After the pod door closed, the general stood silently before it for a long time. After all the storms he’d weathered, he had finally reunited with his first family member. Despite his high rank and power, decades had passed without being able to see his kin. The burden that had weighed on his heart for so long was finally lifted.

“General, would you like to rest before heading to the command center?” Lieutenant Qin asked quietly.

“Lieutenant Qin, please inform Elder Li that I wish to see him. Have all sector commanders and department heads await orders in the command center.”

“Yes, General!” Lieutenant Qin immediately relayed the message to Li Jimo through the system and issued the assembly order.