Mindreader’s False Glory

For the next half month, I stayed by Ruby’s side, "assisting" her.

No matter how complex the situation was, the moment we encountered a difficult awakening case, I would immediately construct the optimal guidance model in my mind.

A fire-element user going berserk?

I silently ran through it in my head, 'Compress oxygen density…'

Ruby followed instantly. Success.

A water-element user suffering from dehydration?

I analyzed internally, 'Replenish electrolytes…'

Ruby did the same again. Problem solved, flawlessly.

With my cooperation, Ruby’s reputation skyrocketed. She was hailed as the savior of the apocalypse, the Mother of Elements. Some even proposed building a statue in her honor.

As Ruby’s position solidified, another matter that drew the attention of the entire base was pushed onto the agenda: the Genesis Initiative.

In this apocalyptic world, the human population had plummeted. Preserving superior genetics had become the top priority.

The base had set a rule: only men and women certified with top-tier genetic ratings were qualified to pair and produce offspring, and they would receive the highest level of resource allocation.

Zachary and I had both been recognized as top-tier. He was the strongest captain of the guard while I was the chief researcher. Our union had once been seen as the future of the base.

But now, the tide had shifted.

After an exploration team returned with a large haul of supplies, the base held a celebration.

General Thomas, flushed with excitement, raised his glass. "To celebrate Ruby Barrett becoming the Mother of Elements, we have decided to grant this year’s sole reproduction slot to her!

"And the male partner selected for her will naturally be our finest—Captain Zachary Bridges!"

The moment he finished speaking, the entire room erupted in cheers.

Ruby’s face flushed instantly. She lowered her head shyly, her gaze drifting toward Zachary before she glanced at me with feigned hesitation.

"This... this isn’t right, is it? Zachary is Faith’s boyfriend. How could I take someone else’s partner? That would be so wrong..."

The crowd immediately started egging her on.

"Ruby, look at the situation we’re in. Why are you still thinking about love and relationships? You’re too kind!"

"Exactly! For the future of humanity, of course, the strongest should pair with the strongest!"

"Faith’s just an assistant now. How could her genetics possibly compare to your Spark of Dominion?"

"Faith should understand, right? This is for all of humanity!"

Every gaze turned toward me, sharp as blades.

Zachary stood up, his expression filled with righteous resolve. He walked over, took my hand, and spoke with feigned tenderness, "Faith, I know this is unfair to you. I’m in pain too. But as captain of the guard, I have to put the bigger picture first.

"For the continuation of humanity, for a stronger next generation, I’m willing to sacrifice my personal happiness. I believe you’ll understand my position, right?"

Looking at his righteous expression, I almost laughed out loud.

Sacrifice his happiness?

In my past life, when Ruby framed me for conducting human experiments, had my limbs broken, and threw me into the zombie pit, Zachary, who claimed to love me, hadn’t even come to see me once. He didn’t even spare me a glance.

Even after I died, when my soul drifted above the base, I saw it with my own eyes.

He and Ruby were tangled together in my laboratory. They had been involved with each other all along.