Ch. 151..155: Interstellar_ Return of the Villain Chapter 151-155

Chapter 151: Treasure Is Guilt

In today’s world, where strength reigns supreme and the military exerts considerable influence, the complex relationships within the government often go unnoticed.

Yet, the citizens of the Alliance find themselves living under this shadow of power.

Lyra was on her way to visit the East family, a political powerhouse. She was greeted by Mr. Hanson East’s eldest granddaughter.

Dressed in a T-shirt and wide-leg pants, Leona’s thick eyebrows arched elegantly over her slightly flat nose. While not conventionally beautiful, she carried herself with a quiet grace that commanded respect, enhanced by light makeup and neatly tied hair.

As they met, Leona welcomed Lyra in the garden, where a set of white table and chairs held an array of exquisite snacks.

The butler led Lyra to her, and Leona stood with a smile. "Miss Shedd, you look even better than on the livestream," she said, extending her right hand. "I’m Leona."

Lyra shook her hand lightly, returning the smile. "Hello, Miss East."

Today, she wore a cream silk camisole beneath a sleek black suit adorned with golden buttons, paired with white beaded high-heeled shoes. Her hair was simply tied back, adding to her polished look.

Leona quickly assessed her, surprised by how different Lyra appeared compared to the military student she had seen on screen. "Miss Shedd, please sit," she invited, taking her own seat.

Lyra showed no surprise as she sat down, observing Leona’s graceful movements while she poured tea.

Maintaining a composed demeanor, Lyra navigated the conversation without being overly familiar or awkward, as if she had momentarily forgotten her purpose for being there.

"I watched your performance on AMAT. I can’t help feeling old—such talent promises an unlimited future," Leona remarked, her tone reflecting admiration. Though she was only in her sixties, she had chosen to remain unmarried, leaving her with no kids or grandkids.

"Thank you, Miss East. I was just doing my best," Lyra replied, sipping her herbal tea and adding two cubes of sugar.

Leona rested her chin on her hand playfully. "I apologize; I’m used to stronger tea."

"I imagine outsiders don’t have the privilege of enjoying tea brewed by you personally," Lyra said, aware of the importance of adapting to her company. While she preferred action over words, she was ready to engage with anyone who had a motive.

After a light exchange over tea and snacks, the two women prepared to have lunch in the garden without yet addressing their underlying purposes.

Midway through the meal, the butler approached and whispered something in Leona’s ear. She stood up, her expression unchanged. "Although interrupting is not ideal for hosting, would you accompany me for a walk?"

Here it came. Lyra wiped her mouth with a napkin. "Of course."

Truthfully, the lavish meal had little appeal to her; she was there for a reason.

As they passed through the living room and down a long corridor, Lyra noted the extensive surveillance and security systems lining the walls.

Upon reaching the second floor, they entered a room filled with medical instruments and doctors—a scene that felt eerily familiar, reminiscent of her visit to the Mendez family.

The old man lay in bed, his frail figure resembling a withered tree root—even weaker than Jorathon, that level-eight Peculiar.

"Is Grandpa okay?" Leona asked. She maintained her composure, her gaze steady and intense.

"Stabilized for now," replied the doctor, his eyes darting to Lyra with curiosity. "We need results quickly."

Leona turned to Lyra, her voice assertive. "Miss Shedd, since you’re here, could you examine my grandfather’s illness? We can discuss other matters later."

Lyra didn’t mind the urgency; she approached the bedside, gathering green light to scan the old man. His organs appeared rigid and lifeless, indicative of radiation sickness.

As she attempted to heal him, she realized she couldn’t rejuvenate the cells, but her superpower suggested she could still help.

Noticing her furrowed brow, Leona crossed her arms tightly.

Suddenly, a purer, crystal-clear green light emanated from Lyra, but she quickly withdrew her hand.

"How is it?" Leona stepped closer, her interest piqued.

Other doctors rushed in, and one excitedly exclaimed, "It’s working!"

No one understood Hanson’s condition better than they did; even a slight improvement wouldn’t escape their notice.

Lyra’s hand twitched at her side—her superpower seemed to have shifted.

"Miss Shedd, let’s discuss this in the living room," Leona said, her brief joy fading back to her usual composure.

Nodding, Lyra followed her outside. The butler served more tea, placing it respectfully before her before stepping aside.

