Chapter 66

Chapter 66

An Wei Ran and Louis were stunned for a moment after hearing Queqiu's words, standing still, unable to regain their senses.

It wasn't until Queqiu was about to leave the treatment room that An Wei Ran, usually stoic, was the first to chase after him, his face showing evident anxiety.

"How can this be okay? You're being reckless! You're not a healing Omega, it's not your responsibility!"

Queqiu, as An Wei Ran hoped, did stop, but not in agreement. Instead, he rarely contradicted him.

"Reckless? But Figo is waiting for treatment. If I don't go, will he just have to stay here forever, dying in an ignominious way, shunned like a poisonous scorpion? Besides him, so many Alphas and Betas face the same fate, a fate they shouldn't have to confront."

"It's not my responsibility, nor is it the responsibility of a healing Omega. But if in the end no one is willing to step up, it becomes everyone's responsibility."

His brief statement was thunderous. An Wei Ran stood frozen again, staring blankly at Queqiu.

The little Omega simply looked back at him quietly and softly said, "Someone has to step forward, and I know that person will be me."

Initially, when Queqiu first arrived in this world, he was determined not to get involved with them. Even now, he still feels this world isn't his true home. He has his own homeland and has always been preparing to leave this world.

What Queqiu truly wished for was to treat this world like a long journey, seeing those he met as tourists passing by. He was moved countless times by the warmth his companions showed him, fondly remembered the kindness shown to him on Duocao Street, and felt discomfort and anger at the world's distorted ecology. But Queqiu also reminded himself repeatedly that he would eventually return, and should not interfere too much in this world's affairs.

However, the longer he stayed in this world, the more he found it impossible to remain an indifferent observer as before.

Rivers flow forward, and people are not immutable.

Thus, Queqiu gradually wavered, repeatedly breaking his initial beliefs for certain people or events in this world. He no longer adhered to the principle of "never intervening" and often took the initiative to act.

And just now, Louis's unintentional outburst made Queqiu fully realize: whether or not he could return to Earth, he disliked the current state of this world, didn't he?

Yes, he had disliked it since the first day he arrived in this world.

If he despised the current state of things, he would change it, rather than stand idly by because he felt he would leave eventually. No matter where the future roads led, he would leave with no regrets, having never regretted his arrival.

So, whether out of simple empathy for Feige and those pitiful Alphas and Betas, or unwilling to remain a bystander, Que Qiu decided to abandon his initial thoughts and genuinely do something.

An Ruran couldn't stop him; no one could. The only person who could change Que Qiu's decision was Que Qiu himself.

As he watched the Omega's figure grow distant, Louis finally snapped out of his daze, catching up with An Ruran and asking in confusion, “What is he planning to do? He wants to replace the therapeutic Omegas and save those Alphas and Betas? But he isn't…”

A defective Omega, right...

An Ruran was jolted back to reality by Louis's words, shooting him a fierce glare before chasing after Que Qiu without a word.

"Hey, why the anger at me? I didn't force him to go," Louis complained, completely puzzled.

Just a second ago, the teacher and student were insisting he let them in, and now they were chasing each other out in a hurry. He was utterly baffled.

Shaking his head, Louis decided not to dwell on it. After thinking it over, he called over some of the inspection team members and instructed, "Those first-year students have never encountered such a situation before. Check on them every few hours. Once the rotational therapeutic Omegas arrive, prioritize them for mental counseling and pheromone comfort."

That was all he could really do.

"Yes, sir!"

Meanwhile, Que Qiu was off to find Ge Bu.

He knew that even if he wanted to save people, barging into the treatment room without permission would only lead to accountability.

To circumvent any possible risks, Que Qiu had to follow this so-called "procedure."

An Ruran, ultimately a step behind, could only watch as Que Qiu knocked on the principal's office door, understanding that the young Omega's mind was made up. He had no choice but to give up on stopping him and wait outside for the final outcome.

"Please come in."

Upon entering, Que Qiu saw not only Ge Bu but also Yan Weili, who was reporting important matters to him.

Ge Bu seemed to have anticipated this visit; he wasn't surprised to see Que Qiu, greeting him warmly, "Ah, the little Omega, long time no see. What brings you here today?"

Yan Weili, upon seeing Que Qiu, remembered how he had been threatened during the entrance examination and coughed awkwardly, stepping aside to give space.

Without beating around the bush, Que Qiu got straight to the point: "The inspection team took away several first-year combat students under the pretext of abnormal genetic disease tests. An Ruran and I visited the treatment room and found that the scheduled therapeutic Omegas rarely fulfill their duties. The Alphas and Betas taken there lack sufficient healing resources, so I'm applying to enter the treatment room to provide care for those with genetic abnormalities."

Before Ge Bu could respond, Yan Weili, initially uneasy, promptly objected: "That's not feasible. You're not a therapeutic Omega. You lack plant genes and are at risk of genetic disease yourself. It's not your place to do this."

Que Qiu, having anticipated such refusals, calmly countered: "Although I'm not a therapeutic Omega, I am still an Omega. By definition, all Omegas theoretically have healing capabilities, right?"

