“Chapter 89”

"Chapter 89"

"After the match, Qiuque and An Wei Ran returned to their accommodation."

"Gradually, Figo and You Buwei also returned."

"How did the matches go?" He Mingri eagerly asked upon seeing them."

"It was a breeze," You Buwei casually remarked, flicking his bangs."

"I won too," Figo nodded solemnly, "I'll advance to the next round."

"That's a relief," He Mingri exhaled, patting his chest, "With everyone in such good form, our Dark Star Military Academy might just make a comeback at the military school competition!"

Li Congyan, adjusting his black-framed glasses, suggested, "Everyone's been performing well in these rounds. How about we have a celebration dinner?"

The Alphas agreed, and You Buwei, particularly excited, squeezed next to Qiuque, asking about his favorite food.

Amidst the harmonious atmosphere, An Wei Ran suddenly asked, “Why haven’t Oulfei and Duole returned yet?”

The mood instantly cooled down as they looked around, realizing the fiery-eared red fox Alpha and the honest, sturdy buffalo Alpha were missing.

He Mingri scratched his head, "I haven't seen them either. Could they have been eliminated?"

Suddenly, rapid knocks on the door were heard. Figo, nearest to the door, quickly opened it.

Everyone’s eyes turned towards the door, wondering if it was Oulfei and Duole returning.

Indeed, as they guessed, it was them. But what caught their eyes was Oulfei carrying a bloodied figure, his body hunched under the weight, his face covered in blood and tear streaks.

The group quickly helped them in and found a chair for Oulfei to rest.

He Mingri, frantic, asked, “What happened to you? Why are you covered in blood? Are you hurt?”

Oulfei shook his head, his eyes revealing fear, “No, it’s not my blood. I’m not injured, it’s Duole’s.”

“What?!” An Wei Ran approached, his expression grave, “The person you're carrying is Duole?”

Oulfei nodded, his pent-up emotions finally breaking, tearfully admitting, “Yes, it’s Duole.”

Hearing this, Qiuque’s pupils constricted, and he rushed to examine Duole’s injuries.

It was no wonder An Wei Ran didn't recognize Duole; the extent of his injuries rendered him unrecognizable.

The buffalo Alpha was drenched in blood, with visible burn marks, bleeding profusely from his wounds. His characteristic animal trait, inward-curved horns, had been brutally broken; his cheeks were swollen, his mouth bruised and cut, and his nose broken. His limbs hung limply, likely also broken.

Even without a closer look, the severity of the injuries on the rest of his body was evident.

Duole was unconscious, but even in his state, he occasionally cried out in pain, his voice filled with agony, distressing his teammates.

Figo clenched his fists tightly, "What the hell happened? How could he be so severely injured?!"

The others looked on sympathetically, while An Wei Ran, the team's coach, had a particularly grim expression.

You Buwei handed a cup of hot water to Oulfei, who was gradually calming down but still visibly shaken by the horrific incident he had witnessed.

"I was in the same division as Figo, but I couldn't find him after my match. So, I went to E division to wait for Duole's match to end, to return together."

"But... Duole's opponent was from the Empire's First Military Academy... it was Felix, the one who caused trouble the other day," Oulfei said fearfully, as if reliving the moment from the spectator seats, watching Duole being mercilessly beaten, unable to intervene.

Hearing Felix's name again, Qiuque frowned in disgust. An Wei Ran, confused, asked, "That day? Trouble?"

Looking around, he asked, "How did you get involved with students from the Empire's First Military Academy?"

You Buwei answered for Qiuque, "It happened the day you and Figo went to register. That crazy Alpha started acting up as soon as he saw Qiuque, and we publicly humiliated him."

Oulfei nodded, tears of fear and guilt in his eyes, "He must have been furious about losing face in front of so many, so he took it out on us from Dark Star Military Academy. In the match, Felix dominated from the start, beating Duole mercilessly. Despite my shouts from the sidelines urging Duole to give up to avoid worse consequences, Felix only became more brutal. Duole refused to give up until he was lying there, barely conscious. The system declared the match over only then."

"Even after the match ended, Felix continued to vent his anger on Duole. No one restrained him. Even when I tried to stop him, Felix faced no real punishment, just a verbal warning from the league committee."

After hearing Oulfei's account, everyone was filled with a deep anger.

He Mingri cursed, "This is not a match; it's a slaughter! Why doesn't the official league intervene?!"

Figo, fists clenched, punched the wall, his words seething through clenched teeth, "Felix... despicable!"

You Buwei's eyes were dark, his inner light flickering, but he remained silent.

Li Congyan looked at An Wei Ran, who, despite his rage, helplessly advised his students, "If you face students from the Empire's First Military Academy, give up immediately if you realize you're outmatched."

For him, his students' safety was more important than honor.

Exhausted, Oulfei buried his blood-stained face in his hands, his muffled voice filled with despair, "What do we do now... With such severe injuries, Duole won't survive until we reach a hospital."

The closest place from the Inra Stadium was the royal palace, but Oulfei, unfamiliar with the capital star, didn't dare to randomly transport the injured, opting to seek help from the coach and teammates first.

The others felt helpless, their despair growing, when suddenly, a warm golden light emerged from behind.

Oulfei was the first to notice, facing Qiuque's direction. He was stunned at the sight of the golden light through his fingers, and after a long pause, he tremblingly said, "Qiu... Qiuque..."

Initially confused, the others followed Oulfei's trembling arm pointing behind them. When they turned and saw what was happening to Duole, they were all struck dumb.

The usually detached Omega, who seemed as emotionless as a robot, was now exerting all his power to heal the dying Buffalo Alpha. The sunlight-like bright and warm light gently enveloped Duole, like clear stream water softly washing away his pain.

After a while, Qiuque withdrew his spiritual power. He showed no signs of weakness, while the previously unconscious Duole managed to speak a few words intermittently.

"Thank... you..."

But he was just hanging on, fainting again immediately after speaking.

An Wei Ran quickly rushed to check Duole's injuries and, after a thorough examination, looked at Qiuque with a complex gaze: "His life is saved."

Hearing this, everyone let out a sigh of relief.

He Mingri exclaimed, "I almost forgot we have someone in our team whose healing abilities are not inferior to an A-level healing Omega. We owe a lot to Qiuque this time."

Li Congyan agreed, "Thank goodness for Qiuque."

Oulfei, who had stopped crying by then, looked at Qiuque with red-rimmed eyes. He didn't say anything, but everyone understood his gratitude.

Figo approached Qiuque with concern, "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," Qiuque waved his hand, "But it's just saving Duole's life. Without prompt medical treatment, he might end up with permanent disabilities."

"But the nearest hospital from here is an hour away by hovercar. After such a delay, I wonder if it's too late to take him there now," said You Buwei.

An Wei Ran stood up, his gaze returning to the unconscious Duole. He pondered for a moment, then said, "The royal palace has healing pods, specifically for treating injured participants of the military academy tournament, to ensure their quick recovery. But..."

Before he could finish, Figo volunteered, "I'll take Duole there!"

He Mingri and Li Congyan spoke in unison, "I'll go!"

As Oulfei attempted to get up, he was held back by Qiuque.

Qiuque stepped forward, "Let me take Duole. I have healing abilities. If any emergency arises on the way, I can at least stabilize him."

Another reason was that Qiuque also wanted to familiarize himself with the royal palace to eventually find Morfa.

An Wei Ran looked at Qiuque, silent for a while, before entrusting him with the task: "In that case, you take Duole. I'll send you the route shortly. If you encounter any trouble, avoid conflicts. If necessary, we'll find another way to get Duole treated."

Qiuque nodded, "I understand."

Seeing this, Figo helped stabilize Duole, placing him on Qiuque's back.

Before leaving, You Buwei whispered, "People on the capital star look down on those from Dark Star. Be careful, especially around students from the Imperial First Military Academy."

"No problem," Qiuque secured Duole on his back, his voice cold, "If they dare hinder Duole's treatment, I won't mind making them end up like him."

Having said that, he headed straight for the healing pod.

Though Qiuque appeared smaller compared to the people of this world, carrying Duole, who was a head taller than him, seemed effortless. His steps were swift, and in less than ten minutes, he arrived at the healing pod.

Before even entering, Qiuque could see a crowd gathered outside the hall, presumably waiting to use the healing pods.

However, upon seeing Qiuque carrying the severely injured Duole, the crowd conscientiously made way, allowing them unobstructed entry.

Only after the pair had entered the rescue point did the onlookers realize that they seemed to be wearing the uniform of the Dark Star Military Academy.

"Wait, are they participants from the Dark Star Military Academy?!"

"Damn! Why did I make way for someone from Dark Star?!"

"What’s the rush? Even if they get in, they’re not going to fare well. The First Military Academy students are not to be messed with."

"Did you see the student carrying the Alpha? I think that was Qiuque, the one who’s been all the rage lately!"

"You must be going blind! How could an Omega carry an Alpha to seek medical help? It would be a miracle if they didn't end up in the healing pod themselves."

"The injured Alpha is Duole from Group E, right? I saw his match today. Felix from the First Military Academy beat him so badly; he was nearly killed."

"Felix? That’s an S-tier fighter from the Combat Division of the First Military Academy! Duole is just an A-tier Alpha, right? With such a huge disparity in strength, it’s no surprise he ended up like this."

Ignoring the whispers behind him, Qiuque focused on finding an available healing pod. Upon entering the hall, he found it overcrowded, with each pod occupied by Alphas, leaving no spare pods.

Reluctantly, he headed to the second floor but failed to notice a crooked sign at the stairwell entrance: "Reserved for the First Military Academy."

As soon as Qiuque stepped onto the second floor, he was stopped by a student from the First Military Academy.

Initially surprised by Qiuque's appearance, the student's fierce demeanor softened into an almost ingratiating smile. "Ah, an Omega? Do you need a healing pod too? There are some available here."

Relieved, Qiuque set Duole down, supporting him as they moved towards the pod.

Qiuque looked at the sweet-talking Alpha and nodded politely, "Thank you. My teammate is severely injured. Please show us to an available pod."

To his surprise, the Alpha’s demeanor changed instantly upon seeing Duole, showing evident disdain, "I agreed to let you use the healing pod, but I didn't say he could use it."

Qiuque frowned slightly, "I'm not injured and don't need a pod. Besides, aren't healing pods meant to assist injured participants? What else would be their purpose?"

The Alpha laughed heartily, "Who said pods are only for the injured? Didn't your team leader tell you that pods can also be used for post-competition therapy, helping us recover faster?"

He leaned closer to Qiuque, his smile repulsive, "Or is Dark Star so pathetic that you don’t even know that?"

Qiuque, not interested in pointless arguments and more concerned about alleviating Duole’s injuries, replied coldly, "If there's an extra pod, I'll use it."

As he tried to help Duole towards an available pod, the Alpha blocked their way.

Qiuque’s disgust was evident as he glanced sideways at the man, "Move aside."

"There are spare pods, but I said you could use them, not that waste Alpha with you,” the Alpha smirked.

"He's not waste," Qiuque stared him down coldly, "He's severely injured. Don’t you know why?!"

"What? Shouldn't inferior beings from a trash planet be taught a lesson?" Just then, the instigator nonchalantly walked up from behind the Alpha.

Felix sauntered over to Qiuque, his eyes contemptuously glancing at Duole before settling on Qiuque.

"I'm the one who injured him. So what? The competition rules never said we're responsible for injuries. He refused to forfeit, so naturally, I went all out."

Qiuque clenched his free hand into a fist, seething, "Despicable, vile."

"He's not dead yet, why the fuss?" Felix chuckled, "The most beautiful Omega in the Empire is even attractive when angry. My offer on the Elibis still stands. If you agree to be with me, I'll make an exception and free up a pod for your worthless teammate."

Qiuque sneered, replying with three words: "In your dreams."

