Ch. 166..170: Interstellar_ Return of the Villain Chapter 166-170
Chapter 166: The Guardian’s Responsibility
In the world of business, there was an old saying: "The timid go hungry, but the bold? They feast."
Caspian was the very definition of bold. He had the confidence, the network, and the skills to make things happen.
He had just brokered a deal.
Lyra traded three top-tier Aesculapius’ Grace medical units—level-seven no less—in exchange for a level-nine energy plant and, wait for it, half a spaceship.
Yep, half a spaceship.
According to the plans Lyra had handed Caspian, the ship wasn’t armed, so it could only be classified as half-finished. But with Caspian’s factory churning out parts, it would cost even less than an average commercial vessel.
"Let me spell it out," Caspian clarified, pointing at the blueprint. "If I follow this exactly, the ship will only be good for transporting cargo and cruising through space. That’s it. No frills."
Lyra’s lips curled into a sly smile. "That’s perfect. Just don’t cheap out on the materials, okay?"
"Got it!" Caspian’s voice brimmed with excitement, like someone who knew they’d just struck gold. "I’ll make sure it’s up to the same standards as an admiral-class warship."
Warships, after all, were ridiculously expensive because of the weapons. Even a single electromagnetic cannon could set you back as much as an entire small commercial ship.
Caspian was only responsible for building the frame, so in his eyes, it wasn’t too different from constructing those high-end battleships—minus the armaments.
With the three advanced Aesculapius’ Grace units he’d just acquired, Caspian was confident he’d make back his investment in no time.
After wrapping up their deal and sharing a pleasant meal, Lyra was about to head back to her office for some much-needed downtime.
But just as she was getting comfortable, her phone rang.
It was Morrison.
"Boss, as your loyal subordinate, I feel it’s my duty to remind you of a small matter," he began.
Lyra raised an eyebrow. "What matter?"
"Your adopted brother, Phelixes. His teachers have stressed, repeatedly, that for a child’s mental well-being, the presence of their guardian is crucial."
Lyra paused, slightly taken aback.
On the other end, Morrison waited in silence. He had a hunch this would happen—Lyra had probably long forgotten about the kid.
Years ago, when Lyra adopted Phelixes, she had quickly handed off most of the responsibilities to Debbie, thinking it was more fitting for a caring person to care for him.
However, the boy had been extremely attached to Lyra. Every holiday, he’d rush over to her office, calling out for her, clinging to her side like his life depended on it.
The school, located nearby, was relentless about Lyra attending every parent-teacher meeting, event, and picnic.
When she declined too many times, the school issued a warning, threatening to report her for neglection.
Annoyed by the constant harassment from his teachers, Lyra sent Phelixes off to Elden Prime, a distant planet, under the pretense of getting him a better education.
Elden Prime’s school catered to the children of workaholic parents, so no one questioned the high tuition fees.
But in two years, Lyra hadn’t once visited, making her the only guardian who had never set foot on campus.
The school had hounded Morrison relentlessly, hoping at least one responsible adult would show up.
Lyra sighed.
"I get it," she finally said, with a tone of reluctant acceptance.
She didn’t push back. After all, she hadn’t adopted Phelixes out of kindness—his superpower had been the real draw.
Like a plant, if you wanted it to grow strong, you had to nurture it.
With the school’s coordinates in hand, Crag drove Lyra in a sleek Lev vehicle, following the navigation system until they reached the sprawling campus.
It was the start of summer break, and the school’s gate was crowded with Levs waiting to pick up students.
Morrison had already informed Phelixes that Lyra was on her way. As soon as the gates swung open, a tall, wiry figure came barreling out, fast as lightning.
"Lyra! Sis!"
Lyra nearly didn’t recognize him, but the way he kept shouting her name like a broken record jogged her memory.
At twelve years old, Phelixes was already nearing 1.75 meters tall, all arms and legs, but still as eager as ever.
Phelixes’ face lit up with excitement, his cheeks turning rosy, but unlike his younger self, he held back from throwing his arms around Lyra.
Instead, he stood right in front of her, his dark eyes sparkling like tiny stars, as if they shone just for her.
"You finally came to see me," he said, his voice steady but packed with emotion.
"Yeah, I’ve been kind of busy these last two years," she replied nonchalantly.
"I know," he said, with a fierce determination shining through. "But when I grow up, I’ll help you with your work. I’ll protect you."
Even though her response was far from enthusiastic, it was enough to send a wave of joy through him that would last a long time.
As they got into the car, Phelixes started excitedly rattling off his accomplishments like a kid seeking approval. "Sister, I took the school’s superpower test, and I ranked first again! EPMA’s Affiliated High School even gave me a guaranteed spot!"
Though the seatbelt kept him strapped in, his excitement was so intense it felt like he might just bounce out of his seat, like an overexcited puppy wagging his invisible tail.
"Not bad," Lyra said, maintaining her usual calm. "So, what do you want as a reward?"
His eyes lit up even more, as if she’d just offered him the world on a silver platter. "I want to live with you!"
It was only at that moment that Lyra recalled Morrison had arranged for Phelixes to have a small apartment near the company.
When they arrived, Phelixes eagerly fumbled with a key, unlocking the door like he was about to show off his greatest achievement.
He darted inside, pulling out a pair of new slippers from the cabinet. Then he placed them carefully by the door for Lyra.
As Crag came in carrying Phelixes’ luggage, the boy quickly snatched it from him with a bright grin. "Thanks, Brother Crag! Don’t worry, I’ll take great care of her."
He spoke with such confidence as he stood there, blocking the entrance. He refused to budge until Crag acknowledged his thanks.
"Alright, I’ll leave her in your hands then," Crag chuckled, clearly amused. Having raised his own younger siblings, he had a soft spot for kids.
He reached out to ruffle Phelixes’ hair, but the boy ducked out of the way, turning his head sharply.
"Uh, sorry, there are only two bedrooms here," Phelixes said bluntly, his face serious.
Crag froze, unsure of what to do. His eyes darted to Lyra, who was casually leaning against the wall with her arms crossed.
Phelixes also glanced at her, eyes wide and pleading, clearly wanting some one-on-one time with his sister.
Lyra, now settled on the couch, broke the silence. "I’ll call you if I need anything."
With that, Crag gave a slight nod. He still a bit puzzled, and made his way out. "Guess I’ll head back to the dorms."
The moment the door clicked shut, Phelixes flashed a victorious smile. He unpacked his suitcase and brought Lyra a fresh glass of warm water.
Then he shyly sat down next to her, clutching a plush pillow. He opened a grocery app, practically bouncing in his seat as he asked, "What would you like to eat? I’ll cook it for you!"
Lyra leaned back slightly, propping her head on one hand. "Something light."
"Okay!" he replied, beaming as if she had just given him the ultimate compliment.
While waiting for the groceries to arrive, Phelixes busied himself around the apartment.
Lyra watched as he swept the floors, wiped down the shelves, and even made up the bed for her.
He hung her clothes in the closet with care, all while wearing a cute brown puppy-themed headband and a matching apron.
If anyone else had been there, they probably would’ve found the scene ridiculously adorable, but Lyra’s expression remained neutral, almost skeptical.
She couldn’t quite grasp why he was so genuinely happy.
Dinner was exactly what she had asked for—light but flavorful. He made a spread of corn and shrimp, a delicate fish soup, and a simple plate of steamed greens. It was humble but well-prepared.
Phelixes watched her nervously as she ate, his eyes wide with anticipation. "Does it taste okay?" he asked, his voice a little shaky.
"It’s good," Lyra replied casually.
His face lit up again, clearly thrilled.
After cleaning up, he kept himself busy until she had finished her bath and settled into her room.
Only then did he retreat to his own space, clutching his pillow and rolling around on the bed like he’d just won the lottery.
Meanwhile, Lyra sat on her bed, a frown tugging at her lips as she dialed Morrison.
"Boss, everything alright?" Morrison answered, clearly winding down for the night after a shower.
"Has Phelixes been... acting weird over the last two years?" Lyra asked, her voice carrying an unusual tone of uncertainty.
Morrison, who had worked closely with Lyra for over three years, immediately picked up on what she was hinting at. With a sigh, he replied, "Do you want to know why I bought him that apartment?"
Lyra was silent, waiting for him to continue.
"Because the kid wouldn’t stop asking about you, boss. Every day, he’d badger me about your favorite things, what you like to eat, how you like your workspace. I’ve had more sleepless nights because of it than I care to count."
Lyra blinked, speechless for a moment as she processed the weight of his words.
Chapter 167: Conflicts
Lyra still couldn’t wrap her head around why Phelixes had such a strong attachment to her. His affection was so obvious, but the reason behind it remained a mystery. Yet, seeing the tired look on Morrison’s face made her realize she should at least show a little concern.
"How much did the apartment cost?" she asked, her head tilting slightly in curiosity.
Morrison quickly shifted back into his usual professional demeanor. "No need to worry about that, boss," he replied smoothly. "It’s under my name now. Besides, you’ll be moving to the military district soon, won’t you?"
Once Lyra got herself a position in the army, she would qualify for housing within the military zone. From Morrison’s perspective, with Lyra’s impressive capabilities, fretting over something as trivial as housing was unnecessary.
Unlike their last chaotic visit to Elden Prime, this trip had been unusually calm.
Ansel had taken the Skywalkers on a mission, and even Erin and Kail were off on their own tasks.
But peaceful didn’t necessarily mean restful.
Several opportunists, having seen the staggering profits from Aesculapius’ Grace, had tried to manipulate Caspian but failed.
So, naturally, they set their sights on Lyra instead.
Some tried to weasel their way into deals, only for Lyra to swat them away effortlessly. Others took a more aggressive route—threats, coercion, anything to get her to bend to their will. But she dealt with them just as skillfully, refusing to be intimidated.
Over the past two years, numerous attempts had been made to infiltrate her factories. But with Morrison’s airtight security measures, none had even come close.
Now that Lyra was back in action, she had no intention of letting those incidents go unanswered.
One by one, she hunted down the troublemakers, systematically dismantling their operations. She wasn’t just a business genius—she was more than capable of defending what was hers.
It didn’t take long for people to understand: Lyra wasn’t just good at building an empire; she knew how to protect it too.
As the power struggles intensified, so did the tension in the air about AMAT.
The release of the contestant list for the military academy competitions only put Lyra in the spotlight once again.
"Sis, more reporters are swarming outside," Phelixes said, pulling the curtains shut. "Is Zinnia coming over soon?"
Zinnia was one of the few people Phelixes didn’t mind.
Lyra looked up from her screen and nodded.
"Want me to go pick her up?" he offered.
"No need," she replied coolly. "I’ll meet her at the hotel tomorrow."
Phelixes murmured a soft "Oh," sensing that Lyra’s patience wasn’t at its peak. While he could be clingy, he knew when it was time to back off.
The following morning, after enjoying breakfast prepared by Phelixes, Lyra donned her NMA uniform and headed to the hotel to meet up with her team.
"Lyra! I’ve missed you so much!" Zinnia shouted, practically tackling her in a bear hug.
The team consisted mostly of familiar faces: Zinnia, Thierry, Helion, and Vikie from Class Three. The only new additions were a pair of second-year twins, who looked like they were about to burst with excitement at the sight of her.
"Lyra, I’m Joe Garrison, the older one."
"And I’m Jim Garrison, the younger one."
They spoke in perfect unison, almost like they were performing a well-rehearsed skit. "We’re sticking with you this time!" they exclaimed together.
Lyra gave a brief nod. "Good to meet you both."
She quickly scanned the group and realized someone was missing. "Where’s Instructor Anton?"
Andre, who had been brooding the entire time, let out a sharp snort.
Before Lyra could ask, Thierry pulled her aside and whispered.
"Instructor Anton stayed back on Wyrmtrace for now. Mandy was injured."
Lyra’s eyes narrowed. "Injured? I hadn’t heard anything about this."
"It happened during a mission," Zinnia jumped in. "She was ambushed by some unknown group, but Anton managed to rescue her. Mandy didn’t want us to tell you—she’s handling it on her own."
Lyra’s frown deepened as she absorbed the information. She wasn’t one to take these things lightly, but Mandy had proven herself more than capable. For now, Lyra decided to respect her decision and let it be.
Another loud snort came from Andre, his patience clearly wearing thin. "We should’ve taken a different caravan ship," he grumbled, casting a pointed glare at someone in the group. "Now we’re stuck in this mess."
Without waiting for a reply, he stormed off, his frustration evident.
Zinnia, looking unfazed by his outburst, leaned toward Lyra with a grin. "Same old Andre, huh?"
Thierry couldn’t suppress a grin as he leaned toward Lyra and whispered, "You know, no one’s more worked up about Mandy’s injury than Andre. He practically ordered Anton to stay behind, saying there’s no way we’re letting greedy merchants push our students around."
Zinnia chimed in with a laugh. "Exactly! His bark might be loud, but his heart’s soft as a marshmallow." She giggled, clearly remembering the whole scene.
The thought of Andre being so protective had amused her back then, and it still did now.
Andre’s frustration wasn’t just because of the situation with the merchants—it was guilt. He had promised Lyra he’d keep an eye on Mandy, and the fact that she got hurt under his watch gnawed at him.
When Lyra finally heard the full story, she gained a new level of respect for Andre’s sense of duty. What she had thought was just a casual request clearly meant a lot more to him.
Deciding to show her appreciation, Lyra caught up to Andre, thanking him sincerely.
True to his style, he puffed out his chest, giving her a smug look. "If you’re really grateful, why don’t you bring home a championship this time, huh?"
It wasn’t much of a request, and Lyra had no intention of letting him down.
This year’s AMAT was already buzzing with two major highlights: Lyra’s highly anticipated return and Robin’s recent promotion to level 6.
Speculation was rampant—who would come out on top between the two rising stars?
At the opening ceremony, all eyes were on Lyra. The cameras couldn’t seem to get enough of her, focusing on her with long, lingering shots.
Afterward, a brief interview followed, and the first question out of the gate was a provocative one.
"Why is Thierry Whyte leading the team instead of Lyra? Is it because he’s the admiral’s nephew? Some are saying this reeks of favoritism."
Andre’s face immediately darkened, but before he could lash out, Webber swiftly stepped in, keeping a calm demeanor as he separated Andre from the reporters.
Smiling, he answered, "Thierry was chosen as the team leader for strategic reasons. We can’t disclose specifics, but rest assured, it’s all part of our plan."
The truth was far simpler than the reporters suspected. Since Lyra hadn’t been involved in the special training and wasn’t as familiar with the Garrison twins’ abilities, it made sense for Thierry to take the lead, ensuring the best coordination during battle. But the instructors had no intention of sharing that little tidbit.
While the adults fielded questions, the team stood off to the side, trying to look busy. Some stared at the sky, others at the ground; they all pretended not to notice the tense situation.
Helion, though, couldn’t resist sidling up to Lyra, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
"So, here we are on Elden Prime, and now I find out you’re rolling in cash! How about making me a kept man, huh?" he teased, flashing a grin.
Lyra didn’t even blink. "I don’t need one. But if you’re looking for a job, I’m always in need of more subordinates."
Helion’s grin only widened. "Subordinate AND kept man? Sounds like a sweet deal!"
Before he could push his luck further, Vikie—who had clearly had enough—yanked him by the arm. "Can you please keep your mouth shut for two seconds? We’re literally on camera."
As if on cue, a mocking laugh echoed from nearby.
"Is this what NMA’s come to? Groveling like stray dogs, begging for scraps?" sneered Grains, a familiar face from EPMA. His arms were crossed as he threw a disgusted look at Helion.
Helion, never one to back down from a challenge, smirked at the insult.
In the blink of an eye, he lunged at Grains, landing a solid punch to his jaw.
Grains, clearly stunned by the sudden hit, hesitated for a brief second before retaliating, and just like that, the entire scene erupted into chaos.
The silence that followed the punch was short-lived.
As the two boys began brawling, fists flying, the venue exploded into a flurry of activity.
Reporters rushed in, cameras rolling, eager to capture every second of the action. This was the kind of drama they lived for.
Robin, standing off to the side, sighed in exasperation. "This is humiliating," he muttered, moving to step in and break it up, but Thierry stopped him, placing a firm hand on his shoulder.
"Your teammate started it," Thierry said with a sly grin. "If he gets his ass kicked, that’s on him. We settle things with our fists at NMA."
The tension between the two captains crackled in the air, a silent challenge simmering beneath the surface.
Meanwhile, on the EPMA side, their instructor looked ready to intervene, but Andre intercepted him, arms crossed and muscles tensed.
"Let the kids handle it," Andre growled, his tone making it clear he wasn’t backing down. "Adults stepping in would ruin the fun."
The commotion drew attention from students and instructors from other military schools, all of whom gathered around, eager to see how the fight would unfold.
Helion, already transforming into his werewolf state, was fighting ferociously, and if it went on much longer, things would spiral out of control.
Webber, sweating bullets, shot a pleading look at Lyra.
Without a word, she sighed, then raised her hands, summoning glowing bands of light.
In a matter of seconds, the luminous cords snapped around Helion and Grains, pulling them apart with an effortless tug.
The fight ended as quickly as it began, and the crowd, sensing the tension deflating, erupted into applause.
Lyra’s precise handling of the situation had diffused the chaos, and the tension finally began to settle.
"That’s enough," Lyra said, her voice calm but commanding. Helion and Grains glared at each other, still bristling, but neither dared to challenge her authority.
Chapter 168: Group Fight
Mandy shuffled over to the table with her tray, plopping down into her seat just as the cafeteria erupted in wild cheers.
The noise from the screen overhead yanked her attention away from her food mid-bite.
AMAT had kicked off.
"Tch, there goes your boss again, terrorizing the kids," Caesara teased, sprawled out across from her, tearing into a beast leg with one hand and casually sipping white wine with the other. She had zero filter, her manners as wild as the greasy leg had once been.
Mandy still wasn’t used to people like Caesara. "The principal and Instructor Andre sent her," she replied, keeping her tone careful.
"Yeah, yeah, I get it. No way she’d be playing those dirty tricks herself," Caesara sneered. She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, flashing a smirk as she locked eyes with Mandy.
"You do know what your boss is really like, though, right? She’s the type to mow people down without blinking. Ever heard of the Blackheart crew? Space pirates over on Voidstar No. 2? She trashed ’em so hard they had to slink back to petty theft and scavenging just to keep afloat."
Mandy’s jaw tightened—exactly the reaction Caesara was fishing for. She took a long sip from her bottle, clearly entertained by how easily she could rattle the younger girl.
Toying with newbies never got old.
Mandy quickly buried her discomfort and steered the conversation elsewhere. "Next time I have to face the queen bee, I’d appreciate some backup from you. Something feels... off."
Caesara gave a lazy shrug. "Sure thing."
With that out of the way, Mandy’s eyes drifted back to the action on the screen. She honed in on the woman tearing through the competition with ruthless efficiency.
Lyra was darting between collapsing buildings. She took out targets with deadly precision, swiping a score token from her latest kill. Her icy expression sent chills down Mandy’s spine.
This was not someone to cross lightly. But if Mandy could follow her, maybe it’d lead to what she craved most.
"Her success isn’t just luck," Mandy muttered under her breath.
Caesara raised a brow, surprised by the sudden intensity in Mandy’s voice.
Meanwhile, the tournament hit a fever pitch.
This year’s format was brutal—teams earned points by hunting down targets, whether they were enemies, beasts, or even rival teams, and snagging their score tokens.
The real kicker? You had to lock in your point at one of the three terminals scattered across the arena.
The moment a team uploaded their points, they were set in stone.
If you banked ten points early on, you couldn’t add more later, no matter what you did. But if you didn’t manage to upload your points before the tournament ended? You’d walk away with a big, fat zero.
Naturally, every team wanted to stack up points and hold off on depositing them until the final day. For the weaker players, it was about more than just grabbing tokens—they had to dodge the powerhouses hunting them down.
But when the final day hit, all hell broke loose.
The NMA team had obliterated two of the three terminals, leaving only one standing.
"Those maniacs! They’re trying to force a massive showdown!" someone yelled.
"What else would you expect from those psychos? They’ve been itching for a fight from day one," another competitor grumbled, charging toward the last terminal, ready for the chaos to unfold.
Out of nowhere, laughter rang through the battlefield. "Glad to see you get us!"
Before anyone could react, a massive wolf lunged from the shadows, his legs kicking up clouds of dust as he barreled toward the terminal.
Riding on his back, a girl decked out in shining gold armor grinned wildly, fists at the ready as she launched herself into the brawl.
"Score tokens, baby!" Someone hollered, diving headfirst into the fight.
As the group scrambled in panic, they barely registered the light breeze before realizing their score tokens were gone.
Vikie had already swiped them, holding the tokens high and flashing a triumphant grin. "Time to bounce!" she hollered, darting away in a blur.
Zinnia, smirking with amusement, added, "Too easy," before following closely behind, leaving the group in stunned silence.
They tried to give chase, but a massive wolf suddenly vaulted over them, his sheer force sending them stumbling backward. By the time they regained their balance, the three people had already disappeared from sight.
In a shadowy alley nearby, Helion shrank back into his human form, now wearing nothing but a pair of pants.
Vikie grimaced and threw her hands over her eyes. "Dude, seriously? Can you at least get dressed? We’re literally live-streaming!"
Helion, towering and muscular, shrugged with zero concern. Around his neck hung a black cord with a wolf fang, and his bronzed skin shimmered under the streetlights, still glistening with sweat.
"What’s the point? I’ll just end up tearing through whatever I put on again. Plus, have you seen the price of molecular bio-clothes? Not in my budget."
Meanwhile, the livestream chat was absolutely blowing up.
"Is this what I get for tuning in to AMAT? I’m sold!"
"Forget the game, does he need a sponsor?"
"A wild, shirtless dude with no cash? That’s my type, hands down."
Elsewhere in the arena, Thierry and the twins were stacking points fast, while Lyra took a different approach altogether.
She stood guard at the last remaining score terminal, her shimmering shield making it impossible for anyone to get close.
The weaker teams, desperate to try their luck, were quickly crushed by her relentless power.
"She’s a beast!" gasped one viewer.
"Other than EPMA and RMA, no one’s even touching her!"
"She’s in a league of her own."
"Don’t worry. Robin’s still out there. He’ll handle this."
As the game edged closer to its climax, the strongest teams converged on the last score terminal, each desperate to lock in their points.
The towering machine, nearly two meters tall, stood ominously in the middle of an abandoned town square, protected by a glowing green barrier.
Lyra stood watch, perched on a decorative rock in a dry fountain, her expression unreadable but her posture commanding.
Teams spread out across the square, each one trying to stake their claim. Tension built in the air as they eyed one another.
Before anyone could make a move, Lyra’s team arrived, their mere presence sending ripples of fear through the square.
"Well, this just got interesting," Helion remarked. He was still shirtless, his hands already morphing into claws. The urge to throw down was written all over him.
The captain of the RMA team stormed forward, anger seething in his every step. "NMA, what’s your deal? You’re intentionally wrecking the competition!"
Thierry just laughed, the sound casual but cold. "We’re playing within the rules, aren’t we?" He gestured to the twins, who sprang into position without missing a beat.
"We’ve still got an hour left," Thierry announced with a smirk. "We’ll open the terminal for the last ten minutes, so..."
Before anyone could react, Joe, faster than a strike of lightning, bolted toward the terminal. But as soon as he reached it, the machine blinked out of existence.
The entire square fell into a stunned silence.
Thierry clenched his fists, his smirk now a full-blown grin. "So, let’s brawl!"
With a deafening roar, his energy surged across the square. The invisible wave flattened the weaker competitors, pinning them to the ground under its crushing force.
It was like flipping a switch—the top teams from the three elite academies sprang into action, charging headfirst into the fray.
The skies opened up, rain pouring down in sheets as thunder cracked overhead. Lightning slashed through the battlefield, shocking anyone caught in its path.
The chaos intensified as thick clouds of smoke rolled in, obscuring everything in a swirling haze.
Their bodies convulsed from the electric strikes, hair standing on end as the storm’s fury hit full force.
Amid the chaos, it was clear—the final battle had begun.
As the thick, disorienting smoke engulfed the square, chaos erupted in every corner.
"Grab the score tokens!" someone shouted, sparking a mad scramble.
Zinnia was the first to dive headlong into the fray, weaving through the crowd like a bullet.
Meanwhile, Helion’s wicked grin stretched wider as he zeroed in on the EPMA team. His gaze locked on Grains, and he bellowed, "Grains! Let’s see if you’ve got the guts for a real fight!"
Grains, never one to shy away from a challenge, shot to his feet with a smirk. "Bring it on, you overgrown mutt!"
But before Grains could even throw a punch, Robin beat him to the punch. He swiftly conjured a swirling vortex of water, trapping Helion inside a liquid prison.
Caleb rushed over, rifling through Helion’s pockets, his hands searching for score tokens—only to come up empty-handed.
"Nothing," Caleb muttered, eyes wide with disbelief.
Helion’s feral laugh echoed inside the water prison, his sharp fangs gleaming. "You think I’m stupid enough to fight with tokens weighing me down?"
His muscles rippled, veins bulging as he let out a bone-chilling snarl.
To everyone’s shock, he tore through the watery cage like it was tissue paper, the force of his breakout sending waves of shock and awe through the square.
Chapter 169: Level-six
Grains had already charged in, locking horns with Helion in a fierce clash.
Helion’s wild, sweeping strikes cut through the air, his laughter ringing out as he reveled in the chaos.
The entire NMA team fought like a destructive force of nature, leaving devastation wherever they went.
Even a rat sneaking out of a sewer grate didn’t escape, crushed underfoot immediately.
Several teams attempted to surround them, only to discover that none of the NMA fighters carried score tokens.
Atop the stone in the fountain, Lyra stood alone, a string of score tokens dangling from her hand.
Her cold eyes scanned the battleground below, and yet, no one dared challenge her. Her intense energy kept all challengers at a distance.
Finally, someone in the crowd cursed in frustration, "Those NMA maniacs!"
The chaotic brawls continued for half an hour, and when the dust finally began to settle, only a dozen competitors were left standing. Most hailed from the top three academies, though a few captains and standout players from other teams had managed to hang on.
The rest, having long given up, watched eagerly from the sidelines, anticipating the final showdown.
"Robin, we should team up," suggested the leader of the RMA team, his frustration evident. "It’s time we gave those brutes a lesson they won’t forget."
He threw a venomous glance toward the NMA group gathered near the fountain.
The leader of Rocky Military Academy nodded in agreement. "They’re injured now—this is our chance to strike!" But before he could finish, his eyes widened in disbelief.
Lyra unleashed a wave of healing power. Her teammates, who had been bloodied and bruised moments before, began to recover fast.
Even Helion, still in his beast form, watched as his twisted wolf claws straightened and healed. He shot the other teams a taunting grin, fully recharged.
Frustration twisted across the faces of the remaining competitors. While they had been dragging around bulky medical devices, struggling to patch themselves up, NMA had their own personal healer.
Even the spectators were growing exasperated.
"This is just unfair! It’s like fighting a boss battle."
"Lyra’s abilities are too OP—she can attack, defend, and heal?!"
Meanwhile, Thierry casually wiped blood from his mouth, flashing a smirk. "Don’t even think about teaming up. If we’re out, good luck finding the score terminal."
Everyone—both in the arena and watching from the sidelines—had the same thought: ’These guys are shameless!’
"So, the plan is to have the other academies beat each other up, and then the last team standing faces NMA in the final battle?"
"Whoever came up with this strategy is evil genius level!"
Theories about who had masterminded this chaos flew around the internet, with fans even voting on the possible culprit.
Because of his easygoing nature, Thierry had garnered the fewest votes, while Zinnia’s loud, brash attitude landed her near the bottom as well.
In reality, the two had cooked up this strategy during their special training and refined it with input from the entire team.
Ironically, Lyra, who led the votes as the suspected mastermind, hadn’t been involved at all.
With the match at a standoff, the remaining competitors had no choice but to play along with NMA’s game. To conserve energy, they agreed that the team leaders would face off in a one-on-one battle.
Just as they were hammering out the rules, Robin stepped forward. "No need for all that. You can all come at me at once."
The leaders hesitated, feeling an oppressive weight settle over them.
They had good reason to worry.
Before any of them could react, Robin conjured hair-thin threads of water that spread out like a web across the square.
In a split second, electricity crackled through the water, shocking the captains into submission before they could even think of countering. They crumpled to the ground, powerless.
With the score tokens now securely in hand, the leaderboard showed EPMA at the top. If they could just deposit their points, the championship would be theirs.
Now, only two teams remained standing in the square. The final battle was about to unfold.
Joe swiftly placed the score terminal back in position, and as soon as it clicked into place, Lyra dropped the glowing barrier that had protected it.
Only ten minutes remained in the competition.
"Pick your opponents," Thierry called out with a sly grin.
Above them, the sky darkened with thunderclouds, and bolts of lightning rained down upon the NMA team. Yet, a shimmering green shield blossomed, unfurling like a delicate flower, deflecting the strikes with ease.
The stage was set.
Within moments, everyone had locked eyes with their adversaries.
Grains, spotting the familiar gray wolf barreling toward him, felt the old wound on his chest twinge—a bitter reminder of the claw marks Helion had left him. Regret gnawed at him for ever provoking this wild beast, but now he had no choice but to face Helion head-on.
Meanwhile, Lyra stood motionless beside the score terminal. A sharp whistle cut through the air, and she turned just in time to catch a wrist flying at her. The face in front of her was composed, but his eyes burned with anger.
"Cousin Lyra," Robin growled, his voice filled with defiance, "let’s see if I can finally beat you."
Lyra’s mind flashed back to their first-year battle, where she had utterly humiliated him.
Two years of intense training had pushed him to the sixth level, and he was certain this time would be different.
Lyra didn’t bother with a reply. She tightened her grip on his arm with unexpected force, nearly throwing him off balance. But he managed to slip away, just as a flash of lightning streaked across her vision.
Instinctively, she swatted it aside with a burst of glowing energy.
Her opponent vanished from sight, and Lyra’s sharp eyes scanned the battlefield.
Sensing a sudden shift, she spun around and threw a punch, landing it squarely. She followed up with an elbow strike, and the two exchanged a rapid series of blows, their fists and kicks creating shockwaves with each impact.
They broke apart momentarily before unleashing their full power.
Robin’s raw strength and speed were undeniable—Thierry wouldn’t last more than ten minutes against him. And for the first time in a long while, Lyra found herself unable to overpower her opponent quickly.
Forced to retreat, she began tapping into her superpower, using it in earnest.
...
In the surveillance room, Andre’s brow furrowed. "This kid from EPMA has serious skills."
"I’ve never seen Lyra pushed this hard, even using her superpower" Webber added with concern. "She’s nearing her limit."
Robin noticed her labored breathing, so he intensified his assault, pushing her further.
Lyra, in turn, cranked up her strength and speed. But suddenly, a wave of exhaustion hit her like a freight train.
She leaped onto a nearby rooftop, casting protective barriers as she went.
Tendrils of lightning, like electrified vines, chased her, illuminating the square and make the spectators’ hair stand on ends.
’Incredible!’ The crowd watched in stunned silence.
Lyra turned and summoned a glowing orb, but dizziness washed over her.
The orb split into dozens, then hundreds, filling the square with blinding light. But something was wrong—the projectiles were multiplying uncontrollably, a rain of destruction poised to obliterate the battlefield in seconds.
If Robin’s power was awe-inspiring, Lyra’s was utterly terrifying. The sheer number of glowing orbs could reduce everything to rubble in an instant. Worse yet, the oppressive weight of her power made it hard for anyone nearby to breathe.
’This is bad, really.’ Lyra bit her lip hard, fighting to stay conscious as she struggled to regain control.
Her fingers spread wide, and she gritted her teeth, ignoring the searing pain coursing through her.
From a distance, the scene looked like a radiant aurora descending from the heavens, breathtaking yet deadly.
The spectators were frozen in awe as the glowing thunder flash collided with the green shield, casting the square in a dreamlike glow. It felt surreal, as if they were witnessing something beyond comprehension.
Then, a sharp sound rang through the air. The countdown had begun. In a blur of motion, Thierry dashed to the score machine, slamming his tokens into it.
"Game over—"
The robotic voice cut through the tension, snapping everyone back to reality. All eyes shifted to the young girl now kneeling on the rooftop, gasping for breath.
As the crowd collectively swallowed, a single thought hung in the air.
’She was about to level up, wasn’t she?’
Though no one knew for sure, it was clear to everyone that Lyra had forced herself to stop just in time.
On a spaceship drifting through the vastness of outer space, Erin burst into gleeful laughter as the final moments replayed on the screen in front of her.
The footage showed Lyra still kneeling on the rooftop, struggling to stand.
The outside world buzzed with speculation about why Lyra hadn’t leveled up, but Erin had the answer.
"I knew it! No way she could shake off the effects of those five Soul Spikes so easily," Erin mused, smugly satisfied. "She’s been faking it all along." With that, she stood and made her way to the command room, eager to plot her next move.
Chapter 170: Internship at Legion Skywalkers
After the competition ended, all the participants were flown back to Central City by helicopter.
Standing once again on the awards podium, Lyra’s face was pale, her expression cold and distant.
Despite her victory, the exhaustion weighed heavily on her.
After receiving her medal, Lyra had to face the reporters. While waiting in the rest area, her teammates eyed her with concern.
"Lyra, you alright?" Zinnia asked, sitting beside her. "You look like you’ve been through hell."
"You should ask the instructor for a break and skip the interview," Thierry suggested, his tone serious.
But Lyra shook her head. Skipping the interview would only fuel more rumors and wild speculations. She couldn’t afford to show any weakness, especially now.
Just then, a staff member entered, bringing in a young man.
"This boy says he’s Miss Shedd’s brother and has something to deliver."
Phelixes walked in, a thermos flask hanging around his neck and a thermal food container in his hands.
"Sis, I made you something to eat," he said sweetly, like a miniature butler. He quickly set up a small table, arranging the food with careful precision. "Your throat’s been sore again, right? Have some sweet tea first."
Lyra gave him a brief look before silently taking the thermos. Her expression softened as she sipped the warm soup.
The rest of the team, fresh off the podium and starving, watched with envy as Lyra calmly ate her meal.
Zinnia, rubbing her hands together eagerly, scooted closer. "Hey, how’s the food? Can I get a bite?"
Before Lyra could even respond, Phelixes stood protectively between them. "This is for her," he said firmly. "If you’re hungry, order a pizza."
Zinnia dramatically clutched her chest. "Phelixes, you’ve changed! Not only are you keeping food from me, but you’re breaking my heart!"
Everyone laughed, well aware that Zinnia’s "bunny" wasn’t around to comfort her this time.
The light-hearted moment was interrupted as another young man walked in, also escorted by a staff member.
"This gentleman says he’s someone’s boyfriend and came to deliver something."
The quiet rest area suddenly erupted with Zinnia’s shriek of surprise. "Raj! What are you doing here?!"
Rajan grinned sheepishly, placing a large bag to the side. Under the amused gazes of the instructor and teammates, he scratched his head awkwardly.
"I took a few days off to celebrate with you," Rajan explained, wrapping his arms around Zinnia. "And I’m here for work, too."
Knowing that Zinnia would soon dive into her internship, Rajan had made the trip to see her before they were separated for a while.
"I brought some fried chicken, sushi, and drinks," he added, playfully ruffling her fluffy, short hair. "I can’t stay long, but I’ll wait for you outside."
Zinnia, now beaming like a giddy wildcat, giggled with delight at being spoiled.
After a round of greetings, Rajan left, but Zinnia wasted no time cracking open the bag. He’d brought enough food to feed an army. She immediately called out to her teammates.
"Alright, everyone, we’ve got about ten minutes before interviews start—let’s feast!"
Interview notes were quickly forgotten as everyone rushed over to grab a plate.
Reporters’ questions could wait; right now, food was the priority.
In that instant, all the envy directed at Lyra evaporated, and they silently thanked Zinnia’s thoughtful boyfriend for the unexpected feast.
"I used to think your boyfriend was too shy," Vikie commented through a mouthful of sushi, "but he’s a real MVP!"
Vikie’s comment was casual, but Zinnia shot her a sharp glance. "You can look for your own man, but don’t go fantasizing about mine."
"Relax, not my type," Vikie replied, rolling her eyes. "With that skinny frame, I’d probably end up carrying him to bed."
"That’s so not true! Raj might look slim, but he’s strong—he lifts weights all the time," Zinnia retorted, her mouth full of food. But in the back of her mind, she cheekily added, ’Though usually, I’m the one carrying him... but that’s just because I’m always so eager.’
When it was time for the interviews, as expected, the reporters zoned in on Lyra after the standard questions were out of the way.
"Lyra, can you explain why you stopped leveling up during the competition?" one reporter asked.
Taking the microphone, Lyra calmly replied, "There were other competitors nearby. It wasn’t safe."
But another reporter was quick to push further: "There are rumors that your health is deteriorating, possibly due to the aftereffects of your rampage. Is that true?"
Thierry and the others bristled at the sharpness of the question, sensing it was more of an attack than a genuine inquiry.
Lyra’s voice faltered slightly as she responded, "No... cough... it’s due to other reasons."
Unrelenting, the reporter pressed on, "Could you elaborate on what those reasons are?"
Lyra’s tone grew firm. "It’s not convenient to disclose."
After navigating through the rest of the grueling questions, they finally finished the interviews.
Andre, in a rare show of generosity, surprised everyone by taking them out for a big meal.
After dinner, he dropped some big news.
"Your internship placements have been finalized," Andre announced, his eyes settling on Lyra for a moment longer than usual. "Lyra, you’ll be going to Legion Skywalkers."
A heavy silence fell over the group as all eyes turned to Lyra. Her rocky history with the Shedd family wasn’t exactly a secret, especially to Thierry and Zinnia, who knew the family had even tried to kill her at one point.
Thierry spoke up almost immediately. "Sir, is there any way Lyra can be assigned elsewhere?"
Andre let out a deep sigh. "I’m afraid that’s not possible."
Senior internships were tightly coordinated between the school and the military, leaving little room for personal preferences.
Instructors had to escort students to their assigned internships, and the assignments were final unless extreme circumstances arose.
Even those like Thierry, who had family ties to the military, had to go where the school placed them.
Helion, despite receiving multiple military offers, also had to wait until the internship period ended before joining any official ranks.
The tense silence lingered for a moment before Lyra abruptly stood up. "I’m done eating. I’ll head out first."
It was becoming painfully clear that a large conspiracy was starting to tighten around her.
Outside, she immediately dialed Caspian. "Have you secured the plants yet?"
"The Sholok family is still on the fence," Caspian replied, sounding relaxed. "I’m talking to them, but it’ll take a little more time."
Lyra’s voice grew dangerous. "Do you think I HAVE time?"
There was a pause before Caspian responded, "I’ll bring in my big sis to speed things up. But from what I’ve heard, the plants haven’t even reached Elden Prime yet."
The business deal was lucrative, and certain arrangements had already been set in motion. It was clear more pressure needed to be applied to the Sholok family, especially with the growing dangers around Lyra. Her weakened state wasn’t going unnoticed.
...
Blackheart, lounging with a pretty woman in his arms, watched the screen closely.
"Looks like Sis Marv’s about to bite the dust," he sneered, eyes gleaming with predatory glee.
Liliana, lazily perched beside him, glanced at the screen and let out a bored yawn. "Everyone in the Alliance already knows her health is failing."
"This is our chance," Blackheart continued, tightening his grip on the woman in his lap. "Especially since she’s feuding with the Shedd family."
When Lyra’s true identity had first surfaced, Blackheart had worried the Shedd family would seek revenge. But the livestream revealing the rift between Lyra and the Shedds had turned things in his favor.
Now, he saw an opportunity.
"This time, she won’t get away!" Blackheart’s fingers dug into Liliana’s skin, his excitement barely contained.
Liliana frowned at the sudden pressure, glancing at the fresh bruises on her arm, but she said nothing. Instead, she nestled further into his embrace.
...
The Shedd family wasted no time tightening the noose around Lyra. Orders for her deployment came through with alarming speed.
"Boss, why don’t you apply for a delay?" Morrison suggested. His concern was evident—he worried that if Lyra left, she might never return.
A delay wasn’t unheard of. Mandy, for example, had secured a two-month postponement because she was stuck on Wyrmtrace. Others had delayed for reasons like travel interruptions or space storms. It was a normal procedure.
"I already tried. It’s no use," Lyra replied, her tone cold and resolved. Once the internship was set, the interns fell under the assigned corps’ jurisdiction, and the Shedd family wasn’t about to give her any wiggle room.