Ch. 161..165: Interstellar_ Return of the Villain Chapter 161-165

Chapter 161: The Company Goes Public

Morrison’s voice took on a softer, almost apologetic tone. "Sorry, Mr. East, but there’s nothing we can do. Other clients have urgent needs as well."

If Caspian hadn’t already figured out that this was all part of a larger plan, he’d truly be missing the point. His hand clenched around the lighter before slamming it onto the desk. "I want to speak with your boss directly!"

"Feel free," Morrison responded smoothly, barely hiding his amusement. "Just remember to contact her around noon or evening Central City time. She’s in school during the day." With that, he ended the call, a smug smile creeping across his face.

Caspian had no idea how deep the trap Lyra had set truly ran.

Though boiling with frustration, Caspian maintained his composure. He waited until the clock hit 7 p.m. Central City time, then dialed Lyra’s number.

"Hello," came her calm, emotionless greeting. There was no indication in her voice that she knew why he was calling.

Testing the waters, Caspian spoke cautiously. "Miss Shedd, was the price hike on the ’core’ your decision?"

"Just market forces at work," she replied coolly.

In the background, Caspian could hear faint whistling, followed by the sound of fast breathing. "Are you busy, Miss Shedd?" he asked, trying to sound polite.

Lyra pressed a button, halting the barrage of virtual lasers she had been dodging during her training session. "Just in the middle of some training, but I can spare ten minutes." Her tone made it clear that this conversation was more of an inconvenience to her than a priority.

Caspian’s jaw tightened, though he kept his tone civil. "I understand the price increase, but why not prioritize my need for the ’core’? We had an agreement."

"Actually," Lyra took a slow sip of water, "you treated our factory like a last resort. Now you’re upset we didn’t roll out the red carpet?"

Silence hung in the air. Caspian realized his bluff had been called. His plan to cut her out hadn’t just failed—it had blown up in his face.

He let out a deep sigh. "We didn’t handle things properly. But you know how it is, Miss Shedd, you control the core technology, and naturally, as a businessman, I looked for ways to reduce costs."

It was a weak attempt to shift the blame, as if Lyra’s control over the technology was somehow the problem.

Lyra set her bottle down, a knowing smirk tugging at her lips. "We’re all in the business of making money here, Mr. East. Who doesn’t want to pad their margins a little?"

Now backed into a corner, Caspian had no choice but to ask, "What do you want?"

He believed that Lyra wouldn’t dare jeopardize her ties with the authorities by dragging this out. But delaying the delivery of the ’core’ would put his production behind schedule, making him miss the most lucrative sales period.

Lyra’s voice turned almost playful, but there was an unmistakable edge to it. "I wouldn’t want to make things difficult for you, Mr. East. In fact, I’ve got a deal that could be mutually beneficial."

Caspian’s unease grew at her tone. He knew she was far from finished.

"My company is planning to go public on the Central City Stock Exchange soon, but we’re just a little short on resources to finalize preparations."

Her boldness took him off guard. Caspian had dealt with plenty of greedy people, but never anyone so audacious as to openly request his help after putting him in such a tight spot.

He let out a humorless laugh. "You really expect me to help you while you’re squeezing me out of a deal? Why don’t you think again about what you’re asking?"

He wasn’t naive. Lyra wasn’t short on funds for her initial public offering; she had raked in a fortune from her Wyrmtrace operations. What she needed was manpower and influence to push things over the finish line.

But Lyra was unfazed by his disbelief. "I know exactly what I’m asking, Mr. East. You’re well aware of how profitable the ’core’ is. Investing in my company’s success would guarantee you a healthy return."

Caspian’s mind raced. Lyra was no ordinary entrepreneur—her moves were calculated, and each step was taken with a long-term goal in mind. But there was one thing she seemed to be underestimating.

"Why would I risk crossing the Shedd family for a bit of extra profit?" Caspian countered. "I’m already making more than enough without that kind of risk."

In this era of military dominance, crossing a powerful family like the Shedds could lead to ruin. Even though their influence in the business world was minimal, a vice admiral like Ansel could obliterate him with the flick of a finger if he wanted to.

Lyra’s response was cold, her confidence unshaken. "I’m not asking you to choose between me and the Shedds. I’m offering you a chance to get in on the ground floor of something huge. But if you’d rather cling to safety, feel free. Someone else will take your place."

Caspian gritted his teeth, knowing he was at a crossroads. He had seen her ruthlessness firsthand, and while he was reluctant to take the risk, missing out on what could become one of the most profitable ventures in the sector might be an even bigger mistake.

"Since when does any businessman think they have enough money?" Lyra wasn’t fazed by Caspian’s hesitation. She had anticipated his reluctance. "If the ’core’ alone doesn’t tempt you, how about energy stone mines?"

Caspian’s eyebrows shot up. "What exactly are you getting at?"

"Level-eight energy stone mines."

Caspian’s breath hitched, and he could feel his pulse quicken. He grabbed his cold coffee and downed it, trying to regain his composure. "Say that again?"

"Level-eight energy stone mines," Lyra repeated, her voice calm but with a subtle edge of control.

Those four words dried Caspian’s throat.

Energy stones were more than just valuable—they were critical, a universal currency in both the Empire and the Alliance. Ships, power grids, military operations—everything ran on energy stones.

Caspian knew that Wyrmtrace had produced energy mines, but the majority had been snatched up by the imperial treasury for military use.

Even the powerful East family had barely secured a limited amount of level-seven mines, which were still valuable but paled in comparison to what Lyra was offering.

"Are you certain?" Caspian asked, barely concealing his excitement.

"I can have my assistant show you a sample if you’d like," Lyra replied smoothly.

As Caspian processed her words, his mind raced. A level-eight energy stone mine was a treasure of immense power, capable of fueling projects far beyond what most corporations could dream of.

It wasn’t just a resource—it was leverage, a key to power.

And Lyra was offering it to him on a silver platter.

Lyra continued, her voice measured. "I’ve been thinking about how best to utilize these mines, but I believe, Mr. East, you might grasp their full potential even better than I do."

Caspian nodded slowly, fully understanding the gravity of her offer.

If he accepted, this wasn’t just about energy mines—it was about realigning their partnership.

Lyra had managed to outwit both the Mendez and other big families on that planet, claiming control over such precious resources. That alone demanded respect.

Clearing his throat, Caspian spoke carefully. "About the investment..."

Lyra’s eyes glimmered, sensing his shift. "Morrison will handle the details with you directly."

...

In no time, LE Energy—the newly formed company—went public on Elden Prime’s Central City Stock Exchange.

The IPO caused waves throughout the business world.

Since Lyra would be part of the military someday, she decided that it was better that Morrison be listed as the official legal representative.

The real shock came from the shareholder list: "L" stood for Lyra, and "E" for the East family.

Lyra, known for her sharp business instincts, and Caspian East, with his vast influence, were an unstoppable duo.

Investors flocked to the opportunity, sensing that LE Energy was more than just another company—it was a powerhouse in the making.

With Caspian overseeing operations on the ground, even Ansel couldn’t interfere directly. But while Lyra’s political clout grew stronger, Erin was seething.

"How does Lyra keep winning like this?!" Erin shouted, her frustration boiling over as she paced in the family estate.

She had watched from the sidelines as Lyra continued to rise, while her own career remained stagnant.

Erin turned to her grandfather, desperation in her eyes. "Grandpa, what are we going to do now?" Her voice was tinged with a mixture of anger and helplessness.

Ansel, ever the seasoned leader, sighed heavily. "Erin, instead of focusing on your rival’s success, you should focus on improving your own abilities."

The words hit Erin like a slap. She clenched her fists, her face flushed with humiliation.

She and Cohen had both been part of the Wyrmtrace development project, but while Cohen had been promoted to Commander, Erin had been suspended and stuck at home, her ambitions stalled.

She blamed Lyra for it all.

Her grandfather’s tone softened slightly. "If you’re serious about returning to duty, then I’ll help you. But you need to prove you’re ready. You, Erin, are the Shedd family’s brightest hope. Don’t let us down."

"Yes, Grandpa." Erin’s resolve hardened. She couldn’t sit by and let Lyra surpass her any longer.

What Erin failed to realize, though, was that Lyra never saw her—or anyone else—as competition. Everything Lyra did was for herself, a relentless pursuit of strength and independence. She wasn’t running a race with Erin; she was creating her own path.

...

After the IPO, Lyra’s business empire expanded even further.

LE Energy became the lynchpin connecting the commercial networks of Voidstar, Wyrmtrace, and key regions across the Alliance.

It was as though she were a master weaver, quietly spinning an intricate web that captured everything she needed to ensure her continued growth.

Lyra had become a force to be reckoned with—not just in school, where she honed her physical and mental prowess, but in the business world as well.

During school breaks, while others rested, she spent her time building her team, consolidating her influence, and strengthening her position.

But despite all her success on Elden Prime and Voidstar, she never once returned to either place.

Her focus was laser-sharp, and her ambition knew no bounds.

While the world was busy watching her rise, Lyra was already thinking ten steps ahead, plotting her next move.

...

During the summer break before her junior year, AMAT was set to open once again.

As the campus buzzed with excitement, Lyra was quietly preparing to leave, intent on slipping away unnoticed.

Andre, however, had other plans. Ignoring all decorum, he planted himself firmly in front of the girls’ dormitory entrance, arms crossed, blocking her exit.

What followed could only be described as a fierce, chaotic brawl—one that rattled the dorms and drew onlookers from every corner of the campus.

Despite his position, Andre was forced to use every ounce of his strength to contain her.

After what felt like an eternity, he finally managed to drag Lyra to the principal’s office, practically hauling her like a sack of barley, much to the shock of passersby.

"Whoa, whoa, Andre! Take it easy!" the principal exclaimed as he rushed forward, eyes wide. "Lyra’s still a young lady—you can’t be so rough with her!"

Andre, wiping a smear of blood from the corner of his swollen lip, shot a sharp glare at Lyra. "Young lady or not, she fights like a damn beast!" he growled, rubbing his aching jaw.

Lyra, slumped on the office sofa, looked far from the picture of elegance. Her usually pale face was flushed with the remnants of battle, and she coughed violently, clearly still catching her breath from the brawl.

The principal cast a glance at Andre, raising an eyebrow as if to say, ’Seriously? This is what you call ’not weak’?’

Chapter 162: Better Robbery

Over the years, Lyra had been quietly focusing on her self-improvement, moving at her own pace. As chief instructor, Andre had kept a close eye on her progress the whole time.

But something just wasn’t adding up. The harder Lyra trained, the more she pushed herself, the weaker her body seemed to become.

Her face, once full of color, had paled so much it looked like she had worn too much powder.

Yet, despite her fragile appearance, when she fought seriously, she could easily take down someone like Anton and slam him into the ground.

Andre’s sharp gaze settled on her, and his brow creased. "You’re close to a breakthrough, aren’t you?" he asked, noting the chaotic swirl of superpower particles around her. They were fluctuating, unstable.

Lyra gave a weak cough as she collapsed onto the couch. "That’s none of your business, SIR."

The principal, standing nearby, looked utterly stunned. His eyes widened in disbelief. ’A level-seven breakthrough before graduation?’ That was unheard of.

Unable to contain his excitement, he rubbed his hands together and beamed. "Lyra! You truly are the pride of NMA. With you, there’s no way we’ll lose the AMAT this year!"

But he had no clue that Lyra was hanging by a thread, barely keeping her growing powers under control.

After holding back during her spar with Andre, her head was still spinning from the effort.

"Sorry, sir," Lyra said firmly, her tone reminiscent of how she spoke back in her second year. "As you can see, in my current state, there’s no way I can compete in the AMAT."

Her time was running out. Her body was developing rapidly, as expected, but the Soul Spike inside her was blocking her from upgrading her powers.

Her body couldn’t handle the strain, leading to a brutal cycle of deterioration.

She needed level-nine strength-enhancing plants, and fast. There was no time to waste on competitions.

The principal went quiet, deeply troubled.

The academy’s annual physical exams had already revealed her respiratory system was in bad shape. She’d been advised to undergo long-term treatment, but Lyra had zero interest in slowing down.

Andre wasn’t easily fooled though. "You’re not tricking me. Your punches still had enough force to toss me around like a ragdoll. And you expect me to believe these students would be any kind of threat to you?"

Lyra gave him a side-eye, her response short and cold. "Not going."

"You stubborn girl!" Andre ran a hand through his hair in frustration. "It’s not like we don’t have other fighters—Thierry and a few of the others are capable enough. But your cousin, the one from the Calvin family, he just broke through to level six."

"He’s a dual-ability Peculiar," Andre continued, "and I don’t think the Whyte family boy will be able to handle him."

Thierry and Zinnia hadn’t even reached the proper stage to break through to level six, but for the sake of the AMAT, they had used enhancement plants.

Risky as that was, their natural talent and high potential meant they could still pull through. With enough training, they might manage to push past the dangers.

"I trust Thierry and Zinnia," Lyra said simply.

Andre was left speechless. Finally, his frustration boiled over. "Can’t you show just a little bit of team spirit?!"

Lyra’s response was blunt, as usual: "No."

Andre felt a wave of defeat wash over him as he stared at the pale, frail woman in front of him.

Her small frame and sickly appearance completely belied the raw, terrifying power she could unleash in a heartbeat. He clenched his fists, but he knew there was no way he could force her.

The principal, too, was at a loss. Back in her first year, they could still convince her with business deals, but now, she couldn’t care less about the academy’s demands.

In fact, it was the academy that was practically groveling at her feet for favors.

Finally, the principal broke the tense silence. "What would it take for you to join?"

Lyra, determined to shut down the conversation, replied without a second thought, "I need level-nine strength-enhancing plants."

Andre nearly choked. "Level-nine?! You might as well rob a bank! Even if we sold the principal to the Empire, we couldn’t afford that!"

The principal winced, standing awkwardly nearby.

Lyra’s voice remained unnervingly calm. "If I could get one through Robbery, I wouldn’t mind doing that."

Her words sent a chill through the room, leaving no doubt she was completely serious.

The principal paused, as if something had just clicked in his mind. Then, with a sly grin, he said, "Actually, it’s not out of the question."

Lyra’s head snapped in his direction, her eyes sharp and probing.

The principal chuckled, clearly enjoying the moment. "And no, you won’t have to steal anything. I’ve recently heard that within the next two months, a level-nine strength-enhancing plant is going to be up for sale on Elden Prime."

Skepticism flashed across Lyra’s face. She didn’t buy it.

Without wasting a second, she tapped on her opticomputer and made a quick call to her contact on Elden Prime.

"Miss Shedd, do you realize what time it is over here?" Caspian’s voice came through, groggy and more than a little annoyed. The starlight streaming through his window suggested it was the middle of the night on his end.

Ignoring the irritation in his voice, Lyra cut straight to the chase. "Is it true? Is someone selling a level-nine strength-enhancing plant on Elden Prime?"

Caspian hesitated, thrown by her sudden intensity. "There are rumors, but nothing concrete yet. The details of the deal are still under wraps."

Before he could elaborate, Lyra cut the call, the screen going dark instantly.

Back in the principal’s office, the old man’s face lit up with a smug smile. "So, ready to join now?"

Lyra regarded him carefully, her expression unreadable. After a long pause, she finally answered. "I’ll join, but I’m not doing the special training. And I want complete freedom outside the competition."

The principal, more than eager to lock in the championship, agreed without hesitation. He was willing to offer her almost anything if it meant she’d secure the academy’s victory.

With the deal made, Lyra headed back to her dorm to pack.

The second she walked in, Zinnia rushed over, her face full of concern. "Lyra! Are you alright? Please tell me you didn’t argue with the chief instructor. Is he forcing you into the AMAT?"

Lyra’s response was as straightforward as ever. "Yes."

Mandy, who had been quietly observing from the side, raised an eyebrow. "So, you’re going?" she asked, her eyes narrowing in suspicion.

Lyra’s reply was short but definite. "Yes."

The single word left both of them momentarily stunned.

Everyone knew that in her second year, she’d outright refused to join, no matter how much pressure was put on her.

Afterward, some students had even dragged her name through the mud on the school forums, accusing her of being selfish and prioritizing her own goals over the academy’s pride.

Zinnia’s reaction was instant, her hands flying up in excitement. "Woo! This is going to be awesome!" she cheered, practically buzzing with energy.

Mandy, however, smiled knowingly. She could tell there was more to Lyra’s sudden change of heart than met the eye.

When Crag, the driver, pulled up to collect Lyra, he was surprised to find himself loading not one, but three passengers into the Lev.

Zinnia and Mandy exchanged a quick glance as Lyra crossed her arms, leaning back in her seat.

Mandy broke the silence. "I’m headed to Wyrmtrace. Debbie wants me to sort out a few things there, so I’ll be taking care of that."

By now, Mandy had become a full-fledged member of Lyra’s team, more than capable of handling operations on her own when necessary.

Meanwhile, Zinnia was practically bouncing in her seat. "It’s been WAY too long since I saw my bunny! I’m stopping by for a visit."

Her "bunny" was Rajan, who had been working in the LE Energy tech department since graduation. Even Lyra couldn’t quite figure out how Zinnia had managed to reel him in, but it was clear Zinnia adored him.

When they arrived at the factory, Rajan was already waiting outside, glancing around nervously like a kid waiting for his mom after school.

The moment he spotted Lyra, his face turned pale, and he looked like he’d been caught skipping class, even though he had already taken the day off.

It was easy to see why Zinnia called him her "bunny."

Zinnia wasted no time. "Raj! I’m here!" she squealed as she bolted out of the car, launching herself at Rajan.

Her taller frame nearly knocked him off balance, but he managed to catch her just in time.

All the nervousness drained from his face as he wrapped his arms around her, grinning wide. "I took the day off. What do you wanna do?"

Zinnia’s excitement was palpable. "Meat! Lots of them! And after that, let’s destroy the punching machines like we did last time. We’ll punch it until the owner begs us not to!" She gave him a playful kiss on the cheek.

Rajan’s face turned red, but he laughed, squeezing her hand. "Sure thing, anything for you."

Chapter 163: My Place, My Rule

After bidding farewell to her friends, Zinnia hopped into Rajan’s Lev and took off.

The engine roaring as they sped away.

Even as the vehicle disappeared into the distance, her bright, bubbly voice lingered in the air like a little bird’s cheerful song.

Mandy couldn’t help chuckling, shaking her head in amusement. "Those two are a perfect match, aren’t they?" she commented, letting out a soft sigh.

Lyra shot her a glance but said nothing, her expression unreadable.

Walking beside them, Crag smirked. "Mandy, you jealous or something?"

Mandy scoffed, her tone cool and collected. "Not even a little."

Two years of working at the factory had changed her. Hardened by long days and relentless challenges, she had learned more about herself than she ever imagined.

Romance? That was the last thing on her mind.

These days, it was the satisfaction of mastering her craft, earning respect, and proving herself that fueled her. Accomplishing her goals gave her a high that no relationship ever could.

Crag, who also pulled shifts as a security guard, waved them off with a grin and headed back to his post.

Once inside the office, Lyra wasted no time getting to business. "So, about this Wyrmtrace mission," she began, her voice serious. "You’ll be coordinating the handover with Cohen. But that’s not all. I need you to check on the queen bee’s status, see if she’s showing signs of advancing."

Mandy nodded, her posture straightening.

The queen bee was no joke. Lyra knew that if she evolved any further, she would eventually try to break free from their control.

Wyrmtrace was rich in resources, and the queen was getting stronger every day.

The real issue? She wasn’t alone. She had been suppressing a level-eight wyrm beneath it, creating a dangerously volatile situation.

"Got it," Mandy said, a determined look in her eyes. Their past friendship meant nothing here; Lyra was her superior now, and Mandy respected the chain of command.

"Debbie will fill you in on the rest of the mission details," Lyra added before turning back to her work.

The last two years had shifted the balance of power. With Caspian’s smooth political maneuvers, Lyra had expanded their workforce, added an extra cargo ship to their fleet, and managed to outplay both Snakehead and Caesara.

Wyrmtrace was under Koros’s watchful eye, and even Sean had been reassigned to help with other pressing matters.

Mandy left the room, but before the door had even closed behind her, Sean burst in, practically buzzing with excitement. "Boss! The thing you wanted—Koros finished it! It’s ready to ship back with the next cargo run."

Lyra didn’t even look up. "Run the tests first. Report the results to me directly. And make sure no one else knows about this."

Her calm, almost disinterested tone took the excitement right out of Sean’s voice. "Uh, sure... also, Koros wanted to ask about the workshop space..."

"Take it up with Mandy when she’s back," Lyra interrupted, not missing a beat. Her mind was already elsewhere, focused on the looming trip to Elden Prime.

Complications were bound to crop up, and she had no time to babysit.

When the cargo ship finally returned, Lyra made a rare appearance at the spaceport to oversee the delivery.

Thankfully, most of the shipment matched the inventory, which was a relief.