Yan Weili insisted sternly: "But don't forget, you can't produce or perceive pheromones. Thus, you can't provide mental counseling or pheromone comfort for Alphas and Betas. In short, this is highly risky for both you and them. I disagree."

Yan Weili thought he had made his point clear, essentially implying Que Qiu was a defective Omega. To his surprise, Que Qiu remained resolute: "I can do it."

"I certainly can provide mental counseling for them."

Puzzled, Yan Weili and Ge Bu asked in unison: "How can you provide mental counseling for them?"

Que Qiu lied without batting an eye: "Although I'm not a therapeutic Omega, I am an S-grade combat Omega. The mental strength that therapeutic Omegas possess, I have it too, and it's no weaker than any therapeutic Omega."

Que Qiu had prepared his arguments on the way there, reasoning that his spiritual power was equal to or greater than the mental strength known in this world. By presenting his spiritual power as mental strength, he could explain his healing abilities without revealing his true identity, thereby legitimizing his powers in this world.

Moreover, the number of Omegas choosing the combat department was almost zero. Not to mention other planetary military academies, even in the Dark Star Military Academy, there had been no combat Omegas before Que Qiu.

With so few combat Omegas, there were no references to compare with. Hence, no one knew whether combat Omegas could provide mental counseling like therapeutic Omegas, leaving no grounds for objection.

Yan Weili could find no further reason to stop Que Qiu. As an S-grade Alpha and the head teacher of Dark Star Military Academy, he felt humiliated to be repeatedly bested by a young Omega.

"Fine, do as you please," he said irritably, crossing his arms and stepping aside.

Que Qiu turned to Ge Bu, who had been smiling amiably the whole time, his eyes crinkling with elegant laugh lines, never once interjecting.

Yan Weili, despite his reluctance to advise Que Qiu further, felt compelled to protect the Omega from potential harm due to his upbringing.

"Principal Ge Bu, he doesn't understand the risks. Please don't be foolish."

Yan Weili expected Ge Bu to reject such a ludicrous request, but to his surprise, Ge Bu said, "Why not let the little Omega try? We don't know if combat Omegas can provide healing like therapeutic Omegas. Only through actual practice can we get a definitive answer."

Yan Weili's face, usually stern, registered shock, "Aren't you forgetting that his genetic test showed no plant genes? Facing so many Alphas and Betas at risk or suffering from genetic diseases, he's in greater danger than therapeutic Omegas. What's the point of a test that endangers the rescuer?"

Ge Bu pondered for a moment before responding, "The significance lies not in the test itself but in its results."

He looked meaningfully at Que Qiu.

"Let's leave the decision to the little Omega. Whether good or bad, we need to make an effort."

Que Qiu shifted uncomfortably under Ge Bu's gaze, then asserted firmly, "I stand by my purpose and am ready to enter the treatment room to provide care for the Alphas and Betas with abnormal genetic tests."

Ge Bu looked at him with admiration, his eyes reflecting pride, "If every therapeutic Omega were like you, perhaps today's situation wouldn't be so dire."

"That's not their fault," Que Qiu corrected, "They never really had a choice from the beginning, only resorting to passive resistance. When some people are stripped of their freedom of choice, you can't expect them to be completely selfless."

Ge Bu didn't argue about whether the therapeutic Omegas were right or wrong. Standing up and nodding respectfully to Que Qiu from a distance, he said, "Regardless of the outcome, on behalf of all Alphas and Betas of the Siku Star Military Academy, I thank you and offer my highest respect."

Unaccustomed to such formal commissions, Que Qiu didn’t linger, quickly exchanging pleasantries before leaving the principal's office.

As he approached the door, Yan Weili hesitated to speak several times, his expression conflicted. In the end, he remained silent, wishing inwardly for Que Qiu's safe return from the treatment room.

Watching Que Qiu leave, Ge Bu sighed, "Such an extraordinary Omega. If he maintains this strong mindset, his achievements may rival those of Liu Changming."

Yan Weili, still irked by Que Qiu's disregard for his advice, retorted, "Good intentions often lead to trouble. Liu Changming is far more ruthless."

Ge Bu, uncharacteristically, lost his smile and cautioned, "Be careful with your words, Director Yan."

"They agreed to let you into the treatment room?" Anxious, An Wei Ran quickly approached Que Qiu as he exited the principal's office.

Que Qiu nodded in confirmation.

Releasing Que Qiu, An Wei Ran deflated slightly, "I thought at least Principal Ge Bu wouldn’t agree..."

Accepting the situation, he advised, "Usually, a therapeutic Omega treats up to four Alphas or Betas per day, with the limit based on the Omega's genetic grade. I don’t know if you’ll succeed or your limit, but just do your best without overexerting yourself."

"Before you save others, understand that it’s not your lack of ability, but their pre-existing conditions. If the outcome isn't ideal, don't feel guilty or sorry," An Wei Ran said.

"Above all, prioritize yourself," he added.

As a teacher, An Wei Ran saw the burning heart hidden beneath Que Qiu’s cool exterior. He didn’t want such rare warmth to be extinguished by harsh realities – it was as precious as the purest heart of nature.

Warmed by his words, Que Qiu’s expression softened, "I understand, thank you, Instructor An."