Felix, unfazed, taunted, "You can be as stubborn as you like. There are dozens of healing pods on the second floor, but even if they're all empty, we won't let trash from a junk planet use them."

Qiuque recalled the competitors he saw outside the hall, realizing these Alpha from the Empire's top military school, unscathed, were monopolizing resources for mere therapy, while those genuinely needing the pods were denied access.

Hearing Felix's smug tone and their repeated insults like "trash planet," "inferior," and "waste," Qiuque couldn't help but feel repulsed and disgusted.

Deciding against further verbal sparring, Qiuque began to gather spiritual power, planning to teach these arrogant, classist Alpha from the prestigious military school a lesson.

Felix, noticing Qiuque's intent, remained unconcerned, smirking arrogantly, "What, you think you, a healer, can challenge me just because you beat some low-level Alpha?"

Before Qiuque could act, a familiar voice echoed behind him.

"Who allowed you to speak to an Omega with such disrespect?"

Everyone turned to see who it was, including Qiuque, who was surprised to see Duan Chenlin, whom he'd met before.

Recalling their encounter and the marriage proposal, Qiuque's cheeks reddened, his resolve to confront Felix dissipating.

Seeing Duan Chenlin, the previously bold students from the Empire's top military academy immediately became as docile as lambs.

Felix straightened up and bowed to Duan Chenlin, "Second Prince!"

Duan Chenlin ignored Felix, approaching Qiuque with a warm, concerned expression, "What happened just now? I heard someone was rude to you."

Not just Qiuque, but everyone else was astonished, wondering when this Omega from Dark Star became so close to the royal second prince.

But seeing Qiuque's handsome face, they thought they understood the reason.

Felix internally scoffed, thinking Qiuque must have charmed the second prince, hence his repeated confrontations.

Outwardly respectful, Felix interrupted before Qiuque could speak, "Your Highness, the thing is—"

"I believe I was asking the Omega, not you."

Duan Chenlin, with just a sidelong glance, silenced Felix. Despite his smiling demeanor, Felix felt an inexplicable, deep-seated fear, breaking into a cold sweat.

With Duan Chenlin's arrival, the situation dramatically shifted in Qiuque's favor. It was clear that Duan was intentionally protecting Qiuque.

Considering this...

Duan Chenlin assured, "Don't worry, I'll ensure justice for you."

With this statement, both Qiuque and Felix knew someone would face consequences today.

Qiuque's softened eyes exuded such vulnerability and tenderness that it stirred an involuntary sense of protectiveness in anyone who saw him.

"My teammate was deliberately injured by Felix of the Empire's First Military Academy during the match. I came here to use the healing pod for his quick recovery, but they continually attacked our origins and verbally insulted us. I didn't want to engage with them, but..."

Hearing this, the sycophantic Alpha loudly protested, "Nonsense! You were about to hit Felix, and now you claim you didn't want to engage!"

Before Qiuque could respond, Felix warned him with a glance, "Stop talking!"

Duan Chenlin's polite smile sent a chill down Felix's spine when directed at him.

"So, what he said is true?"

Qiuque portrayed himself in a vulnerable position, but his account was entirely true, leaving Felix no option but to grit his teeth and admit, "Yes, it's true."

Duan Chenlin, still smiling, pressed, "What insults did you hurl at him?"

"Well, it was..."

Thinking Qiuque might have already confided in Duan, Felix hesitated, trying to sidestep the question.

But Qiuque seized the opportunity. He turned to Duan, looking incredibly endearing and pitiable.

"He said a beautiful, defenseless Omega like me would be better off following him," Qiuque's eyes, naturally moist, appeared even more lustrous when feigning weakness, "and he also called my teammates and me inferior people from a trash planet."

No Alpha could resist empathizing with Qiuque's display of vulnerability, not even Felix and his group. They had to admit that, were they in Duan Chenlin's shoes, they wouldn't hesitate to seek justice for the aggrieved Omega.

So, what was about to happen seemed quite obvious.

Duan Chenlin's polite smile gradually disappeared.

Felix's mind went 'boom' —

This is it.

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