Meanwhile, Mandy was barking orders at the workers, ensuring everything was unloaded without a hitch.

A familiar voice suddenly cut through the hustle and bustle.

"Mandy."

She turned to find Alon standing there, his signature charm still intact, though it seemed a bit faded under the circumstances.

He looked her over, clearly surprised by the young woman standing before him. She wasn’t the same timid girl he’d once known.

Lyra’s training had turned her into someone who commanded attention without even trying.

But the truth was, Mandy had always had potential. She wasn’t just some girl from a poor background—she had earned her place at the NMA Department of Command and Strategy, after all. That was no small feat.

Alon smiled, trying to rekindle some of the old magic. "You’ve been well, I take it?"

Mandy’s lips curled into a tight, thin smile. "As you can see, Mr. Mendez, I’m doing just fine."

And just like that, she turned her back on him, leaving him standing there, visibly disappointed.

She wasn’t the easy target he had once assumed her to be. If he thought he could use her again, he was in for a rude awakening.

Not far away, Lyra noticed the brief exchange, raising an eyebrow in curiosity. But she quickly shrugged it off. There were far more important matters demanding her attention.

This round of special training was, once again, held on Wyrmtrace.

Andre, ever the opportunist, had rallied a bunch of students and shamelessly hitched a ride on Lyra’s ship.

Just when they thought they were home free, Lyra blocked their path right at the boarding ramp.

After listening to her terms, Andre stared at her in disbelief, eyes wide. "You’re seriously charging us a BOARDING FEE?"

Anton, quick to back him up, added, "Come on, it’s common courtesy to give seniors a free ride! That’s, like, life lesson 101."

Lyra simply crossed her arms, a smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. "My ship, my rules. Don’t want to pay? Then do me a small favor instead."

The group of instructors immediately fell silent, sensing a trap. They exchanged cautious looks, clearly not thrilled at where this was heading.

"What kind of favor?" Andre asked, now much more wary. He had been so confident that he didn’t even bother getting extra traffic funds from the school. Now he wasn’t sure if the principal would cover this unexpected "fee."

Lyra gave a casual shrug. "Nothing major. It’s Mandy’s first trip this far out for work, and I want you to keep an eye on her. Make sure she doesn’t get pushed around."

Mandy tensed at the mention of her name, nerves creeping in.

Wyrmtrace was no joke, and without Lyra there to back her up, she’d have to deal with two military officers.

And as if that weren’t bad enough, Debbie had warned her that Voidstar No.2 people—a notoriously tough crowd—would be involved. These were not people who played nice.

Andre, thinking the request was pretty mild, nodded with relief. "That’s it? Sure, no problem."

Later on, though, when things got messy, Andre would deeply regret how quickly he’d agreed.

After sending the ship off, Lyra headed over to the tech department to check on some important work.

Sean was knee-deep in tweaking the upgraded Aesculapius’ Grace with his assistant, the pair working in complete secrecy to avoid any leaks.

"How’s the progress?" Lyra asked as she walked in.

Both of them looked up, their faces lighting up with excitement. "Koros sent back a level-six and a level-seven model," Sean explained eagerly. "The healing efficiency is off the charts. This advanced model? It’s almost as good as having you personally administer treatment."

Lyra’s eyes gleamed with approval for the first time in a while. "Perfect."

Sean then asked, "Should we gear up for mass production?"

Lyra shook her head, her gaze drifting to the towering, two-meter-tall machine. "No need. We’ll just make two more units. The rarer it is, the more valuable it becomes."

She told Sean to get a Space Button for the machine as well. "I want its value to go through the roof."

Throughout the entire Alliance, advanced medical devices were few and far between. And this particular one wasn’t just for everyday injuries—it could heal genetic disorders and radiation sickness, making it even more invaluable.

Sean, as a technical guy, didn’t care much about the sales strategy. He was just excited about the tech. "Got it."

Suddenly, Lyra remembered something. "Did the original model get sent back?"

"No," Sean replied. "Koros decided to see if it could be further upgraded. He’s also working on a project—trying to create a mecha with healing capabilities." Sean glanced at her cautiously, worried about her reaction.

To his surprise, Lyra nodded thoughtfully. "That could be something."

To Sean, Koros was like a mischievous kid who kept pushing boundaries. With Lyra covering for him, he was getting bolder by the day.

With everything set, Lyra boarded her ship to Elden Prime.

Meanwhile, across the galaxy, Mandy and her team had just landed on Wyrmtrace.

Koros, drown in a mountain of data, was working with a precision that only someone with six hands and four eyes could manage.

The moment he got wind of Mandy’s arrival, he tossed the entire stack of reports her way without a second thought.

"Here. You deal with this," he said, retracting his powers as he prepared to vanish. "If you have questions, ask my assistant."

Mandy hadn’t dealt with Koros much, but thanks to Debbie’s heads-up, she knew his reputation. He was the type to disappear before you could blink.

Seizing the moment, Mandy quickly called out, "I’ll review everything and get back to you, but Lyra has specific instructions for you."

Koros paused, eyeing her for a second before nodding.

Chapter 164: Tough New Job

Mandy barely had a moment to acclimate to the time difference before diving headlong into her mountain of work.

For over ten grueling hours, she sifted through stacks of data, eyes locked on her screen, fingers flying as she tried to make sense of it all.

Finally, she set down her stylus and rubbed the bridge of her nose, feeling the strain of staring at the screen for so long.

"Miss Wright, anything I can help you with?" A young woman appeared beside her, offering a polite smile.

Mandy shook her head. "I need to see Koros first."

As she moved to gather the documents on her desk, the assistant stepped forward, ready to help.

Mandy gently but firmly pushed her hands away. "I’ll handle it myself. If I don’t, I won’t be able to find anything later."

The assistant shot her a quick, unreadable glance before stepping back. "Of course, my apologies."

"It’s all part of the job," Mandy replied, her tone professional but resolute.

After finally locating Koros and confirming all the data at the base, Mandy sent everything back to Planet Nagano.

Only then did the two of them dive into the logistics of the mechanics lab.

Koros rattled off a never-ending list of demands, each one more extravagant than the last.

Mandy’s patience was wearing thin. No wonder Lyra had assigned her this task—if Koros had been left unchecked, the budget would’ve spiraled out of control.

As Koros’ eager eyes gleamed with excitement, Mandy looked at the blueprints and promptly began slashing through unnecessary features with her pen. "Lyra’s budget covers only these essentials," she explained, crossing out his ambitious add-ons.

Koros’ constant revisions and complaints made Mandy’s head spin. By the time she managed to get him to agree to a more reasonable plan, she felt like her brain was on the verge of exploding.

Now she understood why Debbie had given her that knowing, sympathetic look before she left for Wyrmtrace.

While Thierry and Zinnia had already set off for their special training, Mandy found herself buried under an ever-growing pile of work.

It didn’t help that, after Koros handed off the project, his assistant Tammy seemed to be funneling more tasks Mandy’s way than was necessary.

After three relentless days of back-to-back assignments, Mandy couldn’t take it anymore. "Tammy," she said, her voice edged with frustration, "some of this data should be organized by you before it even gets to me."

Tammy, now dressed in sleek professional attire as Koros’ right hand, gave her a sugary smile. "I’m sorry, but I’ve got plenty on my plate already."

And with that, she turned on her heel and walked away.

Mandy frowned but swallowed her irritation. Tammy was Koros’ assistant, and causing friction with her wouldn’t do any good. She had bigger things to focus on.

With the final task nearly complete, Mandy only had one last responsibility—meeting with Cohen to finalize the revenue distribution.

The thought of meeting such a prominent figure made her stomach flutter with nerves.

Just as she was preparing to leave, Tammy suddenly reappeared, all smiles and sugary sweetness.

"Miss Wright, would you like me to go with you? Captain Whyte can be quite... intimidating. I’ve worked with him before, and I could assist you..."

It had been just one year, and Cohen had already been promoted again.

Before Tammy could finish her sentence, Mandy’s expression hardened. Her usual warmth vanished, replaced by a sharp, no-nonsense look.

"Tammy," Mandy said firmly, locking eyes with her, "Miss Shedd doesn’t like subordinates who meddle."

Lyra took her dealings with Cohen very seriously, and these transactions were meant to fly under the radar.

Only a select few were trusted to be involved, and for Mandy, this meeting was an opportunity to prove herself.

Tammy’s sudden offer to interfere not only felt intrusive but also raised alarm bells—’how did she even known about the meeting in the first place?’ Mandy wondered.

Without waiting for a reply, Mandy gathered her papers and calmly walked out, leaving Tammy standing there, fuming.

Tammy’s face twisted in anger as she watched Mandy walk away. "That little brat thinks she can act like a boss? Hah!" She clenched her fists, seething.

Then, grabbing her opticomputer, she dialed a number. The second the call connected, her voice turned syrupy sweet. "Honey, she didn’t let me go..."

Meanwhile, Mandy’s meeting with Cohen was as stressful as she had anticipated.

Though her nerves occasionally got the better of her, causing her words to falter, she managed to maintain her composure.

She powered through the tension, keeping her focus sharp as she handed over the finalized accounts.

When the paperwork was finally exchanged, she breathed a deep sigh of relief.

Now, only one last task remained before she could wrap up her mission on Wyrmtrace.

Just as Mandy was lost in thought, making her way back from the military base to the caravan headquarters, an unexpected figure appeared before her.

"Mandy, care for a coffee?" Alon stood there, sharp as ever in a tailored suit, with an expression Mandy’d never seen before—almost captivated.

It was clear why.

The girl he once knew had transformed. Her blonde hair was tied neatly in a ponytail, her posture radiated confidence, and the crisp white shirt paired with tailored pants only highlighted her graceful figure.

She seemed almost like a different person, glowing with self-assurance.

For Mandy, the scene felt a little surreal.

The man who once seemed so distant, nearly untouchable, was now standing in front of her, asking for her time with a tone that almost felt... pleading.

"Sure," she said, her voice even.

Wyrmtrace, now three years into its development, had grown into a fully equipped base, complete with a cozy coffee shop just a short walk from the military complex.

Once they were seated, Alon wasted no time in breaking the silence, his eyes heavy with regret. "I’m sorry for how I treated you back then. I was too... angry."

Mandy paused as she stirred her coffee, a flicker of bitterness flashing in her eyes before she quickly buried it. "Past is past."

Alon let out a deep sigh. "I know I probably don’t deserve your forgiveness."

"There’s nothing to forgive," Mandy said, her tone steady but cold. "We weren’t that close."

Her blunt words stung, but Alon wasn’t ready to give up so easily. "We’re business partners now. We’ll be seeing a lot of each other moving forward. Do you plan on being this distant every time?"

Mandy’s eyes softened just a little, but her guard remained up. "Mr. Mendez, what is it that you REALLY want?"

He smiled lightly, shrugging as if the answer was simple. "Nothing much. Just thought we could chat. Out here, you’re the only person I really know."

That hit a nerve. Mandy couldn’t deny it—being far from her usual crowd, there was something comforting about speaking with someone familiar, even if that someone was Alon.

After that initial coffee, they started crossing paths more frequently.

Sometimes she’d brush him off, but other times, they would end up sharing casual conversation or even a meal.

Slowly, the tension between them began to melt away, replaced by something that felt more neutral, if not cautiously friendly.

On the fifth day of her stay at Wyrmtrace, Alon once again invited her to dinner.

"You know, my grandfather owes his life to your team," Alon said, passing her salt with a warm smile. "If it weren’t for you, things might’ve turned out very differently."

Mandy barely glanced up from her plate. "It was all Lyra’s doing, really."

After dinner, Mandy walked back to the caravan headquarters, her mind racing. Eventually, she decided to call Lyra, who was still en route to Elden Prime.

"What’s up?" Lyra’s voice came through calm and steady, as usual.

"About Alon..." Mandy hesitated, unsure if she should even bring it up. But when Lyra didn’t immediately shut her down, she continued, "What do you think of him?"

Lyra hadn’t expected the question and took a moment to consider. "Work with Koros on this. I’ll talk to Caesara."

With Lyra’s support, Mandy felt more at ease. She quickly looped Koros into the plan, and together, they began piecing things together.

By the time Lyra arrived on Elden Prime, Mandy sent a message back to her with some important news from Wyrmtrace.

"Koros’s assistant, Tammy, tried to steal the design for the upgraded Aesculapius’ Grace. We caught her and sent her back to Planet Nagano. She’s being charged with breach of contract and theft of corporate secrets."

Lyra’s response was immediate and icy. "And Koros?"

Mandy glanced at Koros, who was anxiously fidgeting beside her. "He’s suggested implementing an internal monitoring system to prevent something like this from happening again."

"Tell him that if it happens again, I’ll cut all his funding," Lyra said sharply. "Who was behind it?"

Mandy took a breath, her voice steady. "It was Alon."

The revelation came as no surprise to Mandy anymore. Her suspicions had started to form during one of their dinners when Alon casually mentioned his grandfather.

Something about the way he said it didn’t sit right with her. And then there was the fact that Tammy had somehow gotten wind of the secret dealings between Lyra and Cohen—information that should’ve been known only to the highest-ranking officials.

After a long talk with Koros, they decided to dig deeper.

Hacking into Tammy’s opticomputer revealed a string of frequent communications with Alon.

To confirm their suspicions, they laid a trap, feeding Tammy the opportunity to steal the improved Aesculapius’ Grace designs. Predictably, she took the bait.

As expected, it was Alon who had orchestrated the entire scheme, manipulating Tammy into doing his dirty work.

Chapter 165: Level-nine Plants

"Mandy, you did a great job." Lyra didn’t hold back her praise, offering it with sincerity.

Mandy smiled, a little bashful. She felt her heart race with excitement as she disconnected the call.

For the first time, she saw endless possibilities in her future.

When Alon came looking for her again, this time, she was much calmer.

"Mandy, I never thought you could be so heartless," he said, clearly wounded. "My grandfather has always been kind to you. How can you stand by and watch him suffer from illness?"

His sudden accusation didn’t sting like it once might have. Instead, Mandy’s face filled with cold amusement.

"Lyra once told me," she began, "everyone is driven by self-interest. Whether you really want to save your grandfather or you’re after the profits from Aesculapius’ Grace, you know the answer better than anyone."

Alon was taken aback, clearly unprepared for her sharp words.

"Do you not care about me anymore?" he asked, his voice tinged with desperation.

"I do," Mandy replied, looking him straight in the eyes, her honesty disarming. "But I won’t let my feelings get in the way of my future."

Of course she had liked him—how could she not? He had been her first love. But from watching the rise of people like Morrison and Debbie, she had learned something far more intoxicating: the thrill of climbing the ladder of success. And she was on her way up.

As Mandy turned and left Alon behind, she pressed her lips together, feeling a chill run through her.

She had almost fallen into his trap again. Thankfully, she had made the right choice this time, avoiding a fate like Tammy’s.

...

On Elden Prime, Morrison had just finished hearing the whole story. He smiled, "It seems HER judgment was spot on."

Two years ago, even he had thought Mandy was a bit soft—too naive, mistaking false love for emotional sustenance.

Time had a way of proving that poverty and the drive for power were the true catalysts for growth.

Lyra didn’t comment on Morrison’s remark. Instead, she shifted the conversation. "What about that matter I asked you to investigate?"

Morrison immediately grew serious. "I’ve confirmed it. It’s the Sholok family that’s making a move. They’ve let it be known that they’re willing to trade, but the terms are bartering."

"The Sholok family?" Lyra’s brow furrowed. This wasn’t good news. There was an old grudge between her and the Sholok family over the development of Wyrmtrace.

If they had known the real reason the Seething Fires had landed on the planet, they would have banded together long ago to take her down.

"It seems old Mrs. Sholok was injured on Wyrmtrace a while ago. When she was advancing, her Crystal Core was damaged. She’s in desperate need of level-nine energy plants to repair her superpower."

Lyra frowned deeply. This wasn’t something she could provide. "It seems we can’t meet their trading terms."

Morrison nodded in agreement. "Even if we could, they likely wouldn’t be willing to trade, given how much they lost to you on Wyrmtrace."

Lyra thought for a moment. "There’s no need to trade with the Sholok family." She decided. "Invite Caspian over. Tell him it’s been two years, and I’d like to have dinner and discuss future collaboration."

...

Truthfully, if she hadn’t mentioned the word "collaboration," Caspian probably wouldn’t have wanted to come at all. But like it or not, business relationships had to continue.

When he arrived, Caspian greeted her with a careful smile. "It’s been two years, Miss Shedd... you seem... different."

He had wanted to say "prettier," but the young woman in front of him looked pale and frail, her breathing barely audible.

Anyone who didn’t know better might think she was gravely ill, making it impossible to compliment her.

It was odd, especially considering Lyra was a renowned healer capable of curing serious illnesses.

Caspian masked his curiosity and proceeded cautiously.

"Thank you for the compliment," Lyra said flatly, pretending not to notice his scrutinizing gaze. She took a sip of water before continuing, "Here’s the thing—my team has developed something valuable. And I thought, instead of letting outsiders benefit, it would be better to discuss it with you first."

Caspian’s interest spiked instantly. "Oh? What is it?" He knew anything Lyra deemed "valuable" would be worth a fortune, but he also knew it wouldn’t come without some hefty strings attached.

"The improved Aesculapius’ Grace, level-seven," she said smoothly, her eyes never leaving his face.

At first, Caspian wasn’t impressed. His own team had made modifications to the Aesculapius’ Grace before. But when the words level-seven registered, his body froze mid-motion.

"Did I hear that right?"

Lyra’s smile was knowing, mysterious, her face partly obscured by the rising steam from her water glass. "Other than being unable to kill anyone, it’s practically like having another version of me at your disposal."

Caspian was suddenly aware of his clammy hands. He reached for his tea but almost knocked it over in his haste. He composed himself quickly, wiping his palms on his pants. "What are your terms?"

"I need the Sholok family’s level-nine strength-enhancing plants. However, I don’t have any level-nine energy plants to trade. I was hoping you could help with that."

Caspian mentally sighed. I knew there’d be a catch.

While casually drying his hands, he offered, "Why not trade the level-seven Aesculapius’ Grace for it yourself? Put the word out, and someone’s bound to offer you an exchange."

Lyra’s eyes gleamed, catching his underlying thought. "So, you agree that the level-seven Aesculapius’ Grace is worth that much?"

Caspian’s smile tightened. He didn’t like being so transparent.

The truth was, this device—though technically level-seven—was worth far more. Its healing efficiency, from what Lyra described, rivaled that of level-eight plants.

Plus, it wasn’t a one-time-use item; it could cure even severe cases like radiation and genetic diseases. For someone in need, it was priceless.

And unfortunately for Caspian, he was exactly that type of someone.

"Why don’t you just handle the trade yourself?" he pressed, testing for a weakness. "Is it because of your conflict with the Sholok family, or are you afraid the Shedd family will interfere?"

Lyra didn’t flinch. "Both. That’s why I’m coming to you, Mr. East. I trust you to get the job done."

Her cold, calculating eyes sent a clear message: Don’t try anything funny.

After a tense moment of silence, Caspian chuckled. "I assume you’ve got more than one of these Aesculapius’ Grace units, right? I want them all. Aside from the one we’ll trade, I’ll buy the rest at full price."

The chance to monopolize such a valuable asset was too tempting to resist.

"Sure," Lyra replied without hesitation, catching him off guard. His guard shot back up—why was she agreeing so easily?

His suspicion was obvious, and Lyra raised an eyebrow at him. "No need to look at me like I’m scheming. I don’t care who I sell them to."

It was true. The demand for such a device was sky-high, and if Caspian was willing to take them off her hands, she’d happily make the deal.

Caspian finally relaxed, realizing he might be overthinking it. But just as he settled back into his chair, Lyra dropped her next condition.

"However, I don’t want money. I want a ship—military grade."

"Pfft!" Caspian nearly choked on his tea, spluttering and coughing as he wiped his mouth. He stared at her in disbelief. This woman is impossible!

"Do you even know how much a military-grade ship costs?" he muttered, exasperated. "And you’re asking for a military ship, no less!"

Still catching his breath, he shot her a curious look. "Why do you need something like that?"

Military vessels were heavily regulated. While Caspian had military contracts, selling one to a private individual would be a first for him, and he couldn’t help but wonder what she was planning.

"Planning to get yourself killed? Don’t drag me down with you," he joked bitterly, though a part of him was serious.

Lyra remained calm. "It’s just the build standard. I don’t need the weapons, so there’s no legal trouble involved. You know my long-term goal is to join the military, but the road there won’t be easy. I need a backup plan."

Caspian found himself at a loss for words. ’Who spends their own fortune to set up a backup plan for joining the military?’

He was just about to toss a sarcastic comment her way when she continued, "I have three level-seven units in total, plus a level-six one. You can have them all."

Caspian’s snark died in his throat. Three level-seven units and a level-six? He quickly wiped his hands again, this time extending one to her with a grin.

"Deal!"