Ch. 296..300: Interstellar_ Return of the Villain Chapter 296-300

Chapter 296: Little Wild Stud

After taking care of all the pirates, Mandy and Caleb exchanged a brief glance.

Caleb sighed, then arrogantly stepped in front of the villagers. "From today on, you will pay tribute to us, the Venus’ Seashells," he declared. "You’re not to give anything to anyone else."

If not for the cold, emotionless way he had slaughtered the pirates just moments earlier, his current posture—like someone reading from an official document—would have made him look like a pompous lawyer.

To their surprise, the villagers didn’t look scared. Instead, they seemed relieved.

Only paying tribute to one pirate crew was definitely better than being raided by three or four.

In the end, Father Kyle led Shella away. Before he left, his expression was conflicted, as if he wanted to say something but ultimately decided to stay silent.

Mandy furrowed her brow as she glanced at the soldiers, who clearly felt uncomfortable in their pirate disguises. "Looks like Father Kyle saw through our cover, though he didn’t expose us."

"He’s really changed," Caleb said with a sigh. "In the past, he would have been the first to kill those pirates."

"True," Mandy smiled. "I’ll report this to Lyra."

Caleb nodded, but before he could say anything, Mandy asked, "By the way, why did you jump off the roof earlier?"

He adjusted his glasses and muttered, "Sorry, no comment."

...

Meanwhile, Lyra soared through the sky on her hoverboard, her bone-conduction earpiece flashing. "Stay on standby," she ordered, her voice swept away by the wind.

The squad leader, captivated by her beauty, didn’t even catch what she said.

"Up ahead is our base!" he said.

In the valley below, a massive interstellar battleship loomed on the brick-red ground, its front adorned with a statue of Broken Blades. The statue clutched the pirate crew’s flag in one hand.

Around the valley, rows of neatly built red-brick houses stood—bars, restaurants, and fabric shops scattered about.

If not for the cold, menacing expressions of the townspeople, it could have easily passed for a small human settlement.

However, as they approached, an Aegis Shield rose over the town.

Not just any shield—it was a level-seven Aegis Shield.

The squad leader was momentarily stunned.

Just then, Lyra raised a slender finger, pointing at the sky. Instantly, the moisture in the air condensed into ice shards, which fell toward the Aegis Shield.

The hexagonal light blocks of the Aegis Shield cracked open under the impact, creating a gaping hole. Ice crystals mixed with light spots rained down on the town, transforming it into a winter wonderland.

Pirates, who had been going about their business, froze in shock. They were suddenly on high alert, grabbing their weapons.

On top of several watchtowers, dark cannon barrels extended, ready to fire.

A voice crackled over the loudspeakers, the voice of Broken Blade’s: "Quiet, everyone. A distinguished guest has arrived."

On the mountainside behind the town, a tall building opened its doors, revealing a grand terrace. Afternoon tea was already set up on the table.

"Please, come in."

The next second, hexagonal snowflakes formed a staircase in the air.

The closest snowflakes, icy and cold, radiated an intense chill. Broken Blade squinted slightly—that was level-nine power.

A woman descended step by step. Her left leg, perfectly proportioned and beautifully sculpted, emerged from beneath her coat, resembling a fine marble statue.

The click of her high heels on the snow echoed sharply in the air. Her coat fluttered in the wind but remained perfectly in place, giving her an air of effortless grace.

Those on the ground tilted their heads to look up, overwhelmed by the weight of her intense psychokinesis. They felt lightheaded, unable to focus on anything but her breathtaking figure, everything else fading from their sight.

She reached the table and, without waiting for an invitation, sat down confidently. Crossing her legs, she introduced herself with a casual smile. "Hello, I’m Freya."

Behind her, three men and two women stood, radiating an aura of authority, as if they owned the place.

Broken Blade had always thought she only liked handsome men, but when she saw Freya, she couldn’t help but be captivated by her.

"I’m Broken Blade, leader of the Broken Blades, one of the three major pirate crews," Broken Blade said smoothly, sitting down as her eyes drifted over Freya’s flawless, youthful skin and striking beauty.

A handsome attendant lit a cigarette for her and stood behind her, massaging her shoulders.

Broken Blade exhaled a puff of smoke and sneered. "I have to say, what you’re doing is rather indecent."

"Freya"—who was actually Lyra—elegantly sniffed the red tea placed in front of her, then made a face of disdain and pushed it aside. "Indecent? You think I have less experience than you in the pirate business? The strong devour the weak—nothing new about that. It’s as boring as this red tea."

Phelixes, standing behind Lyra, immediately took out a tea set and expertly brewed her a fresh cup of fruit tea.

Helion ground his teeth in irritation. ’This young boy, such a suck-up!’

But just as the thought crossed his mind, he felt a chill as Broken Blade’s piercing gaze swept across his face.

"Devouring the weak? You want to devour me?" Broken Blade scoffed, her shoulder feathers rising of their own accord and shooting toward Lyra.

However, they halted midair, then stiffly fell onto the table.

Lyra picked one up and examined it, immediately understanding something about Broken Blade’s superpower.

"Since you invited me here, I assume you don’t want a fight?" Lyra’s voice was soft, seductive. "To be honest, I haven’t met anyone on my level."

Broken Blade’s hostile expression softened, realizing Lyra was speaking the truth. Despite being the one to initiate the attack, Broken Blade’s feathers had been effortlessly blocked by Lyra’s superior psychokinesis.

"What exactly do you want?" Broken Blade leaned back in her chair, and a sturdier male attendant rushed to support her.

Her hand slid into his shirt, idly playing with his abs.

"Don’t forget, you only have these few leftover soldiers," she added, though they looked quite capable.

Lyra smiled coolly. "We just want to settle down in Voidstar No. 1 and get some revenge."

At the surprised look on Broken Blade’s face, Lyra snorted. "Didn’t they say Lyra Shedd is coming to station her troops? Well, I’m planning to make sure she never returns."

As the mist of the fruit tea swirled in the air, "Freya’s" face twisted slightly, as though preparing for a vengeful encounter in deep space.

Broken Blade’s thoughts shifted. "Miss Freya, your plan is rather bold."

Lyra responded with a confident smile. "Because I don’t like losing."

She rested her hands beneath her chin, her gaze steady. "Broken Blade, I’d like to meet the other two pirate leaders. Could you introduce me?"

"Why do you want to meet them?" Broken Blade asked, her curiosity piqued.

"I want to carve out some territory and build a base. I need to discuss it with a few people before I start construction immediately."

Lyra gave a playful wink, as if it were all just a casual matter to her.

Broken Blade’s gaze deepened. "Carve out territory?"

On Voidstar No. 1, the territory was mainly controlled by the three major pirate crews, along with several level-eight pirate crews. Others, like the Blackheart crew back in the day, had to offer tribute if they wanted to claim any land.

Freya wasn’t here to negotiate—she was here to take over.

"I say, you’re new here, and you’re already acting a little too brazen."

Around Broken Blade, the particles of her superpower began to fluctuate, ready to strike at any moment.

Lyra, however, was unfazed. She casually twirled a lock of her hair around her finger. "If I really wanted to take something by brutality, I wouldn’t be sitting here. Let’s talk this out, so we don’t have to kill too many people."

She locked eyes with Broken Blade.

In the next second, both women vanished from the table, and the fight was on.

Chapter 297: Meeting Broken Blade

Broken Blade transformed into a massive white crane, soaring with lightning speed. Her long tail feathers trailed behind her like streaks of white lightning.

Countless white feathers scattered from her body, filling the air like a snowstorm. They all turned and shot toward Lyra.

With a raised hand, Lyra summoned snowflake-shaped shields, each one forming a barrier that blocked the incoming feathers.

When the first attack failed, Broken Blade disappeared into thin air, only to reappear from behind Lyra in an instant. Her enormous wings slashed through the air, missing by inches.

Freya’s golden eyes flashed with surprise. ’This Freya’s really quick.’

Then, the sky darkened. Thick clouds gathered overhead as real, heavy snow began to fall, blanketing the buildings and trees below in white.

With a flick of her finger, Lyra conjured a fierce snowstorm that swirled around Broken Blade, like a violent vortex.

The snowflakes turned into sharp ice crystals, cutting through the crane’s body. Broken Blade let out a long, pained cry.

She flapped her wings violently, creating a gust of wind that blew the snowflakes away.

The town below, caught in the chaos of the battle, was reduced to rubble in an instant.

Broken Blade’s crew, seemingly used to such destruction, crawled out of the wreckage, stunned by the aerial battle above.

Despite Broken Blade’s relentless attacks, each strike was blocked by Lyra’s ice shields, while Lyra retaliated with her own attacks.

Lyra even tried to freeze Broken Blade’s blood, but the crane managed to evade each icy attempt.

Then, with a swift motion, Freya clenched her fist, summoning ice crystals that wrapped around Broken Blade’s neck like a tight chain.

The battle ended there.

Broken Blade was defeated.

It had taken less than ten minutes.

Now, Broken Blade could clearly feel the terrifying power of the woman before her—this Freya was no ordinary opponent.

Her handsome attendant quickly returned, setting up tables and chairs and placing snacks in front of them.

The two women, despite their intense battle, sat down as if nothing had happened. This time, however, Broken Blade’s tone had softened considerably.

"Fine, if you want to meet them, I’ll send a message. You can go to their base."

Freya pouted slightly. "That sounds troublesome? Can’t the four of us just sit down together and solve this quickly?"

Broken Blade chuckled. "You’ve got some audacity." She switched to a different attendant—one with a more attractive figure—and began toying with him. "But the three of us don’t gather easily. We don’t want the military coming after all of us at once. Besides, Lyra Shedd’s always lurking around."

Lyra’s eyes flickered briefly, her chin resting on her hand as she casually replied, "Then... how about we team up to take down Lyra Shedd first? What do you think?"

Her soft tone carried an astonishing suggestion, one that could send a chill down anyone’s spine.

Broken Blade raised an eyebrow. "Do you know how many level-nine Peculiars have died at HER hands?"

Lyra’s smile was sweet yet dangerous. "I’ve killed quite a few level-nine Peculiars myself."

Her gaze was sharp, and Broken Blade took her seriously for the first time. "Alright, I’ll pass along your request."

Lyra’s eyes glinted with anticipation. "Looking forward to hearing good news from you, Broken Blade."

Broken Blade’s eyes swept over the three men standing behind Freya, and a sly smile curled her lips. "Since I’ve made things easier for you, how about lending me your subordinates for a little fun?"

The three men stiffened, a cold chill running down their spines.

Unlike Lyra, their disguises had only slightly softened their features, but they still looked strikingly attractive.

They never imagined someone like Broken Blade—this old witch—would take an interest in them.

What made it worse was that this was a rare opportunity to infiltrate the enemy’s ranks, and Lyra wouldn’t let it go to waste.

Lyra’s smile deepened. "Of course, just pick one. If you’re not fond of these three, there are plenty more where they came from."

Broken Blade seemed pleased by her reaction. She pointed at Helion. "I like this one. He’s got some spirit."

Clearly, she had been eyeing him for a while.

"And that one, the one with glasses, left behind in the village—he looks like he’d cry if you spank him a few times," Broken Blade added, licking her lips. "Freya, you’re quite lucky."

Lyra glanced at Helion, who now looked like he might burst into tears at any second. "Do your best to please your lady, alright?"

"I... I understand, boss," Helion stammered, his voice trembling.

Lyra patted his cold cheek before turning to Broken Blade with a playful smile. "He’s one of my most reliable men, so please be gentle with him."

Broken Blade waved a hand dismissively. "Once I’m done, I’ll return him to you."

The other crew members struggled to hold back their laughter.

Freya and the others walked away, leaving Helion trembling under Broken Blade’s hungry gaze.

Once they were out of earshot, Grains couldn’t hold back anymore and burst into laughter.

"Do you think he’s going to be drained dry tonight?"

Elsie nodded seriously. "Nah, he’s got enough stamina."

Vikie, however, looked worried. "Are we really just leaving Helion like this? What if something happens to him?"

"Helion isn’t stupid," Phelixes replied, unconcerned. "If he can figure out how many people are in Broken Blade’s crew, we’ll at least have an idea of what we’re up against."

Lyra shot him a look but didn’t respond.

When they returned to the village, they were surprised to find that the villagers were looking at them with a mix of gratitude.

It wasn’t until later that they learned Mandy had rescued Gultong’s father, which had earned her some goodwill. This shifted the villagers’ perception of them, especially Gultong.

"Please, let me join your crew!"

The boy knelt before Freya, his eyes full of sincerity.

"I already told you—you’re weak."

But that didn’t stop him from following them around like a loyal puppy, still hoping she would change her mind.

By the third day on Voidstar No. 1, Lyra finally had her meeting with the three pirate leaders. If she could take them out, the mission would be halfway done.

The meeting was set to take place again on Broken Blade’s villa terrace.

As soon as they arrived, a man dressed in tight leather pants and a half-leather vest came charging at them, his neck and waist marked with bruises.

"Who’s this charming one?"

Grains immediately threw a punch, but the man caught it mid-air.

"Goddammit, it’s me!" Helion growled, wiping lipstick off his face.

The room fell into a stunned silence for three seconds before it erupted in laughter.

Helion was furious. "You heartless bastards! I worked so hard to maintain my dignity, and now you’re laughing like this!"

Vikie turned away, embarrassed, and tossed him a loose shirt.

Helion didn’t care that it was a women’s shirt; he quickly threw it on.

"Don’t like the outfit I picked for you, little wild stallion?"

In the distance, Broken Blade appeared, one arm draped over a handsome male pet as she approached.

Helion immediately scurried behind Freya like a mouse avoiding a cat, ignoring the fact that the others were laughing so hard they were clutching their stomachs.

"Such a shame. If I hadn’t promised you not to ruin him, I could’ve slipped him some drugs last night," Broken Blade said, glancing at Helion who was shrinking back in embarrassment. "He looks wild, but no matter how hard I try, he just won’t rise to the occasion."

Helion rolled his eyes inwardly. With this old witch, he’d be lucky if he could get up at all...

Lyra ignored her crude remark and asked instead, "What about the other two?"

"They’re here."

The sound of a helicopter cut through the air, and an elderly man with a spiky, rooster-like hairstyle jumped out.

At the same time, the distinct scent of alcohol filled the air, followed by a swirl of liquor descending from above. It transformed into a young man who looked just a bit tipsy.

Lyra relaxed her clenched fist but frowned. "What’s going on with the Wolf Fangs’ leader?"

The man wasn’t even here in person—just a superpower avatar.

Broken Blade casually explained, "Oh, Gino’s avatar is exactly like the real thing. Neither I nor Markle have ever seen the real man ourselves."

Lyra raised an eyebrow. "Is that so?"

She leaned back, her expression remaining unfazed.

With this new information, it was time to adjust her plan.

Chapter 298: Tiger And Lion

Voidstar No. 1 was in a weak balance. Three level-nine Peculiars led an alliance of space pirate factions, banded together in opposition to military forces. Each leader posed a serious threat; eliminating even one could trigger chaos.

Among them, the Wolf Fangs—the first group to stake their claim on Voidstar No. 1—was led by Gino, a man whose mysterious superpower remained an mystery.

For Lyra, letting Gino escape was not an option. With Gino refusing to show his real self today, Lyra resorted to her backup plan.

Seated comfortably, Lyra lounged in her chair, her elbow resting casually on the armrest, her demeanor relaxed yet authoritative.

"Since we’re all here, let’s get straight to the point," she said, her voice calm but commanding. "I’m setting up a base on Voidstar No. 1. Make room for me."

Broken Blade narrowed her eyes. The audacity of Lyra was staggering. Taking a slow drag from a cigarette offered by her servant, Broken Blade smirked. "Rules are rules. I’m the loser, so I don’t get to argue with her."

Among space pirates, one unwritten rule reigned supreme: strength decided everything.

Markle, sitting nearby, let his lecherous gaze sweep over Lyra. His fingers toyed with a small metallic device, its sharp clicks punctuating the tense silence. "Alright. We’ll go by the rules," he sneered.

Lyra glanced at Markle with a faint smile, her amusement growing.

The room’s mood grew heavy as both combatants rose at the same moment.

In that instant, a strange tremor coursed through the town. Every metallic object in sight vibrated violently before levitating, controlled by Markle’s superpower. He morphed into a massive lion, its mane shimmering like molten steel as it roared, shaking the sky.

Below, townsfolk cowered, their frightened whispers spreading like wildfire. This was no ordinary fight.

Unfazed, Lyra raised a single finger. A shard of ice shot forward, rapidly shaping into a tiger.

Frost spilled out, freezing moisture in the air and coating the surroundings in a layer of ice. The sudden drop in temperature made Broken Blade’s servant scramble to light a fire for warmth.

"Peculiars battling, civilians suffering!" someone muttered, gazing at the frost-covered windows.

The icy tiger squared off against the metallic lion. They circled each other briefly before clashing with a deafening roar.

The lion’s massive claws swiped downward, but the tiger dodged nimbly, countering with a fierce bite to its neck. Steel shards from the lion’s mane scattered everywhere.

Markle’s face twisted with frustration. Gritting his teeth, he poured more energy into his power.

The lion shoved the tiger off and swiped again, but its claws merely glanced off the frost-armored beast. The tiger retaliated with a powerful whip of its tail, sending the lion sprawling.

Markle’s fury boiled over. His veins bulged as he unleashed a surge of metallic particles. The very helicopter he’d arrived in disassembled mid-air, reforming into a giant python. The snake joined the lion, their towering forms like skyscrapers as they advanced on the tiger.

Confident, Markle shot a smug glance at Freya. "What now?" his expression seemed to say.

Lyra remained silent, her lips curling into a faint smirk. She pointed again, and the icy chill deepened. Shards of frost coalesced into ten tigers this time.

Without hesitation, she slashed her hand forward. The pack of tigers charged at the lion and snake, ripping through their metallic forms with relentless precision.

Within moments, the once-mighty constructs lay in shattered fragments.

Markle’s arrogance dissolved. Panic flickered in his eyes as he scrambled for a counterattack. In desperation, he hurled two iron spheres at Lyra. She tilted her head slightly, dodging them with ease as he vanished in a blur.

But Lyra was ready. The instant Markle reappeared behind her, dagger in hand, she spun with graceful precision. Her leg snapped upward in a powerful kick, sending him crashing through the wall into the adjacent room.

The sound of Markle’s body smashing through brick and mortar echoed across the battlefield. Lyra turned without a trace of concern, catching a knife aimed at her back without even looking.

With a flick of her wrist, she embedded the blade in the wall beside another pirate’s head.

The knife’s hilt quivered as it sank deep into the wall. The pirate froze, his face draining of color as he swallowed hard.

Lyra’s icy smile remained. "Who’s next?"

Markle stared at the trembling knife embedded in the wall, his defiance draining completely. He raised his hands in defeat, his tone bitter but resigned. "I lost."

Groaning, he pushed himself upright, clutching his aching back as he stepped out of the hole in the wall. Lyra, unbothered, smoothed her slightly disheveled hair and adjusted the hem of her skirt with deliberate poise.

One of her attendants quickly set up a chair for her. Lyra sat down with elegant composure, crossing her legs as she addressed the room. "No hard feelings. I’ll coordinate with the Wolf Fangs and let you know where the boundaries will be."

Broken Blade’s servant cautiously placed the table back in its spot, clearly trying to avoid triggering further chaos. Markle scowled but couldn’t resist adding a warning. "Just so you know—Gino is tougher than either of us."

He cast a sidelong glance at Gino’s relaxed projection avatar, but to everyone’s surprise, the avatar let out a lazy yawn. "No need to hunt me down, young miss. Take your claim."

Markle, still smarting from his own humiliation, glared at Gino’s indifference. "You haven’t even fought yet, and you’re already giving up?"

"Troublesome," Gino muttered with a shrug, rubbing his eyes as though bored. "Voidstar No. 1 could use another level nine. Keeps the military wary. Besides, I’m more interested in what Freya said about tracking down Lyra."

At this, the other two’ attention sharpened, curiosity flickering in their eyes.

Lyra didn’t waste the opening. "Then let’s head to the outer void immediately. The Legion of Everglow only has twenty thousand troops—we can handle them together."

"But their soldiers are all level three or higher," Markle countered, exchanging a wary glance with Broken Blade. Years of rivalry made their silent communication swift and clear.

The problem was unspoken yet understood: even if they could win, the cost in lives and resources would be steep. In alliances like theirs, self-preservation often undermined unity.

Gino, sensing the tension, smirked. "Better to let her come to Voidstar No. 1."

Lyra raised a skeptical brow. "She’s not a fool. Why would she walk into a trap?"

Gino leaned back, a cunning glint in his half-closed eyes. "According to my sources, the military has ordered Lyra to deploy here by the end of the month. She’ll come—she has no choice."

Lyra’s grip on her cup tightened imperceptibly, though her expression remained serene. This information was supposed to be top secret, precisely to prevent ambushes.

The implication was clear: spies were embedded within both the Alliance and the pirate factions. Worse still, it suggested someone was targeting her specifically.

Lyra lowered her lashes as she placed the cup down with deliberate grace. "Then we’ll wait for her. Military deployments usually bring plenty of resources. How should we divide the spoils?"

Her question cut through the room like a blade.

Broken Blade was the first to respond, her smile sharp. "We haven’t even caught her yet, and you’re already dividing the loot?"

Lyra’s lips curled into a smug grin. "Just making sure no one forgets."

Her playful tone sent a chill through her subordinates, who exchanged uneasy glances behind her.

This version of Lyra—lighthearted, almost flirtatious—was so unlike her usual cold, ruthless self that it left them thoroughly unsettled. Another day of this charade, and they might cringe themselves into oblivion.

The negotiations settled, Freya rose gracefully and gestured for her men to follow. The pirate leaders watched her departure, tension lingering in the room like a storm cloud.

When Lyra was gone, the remaining three leaders sat in silence for a long moment. Finally, Broken Blade turned to Gino, her eyes narrowed. "What do you think?"

"She’s strong," Gino said, his tone as casual as ever.

"You know that’s not I mean," Broken Blade snapped. "Is she Lyra or not?"

The timing was far too suspicious—a level-nine appearing just as the military prepared to deploy Lyra? It didn’t add up.

Unfazed, Gino waved off the suggestion. "I’ve never heard of Venus’ Seashells, and from the outer surveillance feeds, Lyra is clearly outside Voidstar No. 1, scouting for openings. Besides..." He trailed off, his gaze turning contemplative. "Her hands and skin—smooth, uncalloused. Not the hands of someone who’s trained for years in combat. It’s probably just coincidence."

Broken Blade didn’t look convinced. She pulled up a holographic feed on her opticomputer, playing a short clip. "Take a look at this. Her subordinates, left behind in that village."

Gino glanced indifferently at the footage but froze mid-movement. His expression darkened, his earlier nonchalance disappearing completely.

Chapter 299: Exposed

Lyra returned to the village with her usual calm composure, though a storm brewed beneath her serene exterior.

Helion stood tall, his earlier embarrassment forgotten, as he delivered his report with pride. "After conducting a quick reconnaissance, I found that the Broken Blades pirate group has approximately 133,000 members, over a hundred high-energy cannons, and several notable Peculiars: Broken Blade herself, who is a level-nine, one level-eight, and three level-sevens."

Considering the limited time he’d had to gather this intel, Helion had clearly outdone himself.

Lyra nodded in approval. "Good work. You’ve earned a commendation."

Those who had been moments away from teasing him swallowed their words, their jealousy written all over their faces.

Caleb adjusted his glasses with a quiet sigh. He’d recently heard that Broken Blade, after seeing his photograph, had developed a peculiar fondness for him. However, one glance at Helion’s worn leather vest was enough to extinguish any thought of rivalry.

Lyra broke the silence with an unexpected announcement. "One more thing. Our plans have changed. Notify Robin in the outer void and set up a voice conference."

Elsewhere, Gultong, having heard of Lyra’s return, roamed the area in frustration, unable to locate her. Eventually, he wandered to their temporary base and stopped outside, noticing a strange shimmer—a transparent, bubble-like shield surrounding the house.

Curious, he reached out and was surprised when his hand passed through without resistance. Emboldened, he slipped inside.

Peering through a window, he was startled to find himself staring directly into Lyra’s icy, piercing gaze. Her intense eyes froze him in place, and his breath hitched as he instinctively stepped back.

"Rear Admiral Shedd?" Caleb’s puzzled voice broke the silence inside as he glanced at Lyra.

Lyra gestured toward the window. Without hesitation, Grains darted outside and returned moments later, dragging a dumbfounded Gultong by the collar.

"What are you doing here?" Grains barked, his shock mirrored by the rest of the group.

Tossing Gultong into the room, Grains added in alarm, "We’re doomed! Our soundproof barrier might be compromised!"

Panic rippled through the group, but Caleb quickly checked the equipment and shook his head. "It’s intact."

Relieved but still wary, all eyes turned to Gultong.

Overwhelmed, the boy stammered, "You’re all... different. Especially you, Freya... or Lyra... You look the same, but you feel... so distant. So... unreachable."

Lyra’s interest was piqued. "Dual abilities?" she asked, her tone curious as she stood.

The sudden movement made Gultong tense, his wide eyes mirroring a startled cat. "They called you Rear Admiral just now... Are you milita—?"

Lyra silenced him with a finger to her lips. He immediately clamped his hands over his mouth, though the gleam of excitement in his eyes betrayed his thoughts.

Her gaze swept over him like a scanner, assessing with unnerving precision. "Psychokinesis at 2008 units, Class-B pyrokinetic ability, and an Class-A special power—likely electromagnetic interference capable of disabling electronic devices," she concluded with a slight nod. "Not bad."

Gultong’s eyes lit up. In a small voice, he asked, "Can I join you?"

"Still no," answered Lyra, coldly.

His face fell, but before despair could fully take hold, Lyra added, "You’re underage."

His hope reignited instantly. "Then I’ll come back when I’m older!"

Lyra nodded, and his excitement overflowed into nervous energy. Helion hauled him toward the door with little patience. "If you want to join us, you keep all this to yourself, understand?" Helion warned.

Gultong nodded frantically, moments before being unceremoniously tossed outside.

The autumn harvest had arrived, and the villagers worked tirelessly to gather their crops.

With granaries overflowing and their newfound independence from the three major pirate factions, the air was filled with laughter and relief.

But as the end of the month drew near, Lyra readied herself for what was to come. True to her agreement, she left for Broken Blade’s base alone, prepared to join the pirate factions in a joint assault on the Legion of Everglow.

When she arrived, however, the base was eerily empty. Not a single soul was in sight.

The sudden whirring of drones filled the air, their dark shapes casting doubt on the supposed alliance.

Lyra frowned slightly as her voice cut through the static of the drone’s transmission. "Broken Blade, what’s going on?"

Cold laughter crackled back through the comms, unmistakably Broken Blade’s. "Still pretending, Lyra? You’re exposed now!"

Before Lyra could respond, a plume of purple smoke erupted from the base.

However, it was quickly scattered by streaks of green light. The glow briefly illuminated the area, revealing Broken Blade’s expression on the monitor—contorted with rage. She slammed her fist into the comms unit.

"Of course, it’s that little witch!" she snarled.

Markle rolled his eyes, visibly annoyed. "Less talk, more action."

Both pirate leaders stepped out to confront Lyra directly.

A green band of light shot toward them but stopped mid-air, blocked by a shimmering screen projected by the pirates.

The screen displayed a harrowing scene: Gultong’s villagers, tightly bound and surrounded by armed space pirates. Among them were Mandy and Lyra’s other subordinates, restrained with their hands raised as guns were trained on them.

"If you don’t want these people turned to dust, you’d better cooperate!" snarled Markle.

Lyra’s gaze turned icy, an almost tangible wave of killing intent radiating from her. Both pirate leaders involuntarily stepped back, their earlier bravado faltering.

As Freya, Lyra had been intimidating, but this commanding presence was something else entirely—a force so overwhelming it made direct confrontation seem impossible.

"I’m warning you," Lyra said, her voice low and steely, "Anyone there dies, none of you will leave here alive."

Her stillness brought a flicker of relief to Broken Blade, who interpreted it as submission and grew bolder.

"Where’s the money and weapons you brought, Lyra?" Broken Blade demanded smugly.

Meanwhile, Gino, sent to intercept the Legion of Everglow, found their positions abandoned. All that remained was an empty warship—a carefully orchestrated ruse.

Lyra pieced it together instantly. "Release the hostages first," she said, her tone sharp.

"Not a chance," Broken Blade sneered. "Hand over the cargo first!"

Lyra’s lips curled into a cold smirk. "If I give you the cargo, what’s stopping you from killing them anyway?"

She knew space pirates too well to fall for such a trap.

Broken Blade, realizing her bluff was being called, kept her temper in check.

Markle jumped in with mock cheer, "Let’s compromise! You hand over the money, and we’ll let the villagers go."

But Lyra remained firm. "Release my people first. The villagers won’t get far even if they’re freed."

Markle and Broken Blade exchanged frustrated glances before huddling with Gino. After a tense discussion, Wolf Fangs finally relented, swirling a jar of liquor lazily. "Fine. Do what she says."

Grudgingly, the pirates complied. Lyra watched closely as Mandy and her team were loaded onto a small warship, which rose steadily out of the atmosphere.

Only when they were safely out of sight did she provide the location of the stash.

"The astrocredit bills are in the cargo hold of my ship," she said plainly.

Gino’s men quickly located crate after crate of astrocredits, just as Lyra had indicated. "Bold of you to leave the cargo behind," one of them remarked with a snicker.

As Gino’s crew secured the astrocredits, tension simmered between Broken Blade and Markle. Neither trusted Gino to share the loot evenly.

Meanwhile, the Wolf Fangs loaded their share onto their ship and turned their attention to tracking Mandy’s escape. But frustration mounted as Mandy and her group seemed to have vanished without a trace.

When Wolf Fangs’ subordinates reported their failure, Gino frowned, unease gnawing at him. Something about the situation felt off. Yet, as his gaze shifted to the villagers still in custody, he relaxed slightly.

"Forget them. Bring the villagers back to the base," he ordered. The hostages, he reasoned, would ensure Lyra’s compliance if she tried to retaliate.

The pirates’ ships roared overhead, their shadows stretching across the village like ominous streaks of dusk.

...

In the quiet corner of the village’s abandoned amusement park, Father Kyle tightened his grip on the edge of a weathered slide. His face remained impassive, though his knuckles whitened against the rusted frame.

"Father! Watch me!" a cheerful voice called.

Turning, he saw a little girl sliding down toward him, her laughter echoing in the crisp air. He forced a warm smile, following her with deliberate steps, though his eyes carried a distant, heavy weight.

 

Chapter 300: The Prey Becomes the Hunter

Broken Blade and Markle arrived with their full crew, determined to ensure they weren’t cheated in the upcoming deal.

Unlike most space pirate crews, the Wolf Fangs had a unique specialty: alcohol production. Brewing and tasting were essential skills for their members.

Though their spirits weren’t certified by the Alliance, they were renowned in underground circles and among certain wealthy elites.

Before they even entered the base, the rich, intoxicating aroma of alcohol filled the air.

Broken Blade took a deep breath and sighed.

"Gino must’ve brewed something new again," she muttered.

Markle licked his lips and nodded, his gaze shifting to Lyra, who walked silently beside them. She appeared subdued, her eyes downcast and her demeanor calm, betraying no hint of resistance despite her bound hands.

At the base entrance, a young guard approached them hurriedly. "Every

one, please follow me to the cellar."

The so-called cellar was Gino’s personal lab, where he concocted new spirits.

The group made their way through the base, passing countless taverns. The air was saturated with the scent of alcohol, and the sounds of drinking games and raucous laughter echoed everywhere.

Pirates huddled in groups, competing to see who could drink more or better.

Markle leaned in toward Broken Blade and whispered, "Out of the three of us, Gino’s the least pirate-like."

"But when it comes to looting, no one’s more ruthless than him," Broken Blade replied.

The two exchanged a wary glance. Meanwhile, Lyra, hands still cuffed, watched them intently and allowed a faint smirk to flicker across her lips.

When they reached the cellar, they found it built into a small hill, its hollowed interior storing Gino’s prized brews.

Outside, an open field had been turned into a makeshift holding area, where over a hundred villagers were corralled at gunpoint. Their eyes lit up at the sight of Lyra, a flicker of hope breaking through their despair.

The air was so thick with the scent of alcohol it seemed to dull the senses. Coupled with a faint aura of leaked superpower energy, even the alert struggled to stay clear-headed.

The pirates’ flushed faces betrayed their difficulty staying sober.

"Gino, can’t you tone it down?" Broken Blade growled irritably.

A hidden door in the ground slid open, and Gino emerged, dressed in a white lab coat, safety goggles, and disposable gloves—looking more like a scientist than a pirate.

His short brown hair framed a perpetually tipsy expression, his cheeks slightly flushed from constant low-level intoxication.

"Enough talk," Gino said lazily. "Where’s the delivery?"

Broken Blade gestured behind him. "Right there."

Gino’s hazy gaze settled on Lyra, but the icy sharpness in her eyes jolted him into partial sobriety.

Still, his tension eased as he turned his attention to the villagers his crew had captured.

"Rear Admiral Shedd, may I ask where the weapons are?" Gino asked with a sly smile.

Lyra studied him, her cold, calculating gaze unwavering. "So, this time it’s really you in person?"

"Absolutely," Gino replied with a chuckle.

But her piercing eyes cut through his bravado, leaving him visibly uneasy. She frowned slightly, her tone turning sharper.

"Rear Admiral Shedd, is something wrong?" Gino asked, feigning ignorance.

"You’re like a rabbit, with endless escape in your hole," Lyra said icily. "Afraid to die, aren’t you?"

The accusation struck a nerve. Gino’s confidence faltered—how had she read his strategy so easily? Still, he wasn’t outmaneuvered yet.

Motioning to his men, he had an elderly villager dragged forward at gunpoint.

Smirking at Lyra, he mocked, "Now, about those weapons..."

Gino was desperate to secure her military unit’s arsenal, a trove of weapons that could elevate his pirate crew’s power. He wouldn’t leave without extracting that information from her.

Lyra was expected to resist, but to everyone’s surprise, she complied without hesitation. Reaching up, she removed the Space Button from her neck.

"It’s all in here," she said calmly.

Before the three pirate leaders could react, she tossed the button high into the air.

The small object gleamed under the sunlight, its peculiar shimmer mesmerizing.

Instinct took over—the reflexes of seasoned space pirates, trained for seizing treasure, kicked in.

Without a second thought, they launched themselves skyward, each using their unique abilities to grab the button midair.

As they soared, they noticed Lyra on the ground below, watching them with cold, calculating eyes.

Though her hands remained bound, a radiant field of glowing spikes unfolded at her feet. From above, it resembled a deadly, dazzling flower blooming in an instant.

THUD! THUD! THUD!

The sharp sounds of piercing flesh echoed as the glowing spikes impaled the three level-nine Peculiars, suspending them in midair.

Lyra’s lips curled into a vicious smile. Tensing her arms, she snapped the handcuffs apart with raw strength.

The remaining pirates, stunned by the turn of events, raised their weapons and opened fire.

Lyra took one graceful step forward.

A freezing wave of ice exploded outward, engulfing the entire base in an instant. Pirates, buildings, and weapons were encased in shimmering frost.

The frozen figures stood motionless, their expressions of terror preserved in crystal clarity.

Above, a massive green energy sphere formed, splitting into countless streaks of light.

The green beams rained down like arrows, shattering the frozen pirates into fragments. As the shards hit the ground, they melted into pools of blood and scattered remains.

Gino, Broken Blade, and Markle, still impaled midair, paled at the carnage.

Exchanging panicked glances, they summoned their superpowers, realizing their only chance was to fight.

Nobody had expected Lyra to be this terrifying. With a single move, she had seized control of the battlefield.

The three lunged at her simultaneously, but Lyra remained composed.

Moving with effortless precision, her fingers traced glowing patterns in the air.

Trails of light burst forth, creating a dense, undulating forest of energy strands that enveloped her attackers. The strands swirled like deep-ocean seaweed, tangling and threatening at every turn.

The pirate leaders struggled to close in but were forced to retreat, wary of the deadly traps in the glowing maze.

Meanwhile, their frozen subordinates remained useless, trapped in ice.

"This wasn’t the plan!" Markle snarled. "We were supposed to use the hostages to threaten her, and now she’s flipped the entire script!"

Desperate, Gino hurled a wave of alcohol into the air, which Broken Blade ignited with a flick of his cigar. The resulting flames slowly melted the ice, freeing the surviving pirates.

"Kill a few villagers now!" Markle roared, scrambling for leverage.

But before the pirates could act, the "villagers" sprang to life. In seconds, they overpowered and killed the freed pirates with brutal precision.

The villagers pulled off their disguises, revealing themselves as Lyra’s soldiers, including Mandy and her elite teammates.

Gino’s earlier slip about their military deployment timeline had tipped Lyra off. Anticipating that her cover would be blown, she devised a countermeasure.

Using Gultong’s unique superpower, they masked their movements from the base’s surveillance, swapping her soldiers with the captured villagers to set a trap.

The pirates had unknowingly brought back not helpless hostages, but a pack of hunters.

"So the HER freezing ability has reached level nine, huh?" Grains said, shifting into his beast form as he tore through enemy ranks. "Her advancement rate is insane!"

...

Despite their efficiency, the base held nearly twenty thousand pirates—far too many to eliminate quickly. As they fought, more pirates thawed from the ice and rushed in.

But before they could act, another wave of frost swept across the base, locking them in place once more.

The three pirate leaders, battered and desperate, felt their hope slipping away. As they scrambled for a plan, Lyra unsheathed her sword.

A chill of pure dread washed over Gino. Remembering rumors of her ruthlessness, he turned to flee without hesitation.

But his vision blurred, and suddenly Lyra was in front of him, her blade slicing downward.

Gino activated his superpower in desperation, transforming his body into translucent, liquid alcohol. The sword passed through him harmlessly, and he almost dared to feel relief.

Until the cold hit.

In an instant, his alcohol-like form froze solid, trapping him in his own power.