Chapter 74

Chapter 74

Recently, the Dark Star Military Academy forum has been flooded with posts about Queqiu's healing abilities. Eventually, the discussion spread beyond the school's internal forum to the wider star-net, trending in the Dark Star region and attracting attention from other planets.

Queqiu's name filled the star-net, with discussions about him everywhere on the homepage.

Dark Star, usually mentioned in negative terms, finally received positive coverage;

And Queqiu was recognized by people across the star system for the first time.

[Hot Topic! An Omega from Dark Star continually provides mental guidance to over twenty Alphas!]

[A new miracle? Genetic disease may become history at the hands of Queqiu!]

[Love it! The stunning Omega who stepped up to save Alphas and Betas!]

[Genetic disease no longer incurable! Dark Star Omega brings new hope!]

[An Omega curing genetic disease in Alphas? How does he do it?]

[Combat Omega ascends to healing legend, top in both looks and ability, have you seen such an Omega?]

More and more such discussion threads appeared, but most people treated the news as casual conversation, not taking it seriously – after all, such news was too common.

Due to the presence of genetic disease, Imperial citizens were all on edge. Any news linked to these three words naturally attracted the most attention. Over the years, many sought to make money or create hype by fabricating saviors, using phrases like "conquering genetic disease," "newly discovered S-class healing Omega," "genetic disease cure" to catch the public eye.

Initially, desperate Imperial citizens would cling to such news as a lifeline, passionately following and tracking it, but most were eventually exposed as hoaxes. Over time, the "boy who cried wolf" effect led them to distrust such news, even developing an instinctive aversion, leading to a mostly cynical and mocking attitude towards any new reports.

Therefore, when the story of Queqiu was organized and reported, even though there were numerous screenshots of messages from the Dark Star Military Academy internal forum as evidence, people simply did not believe it was true.

Star-net >>> Hot Discussions >>> Across the Star Domain >>>

Topic: Does anyone know about the Omega making headlines recently? Supposedly, he can cure Alphas or Betas with genetic disease outbreaks?

Main Post: The star-net homepage has been dominated by one person recently. Believe me, I don't need to say his name, you all know who I'm talking about. So, folks, interested in discussing your thoughts about him?

1L: I don’t know, who is it? Don’t be cryptic.

2L: Are you serious, First Floor? Haven’t been on star-net these past few days? Living under a rock? You don’t know about Queqiu, the hottest topic on all major platforms?

3L: Ugh, just seeing the words 'Dark Star' makes me feel sick. I don't want to read the reports. Can someone enlighten me about this Queqiu?

4L: I’ll explain. I've been quite interested in this little Omega lately and have collected a lot of information about him.

First off, Queqiu is not a native of Dark Star (such a rubbish planet doesn't deserve such a beautiful Omega). He was a rescued wandering Omega. He failed the genetic test for healing Omegas on the Elisabet ship and was deemed a defective Omega, exiled to Dark Star. He enrolled in the Dark Star Military Academy and chose to be a combat Omega. I've seen Queqiu's grades (not stalking, this info is publicly available), and honestly, he, as an Omega, has outperformed all Alphas and became the top student of the first-year combat department at Dark Star Military Academy. None of the Alphas and Betas in this thread could probably match that.

Queqiu suddenly became famous on star-net because, as a combat Omega, he provided mental guidance to over twenty Alphas with abnormal genetic disease readings and subsequently healed nearly a hundred more Alphas and Betas with the same condition. The academy even awarded him a Medal of Honor, and students have been wildly discussing it privately.

5L: I’ll drop a few pictures here. Before you start mocking, please don’t insult my new wife’s looks [Image]【Image】【Image】

6L: Dark Star really is trash, accepting even a defective Omega. Are they that desperate for Omegas? A rubbish planet and military academy. I bet they still have the nerve to participate in the upcoming Imperial Military Academy Tournament?

……

34L: Wow, I thought Fifth Floor was joking, but he's actually that handsome!

"35l: Unbelievable, how could such a beautiful Omega end up in a godforsaken place like Dark Star? Such a waste! Who’s the captain of the Elibis? Show yourself and apologize!"

"36l: This guy’s looks are way better than those Alphas from the Capital Star Military School always bragging about Dong Kui, right? Only on Dark Star, if he were at the Capital Star Military School, even as a 'healing' but flawed Omega, he would have risen to prominence with that face and figure."

