```
But if it really is a virus...
With no symptoms showing for over a month, only death reveals the abnormality.
How do you guard against such a virus, and to what extent has it already spread?
A chill suddenly ran through Shen Hao's heart.
He realized that whether it is a virus or not, allowing the Trial to silently advance for a month is a terrifying matter.
Especially since, apart from himself, no one else in the whole world is aware of the existence of the "Trial".
At this time, Shen Hao felt some relief that his chosen Talent was "Sovereign". At the very least, he wouldn't be tormented by negative emotions like fear, worry, and anxiety when facing the Trial.
"Let me see Qiuyue first," he said. "By the way, my father should have arrived too."
"Correct, he arrived before we sealed off the area, and now he is with your mother. I have already ordered someone to take them to the reception room, and they are being watched, so don't worry," Yang Jun said.
This was the benefit of status.
Being a Chosen One allowed Shen Hao to come in directly, and the identity of a non-White Talent Chosen One further ensured high regard for him and his family.
Shen Hao quickened his pace and moved forward.
Whether it's his sister's affair or the matter of the Trial, the most urgent task now is to obtain more information.
He soon arrived at a reception room, converted from an office, led by Yang Jun and several soldiers.
Both his parents were there, and even two military doctors.
"Little Hao, you're here," Father Shen's face was haggard, showing extreme fatigue, while Mrs. Shen's eyes were red-rimmed.
Although Qiuyue was adopted, after six years together, from the age of ten to sixteen, their affection had grown deep.
With such an incident occurring, it seemed to the couple that there was no way out.
Shen Hao's gaze scanned the room and saw a middle-aged man on the side, along with two students whose faces were pale and who still seemed to be in a state of panic.
"Are they the witnesses?"
"Correct," Yang Jun nodded. "This is Mr. Liu."
Shen Hao frowned slightly.
He knew this Mr. Liu, who had also taught at his high school.
He has a good reputation.
He is very responsible and caring towards students, even having paid out of his own pocket to help students from financially struggling families, a genuinely kind teacher.
The two students seemed normal, obviously having experienced a considerable shock.
However—
After obtaining the Talent of "Sovereign", not only could he perfectly control his own power, but his perception also seemed substantially sharper, such as instantly identifying Yang Jun as a Chosen One.
At this moment, he felt that something about these three was a bit off.
But he couldn't put his finger on it.
Unable to discern anything at the moment, Shen Hao decided to look away and turned his attention to Yang Jun.
"I'll go see Qiuyue."
"They won't let you see her," Father Shen said helplessly. "Qiuyue has been locked up."
He had just wanted to see Qiuyue, no matter how earnestly he begged, they did not agree.
However, now was naturally different, Yang Jun nodded and said, "Please follow me."
Father and Mrs. Shen both looked up abruptly.
```
"May I see the child?" Mrs. Shen hurriedly stood up, so unsteady on her feet that Father Shen had to steady her with a quick grab.
This appearance, completely different from her usual proficient demeanor.
Shen Hao's heart ached, but after hesitating for a moment, he said, "I'll go see her first. It's easier for a brother to talk."
"Yes, yes." Father Shen nodded repeatedly, opened his mouth as if wanting to say something more, but in the end, he couldn't utter a single word.
What could he say under these circumstances?
"Let's go," Shen Hao pursed his lips.
He turned around, his fists clenched slightly.
If it really was Qiuyue... But if it was for some other reason, then he had to admit, he was utterly enraged.
It was the kind of anger that, even if he could control it, he didn't want to.
Yang Jun led the way ahead, seemingly aware of Shen Hao's mood, remaining silent until they reached a room guarded by a team of armed soldiers, when he spoke in a low voice, "Your sister hasn't said anything since the beginning; she seems very scared, and we haven't questioned her yet."
"I understand," Shen Hao nodded.
As the door opened, he saw Qiuyue at first glance, her hands bound, curled up in a chair.
She seemed even more fragile than usual, with large patches of blood remaining on her.
The noise at the door caused her to lift her head, revealing a pair of swollen eyes.
Upon seeing Shen Hao, joy erupted in her eyes, but it quickly turned to terror, and she even shrank back involuntarily.
Shen Hao's brows furrowed deeply.
He glanced at Yang Jun and then strode over.
The closer he got, the more frightened Qiuyue became, her whole body shaking, unable to even look at him.
"Qiuyue," Shen Hao tried to make his tone as gentle as possible, asking softly, "When did you... become a Chosen One?"
"What?" Yang Jun was greatly surprised.
This girl was also a Chosen One?
Qiuyue also trembled.
"Don't worry, you see, I'm actually a Chosen One, too." Shen Hao stretched out his hand, and invisible telekinesis combed through Qiuyue's messy hair.
Feeling this incredible power, Qiuyue slowly lifted her head, her swollen eyes cautiously observing Shen Hao.
"Is there something wrong with that girl?" Shen Hao looked earnestly into her eyes. "And Mr. Liu and those two students, that's why you're scared, isn't it? You don't know if I might have the same issue, right?"
Indeed, just from the initial contact with Qiuyue's eyes, Shen Hao had a vague guess forming in his heart.
A terrible guess.
Her fear was not directed at herself but was filled with bewilderment and uncertainty, fearing a stranger!
It seemed that his words had finally had an effect. Qiuyue bit her lip, mustered up her courage, and with a trembling voice and sobbing tone, she said, "Brother, they all changed, turned into monsters! Dan Tong even tried to kill me, and Mr. Liu just watched, the other classmates too. I don't know who to trust, I'm not sure if Mom, Dad, or you, Brother, have turned into monsters, too."
Shen Hao reached out to pat her shoulder, but his gaze was ice-cold.
The speculation was confirmed!
This first Civilization Trial wasn't about any virus at all, but about replacement! Substitution!
The student killed by Qiuyue, and the three people seen with Mr. Liu, they were no longer themselves! That's why they attacked Qiuyue, that's why they provided false testimony!
Everything made sense now!
Yang Jun, unable to contain himself, said, "What on earth is going on here, what does this mean? Dan Tong was the girl who was killed, right? She turned into what kind of monster?"
Although he asked this, it was clear that his own expression had turned serious, and even a look of horror had crept into his eyes, indicating that he too had guessed something.