Eager to assist, An Wei Ran asked, "Do you need anything else to prepare?"

Queqiu originally intended to go without needing anything, but for some reason, before he could say this, the image of the beautiful Shasha flowers he saw before leaving flashed in his mind.

So, he changed his mind.

"I need to go back to the dormitory first, to get some things for the Alphas and Betas in the treatment room."

*

Late at night, a full ten hours had passed since Figo was taken away by the school's inspection team. The Black Star Military School was shrouded in darkness and silence. The high walls near the treatment room looked even more ominous and terrifying, echoing with the painful howls of Alphas and Betas, sending shivers down one's spine.

Even ordinary Alphas or Betas would feel a chill walking into such a place, let alone the more sensitive and delicate Omegas. But Queqiu arrived alone at the checkpoint of the treatment room, surprising the night-watch Louis, who hadn't expected him to actually return.

"You..."

Queqiu wasted no time, showing Louis the entry permit personally drafted by Geb.

Without further words, Louis didn't obstruct him any further and let him in.

Watching the Omega's silhouette merge with the darkness, the Leopard Alpha's mind was flooded with myriad thoughts, feeling a complex mix of emotions, unsure of what to say.

Louis had thought Queqiu's words that afternoon were just casual remarks, but unexpectedly, the latter had indeed put them into action.

Moreover, he neither displayed a sanctimonious savior attitude in front of Louis, nor did he belittle those healing Omegas who refused to follow the rotation schedule.

He simply did what he believed in, nothing more.

Perhaps until now, Louis had subconsciously harbored a collective bias against Omegas, but at this moment, witnessing that slender, fragile figure, a profound respect for Queqiu welled up from the depths of his heart.

In the vast darkness, he saw not only the unfathomable depths of despair but also the bright hope that came with Queqiu.

And it wasn't just Louis; everyone who knew about this held genuine admiration for this small-statured Omega with immense strength.

The first person Queqiu went to see was, of course, Figo.

A member of the inspection team escorted him to Figo's treatment room and reminded him again, "If there's any emergency, please call for help immediately. We'll initiate emergency rescue measures."

"Is this how the healing Omegas are also treated when they come for their shifts?"

"Yes. Although genetic disease outbreaks sound terrifying, we've made foolproof preparations. From restraining the patients to the well-trained inspection team members always waiting outside the treatment room, we exert our utmost efforts to ensure the safety of the Omegas."

For the Empire, healing Omegas are clearly more than just citizens; they are also a highly valuable public asset, naturally warranting great importance.

Queqiu nodded and pushed the door open to enter.

The treatment room was narrow, barely allowing room to turn around, and very dark, to the extent that one couldn't see their own hand in front of them.

Queqiu fumbled along the wall near the door for a while before finding a switch for a hanging lamp.

With a "click," a faint yellow light finally penetrated the airtight metal room.

By this dim light, the entirety of the iron room was visible: a metal-framed bed against the wall at the far end, a toilet and a very narrow washroom in the corner, and an iron table in the middle.

There were no other facilities to speak of.

Queqiu frowned, finding it hard to imagine such a rudimentary room existing in a technologically advanced future world. Compared to anything, it was only slightly better than a prison.

Yet, the Alphas and Betas held here were merely ill, not criminals.

They certainly didn't deserve such treatment.

Queqiu now understood why the Beta school doctor had said that most people with abnormal genetic disease tests who were confined in the treatment room would have outbreaks and rarely return—

In such a terrible environment, delayed treatment, and constant influence from others with genetic disease outbreaks, it was inevitable for Alphas and Betas to succumb to the disease.

Queqiu stepped lightly, slowly approaching the metal-framed bed.

Figo was curled up, facing the wall, seemingly deep in sleep.

He seemed to sense someone's presence, his ears and tail twitching aimlessly, but he remained curled up like a shrimp, not moving, in a very insecure posture.

Queqiu felt a sense of foreboding. He gently laid Figo flat, accidentally touching his forehead in the process, and was startled—

It was the touch of slightly stiff hair, and he was running a high fever.

Queqiu's thoughts raced, his fingertips gathering a bright golden light, illuminating everything clearly. He leaned in for a closer look, his eyes widening slightly:

On Figo's forehead was the distinct "king" pattern characteristic of a tiger's head.

His genetic disease had been triggered; his body was beginning to undergo animalistic transformation!

This scene reminded Queqiu of Angelique, the Black Bear Alpha whose genetic disease had progressed so severely that half of his body had mutated.

Ultimately, he was sent to the center of the Gobi, quietly awaiting his final moments.

Queqiu didn't even have time to feel sad but was instead overwhelmed with relief: fortunately, Figo had only just started mutating. It wasn't too severe yet, and there might still be a way to save him.

Queqiu took a deep breath, held Figo's hand, and whispered softly, "Little tiger, trust me, you will get better."

Figo seemed to sense Queqiu's presence. Even in his feverish delirium, he instinctively sought comfort in him, rubbing his forehead subconsciously against the Omega's soft palm. His body, previously shivering from the fever, gradually calmed down, quietly waiting for redemption.

Author's note: