Chapter 338

Camille reached the military base and immediately immersed herself in work.

The AI-human combat simulations needed critical data upgrades.

Another round of drills was scheduled for tomorrow morning.

That evening, Camille headed toward the nearly empty mess hall.

She'd just picked up her tray when Felix Rhodes entered.

He paused mid-step upon seeing her, then flashed a warm smile. "When did you arrive?"

"Yesterday," she answered. "Finished training?"

"The drills this year are brutal."

Modern aerial combat had evolved beyond human versus human - now it was man against machine.

Pilot training methodologies had undergone radical transformations in recent years.

"Stressful?" she asked.

The AI's processing speed and analytical capabilities allowed it to identify enemy weaknesses instantly, formulating counterstrategies with inhuman precision.

Even seasoned pilots like Felix felt the pressure against such opponents.

He exhaled sharply. "Challenging. But it's making us better."

The AI's ability to simulate countless combat scenarios provided unparalleled training opportunities.

"You're pushing your limits," Camille observed.

"Same as you researchers," Felix countered. He noticed her eating quickly. "Heading back to work?"

She nodded.

Graham Bellamy had assigned her multiple urgent tasks.

Her phone buzzed with his message summoning her to R&D immediately.

Placing her utensils down, she stood. "I need to go. Enjoy your meal."

Felix nodded. "See you around."

Camille left the base Sunday morning around ten.

Checking her phone at home, she saw missed calls from Chloe and Owen.

She only returned Owen's call.

He teased her mercilessly about never visiting unless summoned.

Knowing she owed him, Camille changed clothes and drove to the Rutherford estate.

Damien's car sat in the driveway when she arrived.

She ignored it, stepping out just as Chloe came running.

"Mommy!"

A month had passed since their last meeting.

Camille stroked her daughter's hair. "When did you get here, sweetheart?"

Chloe clung to her hand, beaming. "Just now!"

Inside, Damien and Owen sat drinking tea in the parlor.

Selene was conspicuously absent.

Owen smiled warmly. "Camille! Come join us."

Damien gave her a brief glance before looking away.

She sat beside Owen, who studied her critically. "You've lost weight."

The hectic schedule at base had taken its toll.

Before she could respond, Damien silently poured her tea.

Camille nodded her thanks.

Owen announced, "I received two premium lobsters yesterday. How should we prepare them?"

She sipped the fragrant tea. Just as she opened her mouth—

Damien cut in dryly, "No invitation for me? Such favoritism, Owen."