"Miss Shedd, I understand your needs, but frankly, this isn’t feasible for us," Leona stated plainly. "If it were just the Vice Director, my family could dismiss it easily, but you know the real issue."

Lyra focused on her tea, taking a sip. Resolving the Vice Director’s concerns would only invite more pressure from other Directors and committee members, especially since the Shedd family was trying to undermine her.

Setting her cup down, she returned Leona’s gaze coolly. "You may not realize, but aside from standard treatment devices, our factory is developing a machine to treat genetic disorders, and we have promising leads."

Leona’s calm facade momentarily cracked—devices for genetic diseases! As the Alliance’s Minister of Finance, she understood its significance better than anyone.

"Miss Shedd, I hope you’re not joking."

"Of course not," Lyra replied, her tone serious. She had no intention of making empty promises; plans for this had begun once Jorathon was healed.

With the Alliance facing millions suffering from genetic and radiation diseases, Lyra understood that attracting attention to her unique superpower could put her in a precarious position, inviting competition. She had to stay vigilant.

To minimize this risk, she teamed up with Koros, Sean, and others to enhance the treatment device utilizing her powers. They were hopeful that Morrison’s return would bring promising updates about their advancements.

As Leona hesitated, Lyra dropped another surprise: "I intend to turn the technology over to the authorities."

She never planned to keep it; sharing it was smarter than holding onto something so dangerous. All she needed was a steady demand of the device’s "core."

"Don’t you think you’ll sacrifice too much?" Leona probed sharply. It seemed hard to believe someone would so easily forfeit such a valuable asset.

Lyra shrugged. "To live a wealthy life, the first thing’s to keep yourself alive." While she felt regret over the lost profits, she recognized it was beyond her control. "I heard your brother works with smart machinery and spaceships. I’m sure we can find common ground."

In that moment, Leona had to admit her curiosity was piqued. Faced with such huge advantages, she too felt the pull of self-interest.

Lyra’s visit was clearly more than just solving issues; she sought a strong ally—someone unafraid of the Shedd family’s influence, and who could offer her significant benefits.

Leona smiled slightly and extended her right hand. "That guy’s a bit laid-back; you might not like him much."

Lyra replied, "As long as there’s a shared interest, wolves and lions can get along."

After briefly achieving their goals, Lyra left. Talking further seemed pointless; both sides needed to see real benefits to agree to cooperate. At least they both showed willingness, which was encouraging.

On her way back, Lyra felt upbeat. However, her mood shifted when she spotted the bodyguard outside her office and an unexpected guest in her chair.

A middle-aged man held Debbie’s hand, laughing as he said, "You’re young and talented. My office needs a secretary—why not come work here? This small company isn’t worth your skills."

Debbie struggled to break free, saying, "You’re overestimating me. I can’t do this job, please let go."

She knew she could earn more than this sleazy man under her own boss!

As they wrestled, a cold voice interrupted, "What’s happening here?"

Debbie turned, her eyes lighting up at the sight of Lyra. "Boss!"

Sanchez released Debbie, quickly standing and moving around the desk. "Oh, you must be Miss Shedd! You look even better than on the livestream!" He reached out to grab her hand but missed.

Lyra stepped past him and took her seat. "And you are?"

Sanchez slicked back his greasy hair, leaning in with a smug grin. "I signed the order to shut you down."

"Oh, nice to meet you," Lyra replied, raising an eyebrow, catching Sanchez off guard. This reaction wasn’t what he expected; she should be anxious and eager to appease him.

"Is there something you need?" Lyra asked, glancing at Debbie and subtly nodding toward the door.

Debbie quietly slipped away.

Sanchez’s gaze was fixated on Lyra’s stunning face, completely captivated by the young woman before him.

"Miss Shedd, to be honest, I didn’t want to issue that document either, but we all follow orders," Sanchez started.

"Just speak plainly, Mr. Sanchez, you’re the Vice Director, right?" Lyra interrupted, emphasizing his full title.

The term "Vice" annoyed Sanchez. ’This young woman dares to challenge the Shedd family? But her youth made her seem naive.’

"Actually, there’s a way to turn this around, depending on what you’re willing to concede," he said more directly.

"Such as?" Lyra asked, raising an eyebrow as she noticed Debbie nearing the door.

"Your company has procedural issues. I used to be in business; how about selling me a share?" He abruptly grabbed her hand on the table. "The profits will come to me, and you won’t have to worry about the Shedd family’s anger. It’s a win-win."

