Chapter 90

Chapter 90

Felix had a premonition that a great disaster was about to befall him.

He cautiously lifted his head, glancing at Duan Chenlin. The brief glimpse of gloom in the latter's eyes seemed to flicker and vanish, soon returning to their usual warmth.

It appeared as if nothing serious would happen, but Felix couldn't bring himself to feel relieved.

"So, is this really how you treat an innocent Omega?" Duan Chenlin asked with a smile, looking towards the Phoenix Alpha, his voice calm and gentle.

His gaze remained on Felix, who was now respectfully silent, but he could easily imagine how arrogant and domineering the other had been before his arrival.

Duan Chenlin glanced again at the Omega beside him, who had just appeared wronged and pitiable but now exuded an air of indifference.

The second prince of the royal family was no fool, clearly seeing Queqiu was using him to discipline the members of the Empire's First Military Academy. Yet, he also needed this opportunity to make a statement. Strictly speaking, this wasn't a one-sided favor but more of a collaboration, albeit unbeknownst to Queqiu.

Besides, for Duan Chenlin, backing up such a beautiful, blonde angel was a mere trifle, something he was more than willing to do.

Faced with Duan Chenlin's questioning, Felix dared not deny.

Or rather, what was the point in denying when the other had already decided he was guilty?

Thus, Felix didn't directly answer the question, instead opting for a lighter, evasive response in an attempt to escape punishment.

"Your Highness, I am a student of the Empire's First Military Academy, merely defending the school's honor on the battlefield. It was the Buffalo Alpha who refused to give up his qualification, underestimating the gap in our strengths, leading to this serious incident. But I do take responsibility for it and am willing to bear all the consequences. As for the medical pod, I'll arrange it right away."

Felix tried his best to shift all blame to the rules of the match and dragged in the Empire's First Military Academy, but Duan Chenlin was unimpressed by his tactics.

"I don't recall asking about that," Duan Chenlin said with a smile, "And my dear brother, a graduate of the Empire's First Military Academy, never behaved like you. He always respected Omegas and his opponents."

Queqiu, listening to their exchange, suddenly heard them mention Duan Chensen, and couldn't help but scoff internally: Respect Omegas? Hardly. He wondered who it was that cried 'Mommy' while biting his gland.

Seeing that his approach didn't work on Duan Chenlin, Felix, gritting his teeth, said, "Then please, Your Highness, punish me as you see fit."

Duan Chenlin was well aware that Felix's mention of the Empire's First Military Academy was a ploy to use its influence against him. But he wasn't afraid, knowing Duan Chensen would be the first to draw fire if things escalated.

"I'm somewhat aware of the friction between you and this Omega. You started by severely injuring a contestant from the Dark Star Military School, then obstructed medical assistance and insulted an Omega. From start to finish, the problem lies with you and your teammates. I will have your school draft a statement of self-criticism, to be broadcast live on the net before tomorrow's tournament match; and in the elimination rounds, students from the First Military Academy who signed up for individual matches will start with a three-point deduction. After the tournament, this will be recorded as a major infraction in your student files."

Having said this, Duan Chenlin turned to Queqiu, seeking his opinion, "What do you think?"

Queqiu pursed his lips, his gaze briefly flickering to Felix and his group before quickly returning, as if he had just looked at trash.

"I think, you should ask them."

"Oh, alright." Duan Chenlin chuckled, turning back to Felix and the others, "What do you think?"

Duan Chenlin's voice sounded as pleasant as a spring breeze, but to Felix and his group, it was as threatening as a deathly specter.

Helplessly, Duan Chenlin was second in command of the imperial royal family. They, from the Empire's First Military Academy, tried to overpower those from the Dark Star Military School, but this man before them wielded power and status second only to Duan Chensen in the entire Empire.

In a contest of power and influence, even elevating Felix to a higher rank ten times over would be insufficient.

So those who once used their status and power to dominate were now being utterly suppressed by someone of even higher rank and power.

Regardless of their unwillingness, the group from the First Military Academy had no choice but to swallow this bitter pill.

Felix said bitterly, "As you wish, Your Highness."

"Very well," Duan Chenlin nodded, his smile seeming to carry a deeper meaning, "Don't think that bringing up your school just before facing punishment will make me hesitate. Such attempts to find backing are incredibly childish. Until you have enough arrogance to back it up, it's better to stay low."

After speaking, he glanced at Queqiu, leaning in to whisper, "Of course, I don't mean you're childish."

Queqiu's pale ears turned slightly red from the breath against them. He distanced himself from Duan Chenlin, giving him a brief, non-committal look, thinking, "I'm thousands of years older than you; who's really the childish one here?"

After resolving these matters, he didn't linger, quickly arranging for Dole to be placed in an available medical pod.

Felix remained immersed in the intimidation of Duan Chenlin's words.

He looked at Duan Chenlin somewhat panic-stricken, suddenly realizing that no matter what he thought or how well he believed he concealed it, he was utterly transparent in the other's eyes.

And yet he had foolishly thought to use Jackery's influence against him, an utterly absurd notion.

Before Felix could catch his breath, Duan Chenlin added, "When I came upstairs, I saw a note on the wall marked 'Reserved for the Empire's First Military Academy.' But if I'm not mistaken, the medical station is supposed to be freely available to all contestants, right?"

Felix hurriedly interjected before he could continue, "I don't know who wrote that. It might be just a joke. I'll have someone take it down immediately."

Saying this, he signalled to a nearby Honey Pot Alpha with a glance, indicating to hastily remove the note.

He carefully maintained a placating smile, fearing any misstep in his words: "Of course, the medical pod is for all contestants' use. Rest assured, such an incident won't happen again."

Duan Chenlin smiled, "Good to hear."

As they spoke, Queqiu had already settled Dole and was preparing to leave.

Seeing this, Duan Chenlin followed him, smiling, "You left too quickly last time. How about I accompany you this time?"

Queqiu didn't agree but mentioned the recent incident, "Thank you for helping out."

"It was nothing."

He then asked the question he hadn't in front of the people from the First Military Academy.

"Are those punishments severe for them?"

"For ordinary people, it could be career-ending, but for those with certain privileges, it's probably just a bit embarrassing, with no significant real impact." It was the most severe punishment Duan Chenlin could administer under the circumstances.

Regardless of the process, no irreversible consequences had occurred, and the competition had followed the rules. Strictly speaking, Felix hadn't committed a legal crime, so legal sanctions were impossible. Moreover, Duan Chenlin, lacking real power and under Duan Chensen's shadow, had only limited authority. The nobility, represented by Jackery, held tangible power. The First Military Academy was essentially their stronghold.

Queqiu coldly remarked, "To cause such harm to an innocent Alpha without any real consequences... indeed, a privilege that could make one 'envious'."

"Those Alphas you saw, like Felix, are mostly of noble birth. Their circumstances are naturally different from ordinary people."

"What about you?" Queqiu suddenly stopped and turned to Duan Chenlin, "Is the royal family different from ordinary people too?"

"Why suddenly look at me like that," Duan Chenlin chuckled, somewhat taken aback, "I can only tell you that the royal family and nobility are not the same. But as you're just a contestant, my telling you this is of no consequence."

It matters.

Queqiu thought to himself.

If what Duan Chenlin said was true, then one more obstacle to accepting Duan Chensen was removed.

Duan Chenlin was unaware that his casual remark had unwittingly provided Duan Chensen a world-class assist. He simply found Queqiu to be unique, different from any Omega he had encountered before.

"Most people have grown accustomed to this, but you seem to have a strong reaction."

"There are always a few who never get used to it," Queqiu said, moving straight ahead.

"If I say that the royal family is also among these few, it might sound like sweet talk to win hearts. You probably wouldn't believe me."

"We've just met for the second time, and you're already comfortable sharing this with me?"

"I have no guard against angels," Duan Chenlin said, looking at Queqiu with a smile, "I see in the angel's clear golden eyes an inability to lie and a naivety unique to idealists."

Queqiu snorted through his nose, "You should know, I'm the best at lying, and I'm always quite blunt."

"Blunt? For instance?"

"For instance, I detest silver-haired Alphas the most."

"Your instructor has silver hair, doesn't he? Or at least a similar hair color."

"Except for him."

Duan Chenlin softly uttered, "Oh," and added, "So I'm the only silver-haired Alpha in front of you now. Does that mean you hate me?"

Queqiu glanced at him and left only the words, "You're not the most annoying one," before hastening his steps and walking away.

Duan Chenlin stopped, didn't follow, and just stood there, watching the slender figure get further and further away, eventually disappearing from his sight.

He smiled to himself, thinking that there weren't many silver-haired Alphas in the empire that could be disliked by you.

Queqiu quickly left the rescue center, but on the way, he encountered the sunflower Omega whom he had met a few times before.

The other party wasn't there to cause trouble like Felix; instead, he approached with a face full of guilt and a hint of unease, bowing his head slightly and saying, “I... want to apologize. I'm sorry, I only found out at the rescue center that my teammates not only seriously injured your teammate but also insulted you.”

So, when he heard that Queqiu hadn't gone far, Dongkui hurriedly followed.

Throughout the conversation, he hardly dared to look up at Queqiu, anxious about whether he would be seen as the same sort as Felix and his gang—though, on the surface, they did appear to be allies.

But Dongkui felt a special fondness for Queqiu, ever since he first saw him on the Elisabeth.

Now, that once-felt, now-returned sense of warmth enveloped him like a mother's embrace.

Dongkui was somewhat dazed; he always felt his life was given by this delicate Omega before him.

What a... ridiculous thought.

He shook his head.

Queqiu didn’t particularly dislike Dongkui. Although he felt little belonging to this world and his Omega identity, he felt a sense of kinship when seeing these Omegas with small plants on their heads.

They were... somewhat like his own kind.

To him, they were like undernourished, weak saplings, pitifully standing.

That's why Queqiu was always a bit more patient with Omegas.

“It’s not your fault, why apologize?” Queqiu was genuinely puzzled: “Or, to put it in the way Alphas like, is this behavior what you call, ‘a group of Alphas hiding behind an Omega’?”

Dongkui couldn’t answer Queqiu’s question, feeling somewhat embarrassed.

Then, he quickly thought if just these few words from Queqiu made him feel uncomfortable, how would Queqiu have felt when Felix and his gang said things a thousand times worse?

At this thought, Dongkui felt he couldn't face Queqiu any longer.

He immediately said, “Regardless of its effect, I will definitely try to control my teammates. If they dare disrespect you or your teammates again, I won't be there to console them.”

Queqiu was surprised that this Omega could express such sincerity. Realizing the apology was heartfelt, he reassured Dongkui with a gentler, more earnest tone: “You don’t need to blame yourself. This is neither your fault nor within your power to change.”

Even if Dongkui could use emotional comfort as leverage to superficially stop Felix and others from discriminating against the people of Dark Star, from treating defective Omegas as playthings, or from looking down on lower-class Alphas or Betas, their inherent beliefs wouldn't change, nor could they hide their sense of superiority.

It was even less likely to coerce the entire noble class or the students of the Empire’s premier military academy to do so.

Regardless, Dongkui's awareness of the issue was commendable.

Plant a hundred seeds in spring, and by autumn harvest thousands; keep sowing each year, and eventually, the seeds will multiply and cover the entire wasteland.

Although Dongkui didn't grasp Queqiu's metaphor, he sensed from Queqiu's tone that he was no longer angry, prompting a smile.

“I sincerely hope to make amends in some way,” he said to Queqiu, “We are both Omegas; we are on the same side.”

Queqiu disagreed: “Anyone who understands, supports, or helps you, regardless of their thoughts, can be considered part of your side. Or rather, you don’t need to confine yourself to one side. You, like Alphas and Betas, are fundamentally citizens of the Empire.”

During the conversation, Queqiu caught a glimpse of a tall, dark-haired, pale-skinned man passing by, exuding a faint scent of willow.

Dongkui also noticed the man, appearing somewhat afraid. Despite the perpetual spring-like conditions of the capital star, his body shivered.

Noticing Dongkui’s unusual behavior, Queqiu asked, “Who is he?”

“He is...”

Dongkui thought to himself how all the test subjects referred to that black-haired Omega as 'Father', who would gently smile and say they were his children.

In his limited memories, the figure would always caress his face through the cultivation vessel, satisfaction and happiness shining in his black eyes, saying, “You are Dad's most satisfactory child.”

Dongkui closed his eyes, pushing away those memories he never wished to revisit.

He paused, his lips trembling as he said, “He is... Liu Changming.”

“Liu Changming?”

A familiar name. Queqiu's brow furrowed slightly.

In that moment, he didn't know why, but he found himself glancing back at the spot where Liu Changming had passed.

Unexpectedly, Liu Changming hadn't left. Instead, he stood under a lush, wind-swayed willow tree, watching from a distance with a faint smile on his lips.

His black hair, reaching his waist, casually hung loose, fluttering with the breeze like the branches of the willow behind him, resembling water plants flowing with the current.

The tall, elegant black-haired Omega seemed to have a similar disposition to Duan Chenlin, gentle in his smile. Yet, for some reason, Liu Changming's presence made Queqiu distinctly uncomfortable.

After a brief glance, Queqiu withdrew his gaze and asked Dongkui, “Is there anything else?”

Dongkui also looked up at Liu Changming but quickly lowered his gaze again, leaving his intentions unclear.

Hearing this, Dongkui shook his head somewhat awkwardly: “No, nothing else.”

“Then, see you at the team competition,” Queqiu nodded to Dongkui and brushed past his shoulder to leave.

Dongkui stood dazedly for a long while, as if the warmth of the encounter still lingered, even after Queqiu had walked far away.

But when he turned back and saw Liu Changming close by, a chill ran through him.

*

Figo and the others had been anxiously waiting for a long time, growing increasingly frantic without any definitive news.

As soon as Queqiu returned, they crowded around him, bombarding him with questions about Dole's condition.

“How did it go? You didn’t run into anyone from the First Military Academy of the Empire, did you?”

“Did Dole get settled into the healing chamber alright?”

“We were almost dying of worry, afraid that you two, an injured person and an Omega, might encounter some trouble outside.”

Queqiu responded to everyone’s questions, and upon hearing that he and Dole were unharmed, everyone finally breathed a sigh of relief.

When they learned that Felix and his companions had been caught red-handed by the Second Prince, marked for a major demerit in their records and a public notice throughout the Empire, and would also lose three points each in the elimination round, they couldn't help feeling a sense of justice served.

“So they do have someone to fear. I thought they were utterly lawless,” He Mingri snorted coldly.

Figo spoke sternly, "They're just bullies who are cowards at heart."

Orfeus sighed, "If only I were an S-class Alpha, then I could avenge Dole."

Queqiu took this chance to comfort him and sneakily stroked his fluffy fox ears.

"Even if you're not an S-class Alpha, you adhere more to the rules and don't look down on others just because they're not at your genetic level. Strength that is only used for showing off or intimidating others won't earn trust and closeness from people; it only instills innate fear and dread."

Anran nodded in agreement: "Queqiu is right. Alphas and Betas are born with greater strength, not for destruction, but to protect the empire and those who are vulnerable."

He pointed at the restraining collars around everyone’s necks: "I know wearing this is uncomfortable and undignified. But without it, the beast inside you might not always be under control. The reason why you no longer need to wear it after graduating from the military academy is that, by then, you should have learned how to wield your strength properly and control your emotions."

After hearing the instructor’s words, everyone seemed contemplative.

In Anran's view, the four years at the military academy were less about teaching Alphas and Betas fighting techniques, military acumen, and other essential soldier skills, and more about teaching them how to control their power and develop the character needed in a soldier.

Though the methods were somewhat extreme, under the current circumstances, they were the best solution available.

Anran glanced at Queqiu and sighed inwardly.

If the royal family hadn’t established these regulations to bind Alphas and Betas, Omegas would probably still be living in an environment where they're treated as special commodities, devoid of any personal dignity.

The author's note:

The royal family isn't the villain.