Chapter 437: with translation of chapter title

Actually…

Since Sui Bian absorbed the Zero Three Emperor, he has been able to, according to his subjective consciousness, open space gates of any size at any point in the physical universe.

Of course, this ability of his is not arbitrary; wanting to go somewhere doesn't mean he can just go there. Opening a space gate linking to a parallel universe consumes corresponding points and his spiritual energy based on that parallel universe's human civilization level, or what special items, technology, etc., it contains…

It's not an unbearable price.

However, Sui Bian really has no inclination to open space gates; mainly, humanity as a whole is now advancing rapidly, especially the heavily wounded Zero Three Universe, so humanity first needs to stabilize.

Just like constructing a megastructure apartment, if the foundation isn't solid, yet one thinks of adding floors, of finishing quickly, then before the megastructure apartment is completed, the whole building could collapse with a boom.

Thus, given the current situation, Sui Bian really can't be bothered to open space gates; moreover, a 'wild' space gate leading to the Zero Four Universe has now appeared.

Conversely, in the alien space, as long as he actively opens a space gate within humanity's territory in the main universe, evil gods and demons find it hard to detect or perceive it, after all, humanity's territory in the main universe is, to them, a pitch-black, utterly impenetrable 'icy' and 'misty' region.

But if the parallel universe at the other end of the space gate has been severely corroded by the alien space, then the gate's location still has a chance of being exposed.

At this moment.

Hearing the 'boss' personally confirm possessing this ability, Bai Hou's prosthetic face slightly opened her mouth, her eyes widened, showing a look of shock.

After a moment, she recovered and asked, 'Chairman, do all OriginalBodies know about this?'

'I will find time to tell Robert and John about this privately, but those nine kids (Helusi, Fogrem) will not be informed,' Sui Bian explained, shaking his head, and glanced with his peripheral vision at Constantine and the two guards behind him.

Then he turned his gaze back to the calm sea, continuing to admire while also telling Bai Hou, 'For now, you must not reveal this to Helusi and Fogrem, understood?'

'Understood, Chairman.' Bai Hou nodded in agreement.

Even Constantine and the two guard brothers involuntarily nodded slightly; in fact, these guards responsible for their father's safety had just learned that their father could arbitrarily open space gates.

No need for excessive reminders; Constantine and the two guards will keep today's discussion confined among themselves, with no extra people learning of it, unless the father proactively informs each OriginalBody or discloses it to the public.

——————

…

Beep~! Beep-beep~!

Sharp, brainwashing, endlessly repeating alarm bells rang throughout the bedroom.

The bedroom was extremely spacious; the floor-to-ceiling window on the east side, as the alarm sounded, automatically unfolded its electronic curtains, allowing bright, warm morning sunlight to pour in unhindered, illuminating everything.

By the sunlight, observing the whole bedroom, its overall style is minimalist, mainly black, gray, and warm white; on the south side is a dressing table piled with cosmetics and a holographic mirror, while a large double bed against the north wall sits in the center.

However, the sheets and blankets were messy, and the two occupants of the bedroom seemed to have rushed out before the alarm rang due to some urgent matter, even leaving the door opposite the floor-to-ceiling window open.

At this moment, the floor-to-ceiling window slowly opened a crack, letting fresh air flow into the house.

Chirp~ chirp~!

As soon as the floor-to-ceiling window opened, an exceptionally loud birdcall was heard.

Looking out the window, one could see a flock of plump, round, colorful-feathered birds perched on the balcony railing outside, playfully tussling.

Gazing farther afield, one could overlook a colonial metropolis bathed in the beautiful morning scenery.

Although the surroundings feature many megastructure skyscrapers and apartments over eight hundred meters tall, this colony's urban layout is good, with at least about two kilometers between megastructures, ensuring sufficient sunlight for the ground and other buildings, lacking the overcrowded, everything-piled-together feel that would be a suffocating 'steel jungle'.

Alternatively, it's possible the bedroom's owners spent more money to buy a residence with excellent lighting, scenery, and location.

'Kennedy!!! Get down here quick!!!'

Suddenly! A woman's angry shout came from outside the bedroom door.

Chirp! chirp!

Over a dozen colorful-feathered birds were instantly startled by this shout, flapping their wings and fleeing heedlessly.

Back in the bedroom.

Following the open door outward, one sees the house's overall layout is a duplex, with the bedroom on the second floor, while the source of the shout is at the dining table beside the kitchen bar on the first floor.

Looking at the table holding soy milk and sandwiches, one sees the woman who shouted, wearing a dress-style red pajama, cradling a girl about six years old with a head of bright blond hair.

And there is a boy with black short hair, a youthful face, at most twelve years old, but with sturdy features, as if he perfectly inherited his parents' merits, yet he gazes resentfully at the little girl.

Looking closely, the boy's visage bears the likeness of the legendary Umbrella agent Leon Scott Kennedy; if his hair were changed to blond, he would be an even more refined, handsome 'miniature' version of Leon.

In fact, the woman in the red pajamas is none other than another Umbrella legend, Ada Wong…

No, it should be Ada Kennedy, since Leon and Ada got married on April 17, 2130, seventy years ago.

Indeed, this bickering duo, from their first cooperation in 2000 to jointly experiencing the 2126 incident where a ship mistakenly entered alien space, have been entangled for over a century.

If it weren't for Umbrella's advanced nanotechnology greatly extending human lifespans in the main universe and many others, just their tenacity alone would have killed each other countless times.

Fortunately, after going through the mistaken entry into alien space, the two realized they could not remain as they were; though they are legends, compared to the Astartes they are destined to be 'mortals,' accidents could befall them at any moment—perhaps after today they won't see tomorrow's sunrise.

Thus, after they successfully escaped the alien space and received aid from the Space Wild Wolves' 13th Battalion, they began to properly enjoy the five-year leave granted by the company.

The two first toured within human territory, then chose to settle in Arcadia, located 160 light-years from the Solar System, within the frontier star region's territory, where they had previously carried out missions together.

Although Arcadia in 2042 had once been nearly corrupted and ruined by the demon Samuel's scheming, any traces of chaos had long been permanently eradicated by Umbrella, and after a century of recovery and development, Arcadia has returned to the top tier in GDP, environment, population…

Even housing prices have consistently ranked among the top thirty of all colonies.

Leon and Ada jointly paid for a wedding apartment on the top floor of a megastructure apartment building in the central area of District 01 in Arcadia's metropolis, only four kilometers from Umbrella's local headquarters.

Of course, the so-called high prices mean Arcadia's general real estate is only about 5% to 7% higher than other colonies', not extremely exorbitant.

However, Earth and the Solar System, as humanity's core territory, are utterly precious compared to other star regions—there's no way around it, who let Earth and the Solar System be so 'big'?

But regarding housing prices, Umbrella and the UEG exert direct, indirect, and covert control, so it will never happen as in the early 21st century when 99% of humanity was suffocated by oppression.

For people within the main universe, Zero One, and Zero Two territories, buying a house is no longer a major life event.

As for Leon and Ada choosing Arcadia, it's because here things are already very stable—any anomalies or organisms are either controlled by Umbrella or eradicated.

Thus, after marrying and finishing their honeymoon, they prematurely settled into a 'three-point-one-line' retirement lifestyle.

Leon and Ada, reassigned to the Intelligence Department, arrive at the company at nine, handle that day's paperwork or teach newcomers what to watch out for, and leave at five; they are either enjoying their private world or going to malls and restaurants to spend leisure time.

Plain and simple, yet abundantly happy, until…

After they had together borne a eldest son and a younger daughter, Leon and Ada discovered that marriage and child-rearing were not as wonderful as they imagined; they lost all freedom, and even their private space together became scarce.

Gradually, they were worn down by their children's wailing, shouting, and other trifles, their edges smoothed off,

Although the son and daughter are sometimes quite cute, that's limited to "sometimes".

Such a life had unknowingly come to today, which is April 17, 2200, the exact two-hundredth anniversary of their meeting and also their wedding anniversary.

Unfortunately, before the nice day could even start with the set alarm ringing, Ada and Leon first heard their son and daughter arguing.

As parents, the two had no choice but to patiently manage the children's emotions; after inquiring, they learned that the daughter had dreamed her brother stole her ice cream, so she went to him to "reason".

Little kids, you know, they get worked up while talking.

Accordingly, Ada and Leon, who understood the situation, naturally gave the daughter a lecture for her unreasonable fuss.

Who would have thought that, just as Ada finished breakfast and Leon was tidying up, the two kids started another quarrel.

Hearing his wife's shout, Leon, who had just finished folding his clothes in his black pajamas, came out of the first-floor closet, rubbed his somewhat dark eye circles, approached the dining table, and asked Ada energetically:

"What's wrong with them again?"

"Dad!" Before Ada could say anything, the son standing to her right pointed angrily at the daughter hiding in Ada's arms and explained: "Tina keeps stealing my food! She insists mine is better!"

"It really is good!" the girl named Tina shouted in rebuttal.

"."

Hearing the kids' argument, Leon instantly understood the reason.

Clearly, Tina, who is at that annoying age even cats and dogs dislike, has started acting like a brat again, always thinking her brother's stuff is better.

"Hah!" Leon heaved a heavy breath, suppressing the urge to give the daughter a beating, and told Ada: "Let's postpone today's anniversary; I'll take Keluode (the son) to the company, and you have a good talk with Tina."

Although Ada didn't care much for formalities or anniversaries, she was still very displeased, glanced at the daughter still in her arms showing no remorse, and merely nodded in agreement.

"Fine, you two father and son go out first; actually, I really do want to have a talk with Tina."

"Hmm." Leon also lightly nodded, and took the still somewhat confused Keluode toward the closet.

They arrived at the closet.

Leon changed into a black custom suit, fastening the red-and-white toggle buttons at the cuffs and collar, while Keluode dressed casually in gray casual pants and a black hoodie.

By the time the father and son had walked out of the closet, reached the front door, and changed into their shoes—Leon in leather shoes and Keluode in sneakers—Ada had already been holding Tina, who was making faces at Keluode, and went up the stairs to the second floor, finally entering the master bedroom.

Leaving home, while waiting for the elevator, Keluode whispered lowly: "Dad, you let Tina off again."

"Hehe." Leon chuckled, shaking his head, and said: "Don't worry, Mom will have a good talk with her; however, your sister is indeed at fault, but as the older brother, you don't always need to quarrel with her—if worse comes to worst, a spanking, I think she'll behave."

"A spanking?" Keluode couldn't believe it.

"Ah, what else? Watching her turn into a brat?" Leon retorted.

"Yeah... yeah." Keluode found it hard not to agree.

As they talked, the father and son had already boarded the elevator, heading to the flying vessel docking area in the mid-level zone.

Meanwhile, back at home, inside the master bedroom…

"Mom, why did you lock the door?"

Tina, lounging on her parents' bed and swinging her legs, didn't understand why Ada had locked the door, since obviously only the two of them were home.

"What for?"

Having locked the door, Ada turned around, flexed her fingers and wrists, wore an annoyed expression, and slowly approached the increasingly grim-faced Tina, saying:

"Child, haven't Mom and Dad and your brother been indulging you too much? Hmm?! Now it's time for you to learn some principles."

"Mom... Mom?" Tina's voice trembled.

Next, Tina, the "love child" of Leon and Ada, is about to face the most important stage of her life—

Mother's spanking.

Only after experiencing this can a child be "made whole"; otherwise, without punishment, they'll just become even more of a brat, as Leon said.

————————

…

Soon after.

Leon then piloted the flying vessel resembling a black four-seat car, carrying his son through buildings and streets, finally reaching the company headquarters located at the exact center of the metropolitan area.

After docking the flying vessel, father and son continued to take the elevator to the top floor of the building.

The moment the elevator stopped steadily and the safety gate opened, Leon noticed the assistant walking toward him holding a file folder.

Seeing this, Leon gestured for the assistant to wait, then he took his son to the reception room not far from the lobby, called up the holographic screen interface, and instructed:

"Dad's busy with work; you can order whatever you want to eat or drink right here."

"Don't worry, Dad." Keluode replied responsibly.

"Good." Leon smiled with relief.

After leaving the reception room, he then asked the assistant who had followed him: "What's up, any situation?"

"Yes, supervisor, according to reliable intelligence, the Man-eating Shark Division will escort OriginalBody Helusi to our Arcadia." The assistant said in a low voice.

(End of chapter)