With a click, the door shut behind him.

Chapter 152: Morrison’s Back

Lost in his lustful thoughts, Sanchez didn’t notice Lyra’s face.

His hands roamed, but then he felt a shift—Lyra’s delicate grip turned fierce, her veins bulging like steel.

"Lyra, you better think carefully about what you’re doing!" he snarled, shock twisting his face.

"Thanks for the reminder; I’m quite clear," she replied, shaking her hand free and throwing him against the wall like a sack of barley.

Outside, the bodyguards pounded on the door, firing weapons at the lock.

Sanchez lay on the floor, dazed and gasping. "You... you just assaulted a government official! I’ll have you arrested!" He fumbled for his opticomputer to call for help.

Then, a stack of documents landed in front of him. Lyra leaned against the desk, sipping water that Debbie had brought.

Afterward, she used her shoe to lift his chin. "Do you understand what to say when you leave?"

Sanchez trembled under her intense gaze, the bruises on his face darkening as he clutched the papers. She had all his dirty deeds on them.

"I... understand," he managed to spit out, struggling to comprehend how this young woman had gathered such incriminating evidence.

The office door swung open, revealing stunned bodyguards. Sanchez emerged looking slightly disheveled but composed.

"Sir?" one of them stammered.

Sanchez shot them a glance. "What’s this commotion? Don’t scare everyone else."

The staff outside watched nervously as he forced a smile. "Sorry for the disturbance," he said, hurrying away with his team.

Debbie picked up the scattered documents, admiration growing for Lyra. "Boss, how did you get these?"

Lyra rubbed her temples. "You’ll learn in time."

There were plenty of ways to bring down someone like Sanchez, who relied on the Shedd family for his position.

Snakehead had extensive dealings with the officials of Elden Prime, holding plenty of blackmail material against figures like Sanchez that could easily bring them down.

However, this only applied to lower-level officials; he lacked the leverage to target those higher up. If he had that power, Lyra wouldn’t have needed to carefully forge connections with the East family.

Yet Sanchez wasn’t intimidated for long.

Bolstered by the Shedd family’s backing, he returned to stir up trouble.

Fortunately, Morrison also returned with what Lyra had been seeking.

Morrison made the long journey from Wyrmtrace to Elden Prime, spending ten exhausting days even with the fastest space jump station.

By the time he arrived, he looked pale and worn from the rough ride.

Yet, as he stepped into the new office, his demeanor shifted; his eyes sparkled with a newfound energy. He strode in confidently and announced, "Boss, I’m back."

Lyra looked up briefly and replied, "Good work."

Morrison knew she preferred to skip the small talk. He pulled out a white machine, about a foot square, from the Space Button. "This is the first-generation gene therapy device. The research team wants you to name it."

Debbie watched with envy. Though Morrison had only been with Lyra for a short time, he already had his own Space Button. She resolved to work hard back on Planet Nagano to earn one herself.

Lyra was indifferent to the details. For her, as long as an employee could bring in wealth, they earned their keep.

After all, she controlled the ships, mining rights, and the beehive.

Morrison understood her priorities. Her main interest lay with the machine. "Has it been tested on humans?"

"Yes," he responded. "The highest cure level is currently four, but the team is working on upgrades with your new data. We should have good news next time."

"Let’s call it Aesculapius’ Grace," Lyra suggested, opening the device and absorbing its healing light, reminiscent of her own superpower. Yet, that wasn’t enough for her.

"Get Koros on the research team. I want at least a few machines with level six or higher. Tell him that if he can develop advanced devices, I’ll let him build a special workshop."

Morrison gasped but quickly composed himself and nodded. "Understood." He remembered past challenges and joked, "It’s your order; he’ll be motivated."

Unlike Sean, the head of the research team who was eager to monetize inventions, Koros was a brilliant but tough engineer focused solely on his salary.

"Coordinate with Debbie. Monitor Wyrmtrace remotely and manage things here on Elden Prime as I said. If there are any problems, come to me."

Lyra gestured toward the therapy device. "Send this to the East family as a gesture of goodwill."

Morrison paused, his eyes widening. "You mean the East family with the Minister of Finance?"

"I trust you know this area better than I do. You’ll find the way."

When Morrison saw the address, excitement surged through him. It was indeed the East family!

He had thought Lyra’s background was impressive, but her connection to such a powerful family left him in awe.

However, after Debbie shared Lyra’s plans, he grasped the full extent of her influence. With such enticing offers on the table, even His Majesty would likely greet her with a smile.

Two hours after Morrison departed, the workshop manager called, his voice tinged with panic. "Boss, it’s bad! Sanchez is here sealing us off and wants to take our equipment!"

Lyra sprang to her feet, urgency coursing through her. "You stall them; I’ll be there right away!" Without hesitation, she dashed from the office.

Staff members glanced up as she zoomed past. Then they quickly averted their gazes, exhaling in relief once she was gone.

"Wow, that vibe of hers, that is really something," one murmured in awe.

"I never expected our boss to be her," another replied, admiration evident in their tone.

Downstairs at the new shop, salespeople greeted her like a whirlwind as she soared past on a hoverboard, navigating the air with breathtaking agility.

Clad in augmented reality glasses, she used psychokinesis to glide effortlessly through the open air, leaving everyone else in her wake.

The factory sprawled across a wild expanse outside Elden Prime’s bustling city.

To minimize costs, she had chosen this untamed location, managing its development through a maze of government paperwork.

This process mandated strict adherence to preserving green spaces and protecting innocent wildlife, complicating matters considerably.

To cut expenses, Lyra took on the most daunting task herself: scaring off the beasts that roamed too close.

As she neared the unfolding chaos, her hair whipped wildly in the wind, and she felt the sharp sting of the air against her skin, her heart racing at the sight of her equipment being loaded onto a truck.

"Well, if it isn’t Miss Shedd! You got here fast," Sanchez sneered, his confidence bolstered by his hulking bodyguards.

Lyra’s gaze flicked to the level-seven bodyguard in front of Sanchez, imposing and sharp-eyed, and she couldn’t help sneering. "Found yourself a protector, huh? Feeling brave now?"

Sanchez’s grin widened as he shook his head. "I’m solid now, Lyra. You’ve underestimated me!"

He barked orders to his men, urgency in his tone.

Just as the truck brimmed with her belongings, Lyra unleashed a blade that pierced its tires. "Who dares to touch my things?"

The blade whirled back to her, morphing into a small sphere.

"Lyra!" His eyes widened in disbelief. "You can’t interfere with official business! I’ll have you arrested!" He shoved his bodyguard forward. "Go get her!"

The bodyguard, recalling the higher-up’s commands, charged at her in black metal armor, drawing upon an intensity that surpassed a typical level-six.

As his fist hurtled toward her, Lyra clad herself in shimmering silver armor, stepping back and bracing for impact.

When their fists collided, a thunderous boom reverberated through the air, causing nearby onlookers to wince and cover their ears.

The bodyguard’s expression shifted abruptly, the force of the clash surprising him.

Chapter 153: Aesculapius’ Grace

As Morrison advanced, he was drawn to the breathtaking display of Lyra’s superpower, which sparkled like distant stars suspended in a twilight sky.

Suddenly, the energy morphed into a brilliant streak of light that shot toward her opponent. Although it didn’t pierce the enemy’s defenses, the foe winced, discomfort flickering across his face.

Amid Sanchez’s frantic shouts, other bodyguards raised their weapons, unleashing a relentless barrage of bullets aimed at the armored girl.

Yet, with an effortless grace, several barriers of light emerged, deflecting the projectiles as they clattered harmlessly to the ground. Lyra’s radiant energy swept through the chaos and disarmed their threats.

In the midst of this tumult, Schedar floated beside Lyra, illuminating her slender form dressed in a crisp white shirt and tailored black trousers, which accentuated her delicate waist and long legs.

"Lyra, how dare you attack a government official! This isn’t over yet!" Sanchez yelled, cowering behind two trembling bodyguards.

With a slight cough, Lyra’s eyes glimmered with unwavering determination as she flicked her wrist, unleashing a beam of light that struck Sanchez’s face, leaving him momentarily stunned.

Morrison smirked at Lyra’s audacity.

Just then, a cheerful whistle sliced through the tension, followed by a youthful voice that chimed in, "I’ve heard the whispers about Miss Shedd’s decisiveness, but witnessing it firsthand is utterly captivating!"

Morrison turned, suddenly recalling his companion, and introduced him with a sense of urgency, "Boss, this is Caspian East, the third son of the East family and chairman of the X-Future Tech."

Lyra’s gaze sharpened as she approached.

Caspian stepped forward, his eyes sparkling with admiration as he extended a hand. "Miss Shedd, a pleasure to meet you."

The guy was in a pristine white suit, paired with a pink shirt. He wasn’t wearing a tie.

His slightly elevated nose and large eyes gave him an intriguing look, accentuated by his slicked-back hair, with a few rebellious strands falling playfully across his forehead.

"Mr. East, the pleasure is mine," Lyra replied, nodding with gracious composure.

Caspian’s attention remained fixated on her. "My sister spoke highly of your conversational skills. Would you do me the honor of sharing lunch later?"

"Of course, but I should be the one hosting," she replied smoothly.

Their exchange of pleasantries unfolded as if the looming threat of Sanchez had vanished, much to his growing unease.

Sanchez recognized the formidable reputation of the East family. He felt a wave of anxiety wash over him as he watched their young master so comfortably engage with Lyra.

Desperate to reclaim his position, Sanchez forced a smile and stepped forward, "Mr. East, glad to see you again..."

Caspian paused, casting a playful wink at Lyra before turning back. "I’m sorry, but who are you?"

Suppressing his irritation, Sanchez presented a business card. "I’m Sanchez from the Elden Prime Ministry of Commerce. We spoke at the annual meeting."

Caspian raised an eyebrow, feigning surprise. "Oh, Sanchez, right, Sanchez..." he repeated the name, his smile dimming just slightly. "What brings you here today?"

Fidgeting, Sanchez stammered, "I... I’m just here on official business."

A sense of dread enveloped Sanchez as he realized the weight of the alliance forming between Lyra and the East family.

"Understood," Caspian replied, his smile reemerging. "You can head back now."

"Wait, what?" Sanchez stammered. Just then, his opticomputer buzzed to life.

Sanchez cast a wary glance at the beaming Caspian, an uneasy feeling creeping over him. Then he before turned away to respond to the call.

His complexion drained, as if washed in a pallid hue.

When he faced Caspian again, he managed a strained smile. He bowed slightly before retreating hastily, almost as if escaping a shadow.

Meanwhile, as the level-seven bodyguard was carried away, Lyra stepped forward, channeling a surge of vibrant green energy from him.

The guard’s twisted features softened, his eyes betraying a mix of fear and awe at her extraordinary power.

Once the crowd had thinned, Morrison immersed himself in preparations.

Lyra guided Caspian through the factory, which was still undergoing extensive renovations.

"I owe you this big favor for stepping in, Mr. East," she remarked casually, her tone light yet appreciative.

Caspian crossed his arms, his gaze flitting between the factory’s workings and her steady demeanor. "Not at all, Miss Shedd. I couldn’t let you wait. But I must say, you’re impressively bold."

A knowing smile played on Lyra’s lips.

She had been certain that the East family would seek her out after witnessing the healing device, and that was why she dared to confront Sanchez and give him another lesson.

Caspian found her confidence captivating, and he realized she had a keen understanding of the East family’s psychology.

As an entrepreneur in intelligent machinery, the potential of the healing device sparkled in Caspian’s eyes.

"These machines don’t seem suited for producing Aesculapius’ Grace," he observed, eyeing the equipment. "They appear more geared toward smelting."

"I’m not producing Aesculapius’ Grace," Lyra replied, catching him off guard. "I’m creating the ’core’ for it."

Her current resources were limited, and small-scale production wouldn’t yield substantial profits. Additionally, safeguarding such technologies was precarious, prompting her preference for transparency.

However, the ’core’ was a different matter: it required workers with advanced psychokinesis, had low production costs, and promised high returns. It was crucial for Aesculapius’ Grace but was less sought after, lowering the risk of being coveted.

Caspian’s eyes narrowed, skepticism flickering. "I’ve seen your ’core’ production; the highest level is only four. That’s too easy to replicate."

Lyra countered firmly, "This technology is my invention; its chances of being duplicated are extremely low." He merely smiled, pondering her ambitious spirit.

Though the factory wasn’t expansive, they also manufactured standard healing devices and various shielding mechanisms. Those two were already mature industry, so they could make a steady profit out of it.

After a quick lunch arranged by Morrison, they dove into discussions about potential business collaborations.

"Why wait for a more opportune moment? You should accompany me to the East family estate; my sister has likely been eager to see you," Caspian proposed, a hint of urgency in his voice.

"That sounds agreeable," Lyra replied, sensing the underlying necessity.

...

Upon reaching the East family estate, they were ushered to the medical room on the second floor, where Leona and the doctors were on high alert.

"Miss Shedd, thank you for your assistance," Leona said. She was dressed sharply in professional attire, as if just returning from an intense shift.

Approaching the bedside, she observed the elderly man struggling against an oxygen mask, his breaths shallow and labored.

Under Lyra’s almost miraculous healing touch, his internal organs began to mend, gradually rekindling the spark of life within him.

The doctor watched the monitor’s readings with a mounting thrill, his fists clenching in exhilaration as he leaned closer to the East siblings.

"Her superpower shouldn’t just be called healing; it should be dubbed ’Rebirth.’ It’s truly miraculous!"

As Mr. East’s health visibly improved, the East family sprang into action, mobilizing their departments to roll out Aesculapius’ Grace—starting with official hospitals and soon expanding nationwide.

This announcement sent shockwaves throughout the Alliance, generating a seismic reaction that reverberated through the medical community and beyond.

People were astounded by the transformative potential of this new technology, eagerly anticipating the life-altering effects it promised to deliver.

The excitement was palpable, igniting a wave of hope and curiosity that swept across the land.

 

Chapter 154: Ambitious

The Minister of the Alliance’s Ministry of Health stood confidently in front of the camera.

He announced, "Aesculapius’ Grace is based on a special healing superpower. We’ve made groundbreaking progress, and it will soon be available in official Alliance hospitals."

His pride was clear. After all, their department had never received much attention, and now they were in the spotlight, which thrilled him.

As soon as the news broke, it sparked huge discussions across the Alliance. Genetic diseases and radiation sickness had always been major challenges for humanity. Many doctors dedicated their lives to studying these issues, only for a treatment device to provide a solution!

"A device that can treat genetic diseases? They can’t be serious!"

"Jorathon Mendez got better, so it must be thanks to Aesculapius’ Grace, but he’s keeping quiet for confidentiality."

"Even the former Minister of Finance has been seen walking in the park—he’s cured too!"

With these examples, people had to believe it. Excitement filled the air as they began speculating about the special healer the Director mentioned.

"I bet this special healer is Lyra!"

"When it comes to special healers, who else could it be but THE Lyra?"

In reality, the officials had no plans to keep it a secret.

Lyra didn’t want to be low-key either; she craved recognition. By developing Aesculapius’ Grace and making it publicly available, she aimed to earn admiration for her selflessness.

Intel experts quickly discovered the location of her new clinic. Families of the first patients cured by Aesculapius’ Grace came to thank her with flowers.

"Miss Shedd, if it weren’t for you, I would have lost my dad forever."

"My grandma suffered so much from radiation sickness; I can’t thank you enough."

These people were in tears, seeing her as a savior.

Lyra had to step in to prevent chaos as they rushed toward the clinic.

Morrison quietly informed her that reporters were waiting outside for interviews. After a moment’s thought, Lyra decided, "First, let the government know, then we’ll handle things outside."

Stepping outside, she was met with grateful faces. Morrison addressed the reporters, saying, "To keep things organized, Miss Lyra has decided to hold a brief press conference. Please keep your questions short; she’s very busy."

This gesture earned Lyra the reporters’ gratitude as well. She stood at the entrance of her clinic, a discount advertisement behind her.

Facing the reporters, she maintained a slight smile, balancing humility and warmth. "I’ve felt the pain of separation from loved ones since childhood. I know how precious family reunions are. I discovered my superpower could heal genetic diseases during a visit to a friend’s home."

She continued, "After treating Mr. Jorathon Mendez, I realized he needed ongoing treatment. That’s when I thought, why not use my superpower as a foundation to develop a device for continuous care? That’s how Aesculapius’ Grace came to be."

At the end of the photo session, the reporters made sure to capture the sign of Lyra’s shop.

After sending off the reporters and the patients’ families, Lyra returned to her office, her expression turning cold.

"Once the interview goes public, I believe our business will explode," Morrison said, following her inside.

"What did the government say?" asked Lyra.

The downside of collaborating with the government was always needing to consider their reactions.

"Miss East said we can promote Aesculapius’ Grace appropriately. She trusts you know the limits."

Lyra nodded, "I’ll leave things here to you. I plan to head back to Planet Nagano in a couple of days."

School was starting soon.

She looked at Morrison and asked, "Do you have any requests regarding your compensation?"

Morrison hesitated, then took a deep breath, "I hope to receive dividends directly from the net profits."

He preferred this straightforward approach over manipulating finances, which could raise suspicions.

"Alright." Lyra acknowledged his capability, "I’ll give you five percent equity."

Morrison’s eyes widened, his heart racing. He expected her to agree, but not with such generosity.

"But know this," she added, "once you take this deal, you’re tied to my ship for good."

"Boss, if I hadn’t jumped on board with you, I’d be stuck in a dead-end life."

He meant it.

The Alliance’s reporters worked fast; within half an hour, news of her interview was all over the internet.

Lyra’s answers earned her a flood of cheers and praise.

In the East family garden, Caspian sipped amber wine, admiring the girl on screen who spoke so earnestly. He smirked, "Little liar, sweet-talking everyone."

Leona, crossing her legs elegantly, admired her too. "This girl knows how to capitalize on every chance. The Shedd family really messed up."

She scoffed softly.

Caspian put his glass down and looked at her. "You really admire her?"

"I only admire my kind," Leona replied coolly. "I’m tired of greedy men. This girl’s a breath of fresh air, and she’s got support."

At her level, men held way more power than women.

"Lovely?" Caspian said, glancing at the girl on screen. She was stunning, but he couldn’t applaud her character. "She’s wilder than us. She gave up Aesculapius’ Grace but still wants to hold the reins."

Leona understood. "That ’core’ is definitely an issue."

Meanwhile, Erin seethed with frustration over the reports, unable to eat.

She had thought controlling Lyra’s arrival in Elden Prime would be a piece of cake, but it felt like fate was throwing her a curveball!

"Grandpa, are we just going to let her keep being so cocky?"

Ansel stared at the girl on the screen, twisting the ring on his finger. "Everything that needed to be done has been done."

Agitation bubbled up as he recalled the events since Lyra’s arrival on Elden Prime.

He had dispatched people to hunt her, but she had crossed paths with Frederick and escaped. During the AMAT league, those spies backed out but failed entirely. Recently, his attempts to pressure her through government connections had also been thwarted.

He couldn’t grasp how someone could be so fortunate to always have support. No, it couldn’t just be luck; there had to be deeper reasons.

"But she’s about to head back to Planet Nagano!" Erin paced anxiously. "Now that she’s connected with the East family, if she grows strong, we won’t be able to touch her again! Plus, her health must be failing; we clearly..."

Her words faltered under the old man’s icy gaze, forcing her to halt. A sudden chill swept through her, making her shiver.

Chapter 155: Last Chance

Ansel fixed his gaze on Erin, saying, "Don’t ever bring this up again."

Erin felt the weight of his strictness, especially regarding the taboo of the Soul Spike. She fell silent, a mix of frustration and hurt bubbling inside her.

It was strange—five Soul Spikes, and somehow, Lyra not only survived but seemed to gain powers at lightning speed.

Ansel sighed, "I have my own plans for this. Just focus on your own health."

As he shut the door, Erin caught the complex look in his eyes as he stared at the screen.

A strange sensation washed over her.

Heading downstairs, she collided with Kail, who was on his way out. Ever since Lyra’s run-in with the Shedd family, he’d been searching for her, desperate to reconnect.

Erin’s anger toward Lyra spilled over onto her brother. "This family raised you for over twenty years and still couldn’t control you—just like your sister, a total ingrate!"

"Who’s the ingrate here?" Kail shot back, exhaustion darkening his eyes as he took in her lavish appearance. "You’re all a bunch of vampires!"

He’d just discovered the massive inheritance their mother had left behind, which the Shedd family had hoarded, while Lyra had been missing for years. Each thought of it sent a wave of self-loathing through him.

Erin didn’t flinch; instead, she smirked. "So what? You’re the one who handed everything over to Grandpa. Just thinking about that pathetic sister of yours starving out there makes me happy—who knows, maybe she’s been sold off to Voidstar to some whore house and..." She leaned in, whispering words that sent Kail’s face blazing with rage.

He shoved her hard, and in retaliation, Erin unleashed a spray of icy mist that left his skin bruised and purple.

As he conjured a ball of lightning, Greg, the butler, caught his hand. "Mr. Kail, now’s not the time to anger Mr. Shedd."

Kail remembered how the butler always sided with Erin during their previous fights, only adding fuel to his anger. He retaliated by hurling the lightning ball at Greg instead.

"Hmph!" With that, he stormed out, glancing back at the deceptively simple yet opulent villa. He slammed his fist against the wall, leaving a deep crack, and then he striding away, loathing himself and the Shedd family for their deceit.

When Lyra heard that Kail was looking for her, she felt no surprise. "Let him in."

Kail walked in, battered and disheveled, into the business empire Lyra had built.

The twelve years apart felt like a chasm. The sister who once trained fiercely in the fighting room now sat coldly in a CEO’s chair, scrutinizing him.

With tears in his eyes, he finally managed to say, "I was wrong."

But for Lyra, his emotion meant little. "Same question: Will you leave with me and help me take down the Shedd family?"

Kail quickly wiped his tears. "No, I want to stay with them."

Then he gritted his teeth, and continued, "I have to destroy them from the inside. I want to see the whole family crumble apart, and I’ll reclaim everything they took from me, from us!"

Determination flared in his eyes. He knew the Shedd family’s vulnerabilities well; if he climbed the military ranks, the Shedd family would soon be his to conquer.

Lyra hadn’t expected her brother to think that way. "Those are just remnants left by the dead. You don’t need to waste your energy trying to retrieve them."

Kail couldn’t accept this perspective at all. "That’s our mother’s legacy! I won’t stand for it!" He stepped up to her desk, frustration boiling over. "And aren’t you trying to get everything back too? You want to clear our parents’ names! Do you really not miss Mom and Dad at all?

But her next words confirmed his worst fears. "I only want to slap Ansel in the face."

To Lyra, the deceased didn’t matter; revenge came first. Yet, seeing the determination in Kail’s eyes, she sighed. "If you want to go after them, be my guest."

Though her reaction was not what he had imagined, Kail felt a renewed fire in his heart. He grasped her hand tightly. "Sis, wait for me!"

And with that, he dashed out, filled with purpose.

Lyra sat there for a moment, then suddenly scoffed.

Just then, Morrison stepped in. "Boss, we’ve only found one level-eight Peculiar willing to take the job."

The Alliance was vast, divided among various military factions, and no family had the power to control everything. If their enemies got wind of their movements, it could lead to endless retaliation.

If Lyra were a Shedd family member, she certainly wouldn’t let an enemy slip away.

Many high-level Peculiars were reluctant to accept the job once they learned it was to protect Lyra; and some had already committed to the Shedd family.

"Even if we find someone, many are hiking up their prices," Morrison continued. The fees were high, so he needed to report back to Lyra.

As for a level-nine Peculiars, money wouldn’t even sway them; Lyra and Morrison simply couldn’t afford the cost no matter how.

"Do your best to arrange it."

That day, three Lev vehicles departed from the new store, shadowed by their protectors, who split into three groups.

The new store and the spaceport were quite far apart, but the best ambush point was outside the spaceport, where fewer residents lived and the buildings were low and sparse, leaving no room for escape.

As the three Lev vehicles entered that area, they were suddenly ambushed.

The nearby innkeeper, witnessing the attack, hurried to close his doors and call the police.

"What’s with all the unrest lately? It’s like we’re in a f*ck war!" He rushed to the back, preparing to close the windows.

His gaze caught movement at the sewer grate in the alley outside.

With a loud clang, a slender girl jumped out.

Seeing the familiar face that had been circulating online, the innkeeper’s eyes widened in shock. "You’re... Lyra..."

Lyra placed a finger over her lips, signaling for silence.

The innkeeper quickly nodded, watching as she moved to the alley’s edge to assess the situation outside.

Realizing the chaos was aimed at her, he whispered, "Where are you headed? I can help you."

Lyra turned back, surprised by his offer and suspicious of his intentions.

"Your team’s Aesculapius’ Grace saved my daughter..." The innkeeper rubbed his hands together, starstruck.

But this didn’t explain his involvement in the conflict over the level-eight Peculiar, and Lyra found it hard to understand. "I don’t need any help."

With that, she sped down the narrow alley. She had done her best to minimize the danger, but before long, a rumble of thunder echoed above.

Her pupils dilated in alarm as she quickly activated her Schedar, ready for whatever was coming next.

Share to your friends