……

"101l: Hold up, hold up, can we stay on topic, please? Have you never seen an Omega before? Look at the thread title. The question was about the recent hype around Queqiu's healing abilities. Seriously, everyone’s just fixated on his looks."

"102l: I think these reports are false. Does that conflict with my belief that he's really good-looking?"

"103l: +1 to the above. I don't believe the news either, but I know for sure Queqiu's face isn’t fake. Oh, he's like my newly crowned beautiful wife TT"

……

327l: "…Am I the only one who thinks this sounds quite real? There actually is such a person, it's not some baseless fake news like we've seen before!"

328l: "Are you okay upstairs? How many times have you been fooled by 'wolf cries' and yet you still believe such obviously fake news? Forever young, forever passionate, forever gullible."

329l: "Exactly, I'm not even questioning the absurd claim of mentally counseling over twenty Alphas anymore. Just look at the latest scoop claiming he can cure people with active genetic diseases?? That's way too far-fetched."

"Anyone with a bit of common sense knows once a genetic disease is activated, it's irreversible, like a charred tree trunk can't revert to its unburnt state. The mutation process post-activation of a genetic disease is irreversible."

……

673l: "Dark Star, a haven for lowlifes, is even being discussed here? So they have a slightly good-looking Omega, big deal. Showing off like a bunch of country bumpkins who've never seen the world."

674l: "To be fair, if my home planet had such a stunningly beautiful Omega with such strong healing abilities, I'd hype them up too. Even with some exaggeration, it's understandable."

675l: "No planet can be worse than Dark Star. Can such an impressive Omega really exist there? I don't buy it - to clarify, it's not that I don't believe in this little Omega, I just don't believe in Dark Star."

……

1256l: "Why don't you believe? I used some tech to sneak into Dark Star Military Academy's internal forum. Their patient exchange thread has been pinned and highlighted, with many sharing genuine cases, very touching."

1257l: "Mental counseling for over twenty Alphas… People believe anything these days. Do you want me to show you data? This year's Capital Star Military Academy's 'light of the healing department' Dongkui, an A-class healing Omega, reportedly can only counsel up to ten Alphas and Betas at most. Any more and it's S-class territory. Having said that, anyone who believes this news, think again."

1258l: "Not to mention curing people with active genetic diseases… Anyone believing that, can you also turn cooked eggs back into raw ones?"

……

2786l: "Stop making up fake news. Every time I click on these posts hoping for a chance, I leave disappointed. Genetic diseases aren't something to sensationalize."

2787l: "Such a beautiful Omega is better suited as a mascot. As for 'mental counseling for over twenty Alphas' or 'curing Alphas and Betas with active genetic diseases,' cut down on such stories, we're not idiots."

……

Autumn Sparrow never paid attention to these hot topics on the StarNet. After the end-of-term practical exam, Dark Star Military Academy began a two-month holiday.

With such ample free time, he planned to fully utilize it, absorbing as much spiritual energy from the nutrient solution as possible to replenish the spiritual power lost after breaking his limit.

Before leaving, Autumn Sparrow glanced at the silver cocoon curled up next to his pillow. He initially didn't want to carry it, fearing he might lose it. But then, remembering what Moerfa had asked of him that night, he hesitated.

"If Mommy really wants to do something for me, then just keeping me in your pocket, never leaving your side, would be enough."

After hesitating for over ten seconds, Queqiu decided to take the silver cocoon with him.

However, this time, he encountered an unexpected situation even before leaving the school gates.

A long red carpet stretched from a hovering car outside the school, leading right to Queqiu's feet. Then, ten strong Alphas in black suits emerged from the car, sunglasses on their faces and stern expressions, lining up on both sides of the carpet.

Instinctively, Queqiu stuffed his hands in his pockets, pushing the silver cocoon further inside, his fingertips emanating a brilliant golden light, ready for battle at any moment.

But, contrary to expectations, the anticipated fierce battle did not ensue.

A Beta butler, dressed in a tailcoat, gracefully approached Queqiu, lifting his hand and bowing politely.

Queqiu frowned, feeling a surge of resistance. Regardless of the public setting, he swiftly withdrew his hand.

The Beta butler maintained a proper smile throughout, not showing any displeasure at Queqiu's offensive behavior.

He whispered to Omega, "The lord of the city requests the honor of your presence, Queqiu. He hopes you would grace the lord's mansion with your visit."

The lord's mansion?

The comforting and respectful dialogue from Anran and Yanweili flashed in Queqiu's mind. His aversion towards the noble, potentially responsible for the sacrifice of many innocent Alphas, had already taken deep root in his heart. Even with the representative's courteous and respectful demeanor, he was unwilling to show any favor.

"I'm busy. I won't go."

The air stilled for a moment. Even though the Alpha bodyguards wearing sunglasses were brought for show, their shock was unmistakable:

Someone dared to refuse the city lord?

Refusing was one thing, but to do so directly and rudely in front of a large audience?

The crowd's gaze shifted from shock to admiration towards Queqiu, mixed with sympathy, thinking, "Even if you're the legendary Omega of recent fame, offending the city lord will likely not end well for you."

Yet, what stunned everyone even more was the Beta butler, representing the city lord. Faced with Queqiu's relentless and even deliberate refusal, he not only didn’t lose his temper but became even more courteous?

"If you have urgent matters, you may command me. The city lord's invitation is a great honor, please consider it."

Seeing this, everyone's jaws dropped: The Beta butler, representing the city lord and the nobility, was willing to back down so far in the face of Queqiu's cold demeanor?

"How esteemed must Queqiu's status be?"

Even as the person involved, he found the current situation somewhat baffling.

Based on Queqiu's own experience and what he had heard from Yanweili, the ruler of the Dark Star, referred to as the lord by the Beta butler, was supposed to be very stubborn and intolerant of any dissent.

He had made his refusal quite clear, short of outright saying "get lost," yet the other party showed no sign of anger?

Being able to tolerate so much, Queqiu had a rough idea of the situation.

Therefore, when the Beta butler invited him again, he didn't refuse but coldly nodded, agreeing to the appointment.

He was curious to see what this so-called lord wanted, insisting on meeting him.

Regardless of Queqiu's response, the Beta butler maintained a faint smile, politely ushering him into the limousine.

The red carpet was rolled up, and ten Alpha bodyguards sat opposite Queqiu, each with a serious expression and robust physique. Anyone else in this situation might have felt intimidated. But to their surprise, the seemingly fragile, porcelain-doll-like Omega calmly faced forward, unaffected by their imposing presence.

Throughout the journey, Queqiu didn't speak a word, maintaining his posture seated in his place. Others, even if appearing nonchalant, would have inquired about the purpose of their trip. They couldn't exhibit the innate composure—or indifference—that Queqiu did.

Yet Queqiu didn't even ask such a question, leaving the lord's people somewhat at a loss, even wishing he would initiate some conversation to ease the awkward atmosphere.

The entire car, thus, felt uneasy, dominated by an apparently harmless Omega, eagerly anticipating their arrival at the destination.

"We have arrived, this is the lord's mansion."

With the Beta butler's words, the ten Alpha bodyguards finally relaxed.

The Beta butler stepped out of the car first, gallantly protecting Queqiu’s head from above. On their way to the reception room, he maintained a comfortable social distance, leading the way at a respectful, unobtrusive distance.

As soon as Queqiu stepped out of the car, a well-maintained, vibrant cactus garden caught his eye, with winding paths lined by pale yellow Sasha flowers.

The cacti, as tall as a two-story building and pruned into various shapes, alongside the flourishing Sasha flowers, added a unique charm. Visually, it resembled cacti growing in the desert.

Beyond his own sunlit greenhouse, this was Queqiu's first encounter with such extensive greenery on the otherwise barren Dark Star.

What would be a life-saving rarity for others was merely ornamental in the opulent mansion of the city lord.

Once again, Queqiu felt the empire's pervasive and unrelenting inequality, presented in such a stark, direct manner.

This only worsened his impression of the yet unseen ruler of the Dark Star, the so-called city lord.

But from Queqiu's expression alone, nothing could be discerned—not because he was adept at pretense, but rather because he rarely showed emotion or even smiled.

He never easily displayed his joys or sorrows, so naturally, no one could discern them.

The Beta butler led Queqiu through several beautifully carved corridors before finally reaching the reception room.

"Get out! All of you, get out!"

"I am a nobleman, why should I repeatedly obey the orders of an Omega?"

Just as they approached the door, an angry voice of a middle-aged man erupted from behind the slightly ajar door. Soon after, several Alpha officers emerged, looking disheveled and embarrassed.

As they passed by Queqiu and got a clear view of his face, these Alphas seemed to instantly forget the scolding they had just received, captivated by his delicate features.

Queqiu frowned uncomfortably, and noticing this subtle change, the Beta butler coughed lightly and stepped forward, blocking the prying eyes of the Alpha officers.

He then gently knocked on the carved stone door of the reception room, informing the man inside, "Lord Fakkes, your guest has arrived."

Upon hearing this, the Alpha officers belatedly realized that the Omega they coveted was a distinguished guest of the city lord!

Their eyes, once gleaming with interest, now filled with deep fear. They dared not glance at Queqiu again and slinked away sheepishly.

The Beta butler observed their retreat from the corner of his eye, his usually polite expression tinged with a hint of mockery and disdain.

"Hmph, a bunch of cowardly fools."

After the Alpha officers left, the two waited a few minutes more before there was movement inside. Lord Fakkes seemed to have composed himself, his tone no longer furious but still filled with arrogance: "Come in."

The heavy carved stone doors slowly opened, letting bright light stream in, casting a long shadow on Fakkes' face.

Queqiu followed the Beta butler, discreetly surveying the towering, lavish reception room and the city lord himself, Fakkes.

Based on what he had learned, those with real power were mostly high-ranking Alphas, so Queqiu deduced that Fakkes' genetic rank was at least A-level.

Fakkes appeared to be a rhinoceros Alpha, with a rhino horn as thick as an adult Alpha's wrist and as long as a forearm on his forehead. It curved slightly, reflecting a cold light under the grand chandelier, like a sheathed scimitar.

Fakkes, still seething from his earlier outburst, was propping himself up with a scepter, his eyes wide and fierce, his face covered in coarse flesh. Scattered papers lay on the carpet beneath his feet, and several Beta servants in vests were kneeling to pick them up. Any slow movement was met with a brutal kick, sending the servant sprawling in pain.

On seeing Queqiu, Fakkes retracted his foot, feigning a cultured and affable demeanor. He gestured towards the sofa opposite him, saying with a forced smile, "Ah, my guest has arrived. Please, take a seat."

To Queqiu, Fakkes seemed less like a man and more like a beast disguised as human, merely cloaked in human skin, but inherently beast-like in behavior and attitude.

After Autumn Sparrow settled in his seat, Fox gave a side glance to the Beta butler, who nodded, poured tea for the two of them, and then discreetly excused himself.

The butler first bowed respectfully to Fox, seated in the place of honor, then bent slightly towards Autumn Sparrow and said, "Lord Fox's hospitality is renowned, I'm sure you and Chief Autumn Sparrow will hit it off splendidly. I'll take my leave now, please enjoy your tea."

Autumn Sparrow responded indifferently with a non-committal "Hmm," not even sparing a glance at the other.

Fox, observing his actions, chuckled, "Chief Autumn Sparrow is indeed a very unique Omega. I hope my butler treated you well on the way here. If he neglected my esteemed guest, I won't let him off easily."

Autumn Sparrow, uninterested in these roundabout courtesies, said directly, "Let's skip the small talk. Even if you like it, I don’t."

He looked up, fixing Fox with a direct gaze, his golden eyes shimmering with captivating brilliance.

"Just get to the point. What do you want from me?"

Clearly, Fox hadn't expected such forthrightness on his territory, especially not from an Omega who appeared so delicate.

He struggled to contain his inner anger, but the little rationality he had left forced him to calm down. His face changed from cloudy to sunny several times before he managed to suppress his fury and said to Queqiu with a smile, "You've become quite the figure in the academy recently. Even a busy person like me has heard a lot about your exploits from my subordinates."

"Besides inviting you to the city lord's mansion as a guest, I do have a rather imposing request, which I sincerely hope you can fulfill."

Queqiu had already guessed what he wanted and was silently mouthing the words. The next second, he heard Fakus say with a smile, "Rumor has it that your healing ability is at least equivalent to an A-class Omega. Recently, I've been suffering greatly from genetic disease. Could you possibly extend a helping hand and provide me with mental guidance?"

Queqiu sneered internally: Just as expected.

Saying this, Fakus leaned back on the sofa, assuming a confident posture.

"If you would be willing to help me with this matter, I assure you, the reward will be substantial. How about it?"

Author's note: