Chapter 107

Chapter 107

At the outset, no one could have imagined that the Omega who proclaimed he would win the championship would indeed endure through mockery, rumors, and battle his way to a resounding victory in the Empire Military Academy's competition.

When this moment actually arrived, not just the audience but even those from the Dark Star Military Academy who had placed their utmost trust and support in Queqiu were in disbelief, standing frozen amidst the overwhelming cheers and applause, unable to grasp the reality of what they were witnessing.

He Mingri's gaze was fixed on the arena as he trembled, "This is the final, right? Our chief, he really won the individual championship of the Military Academy competition?!"

No one responded, as everyone was deeply impacted and stunned by Queqiu's remarkable achievement.

Anwei Ran, who had placed all his hopes on Queqiu, never dared to dream that this delicate Omega could actually accomplish such an impossible feat.

Yet, the fact was, he did it, and his performance was extraordinary.

Orfe, Li Congyan, and Dole excitedly hugged each other, shouting embarrassingly euphoric slogans like "Long live Princess!" Meanwhile, You Buwei and Figo, unable to contain their elation, rushed onto the arena ahead of everyone else, pushing aside the defeated Felix like a stray dog, and tightly embraced Queqiu on either side.

They then lifted the small Omega high, much like the little lion king Simba was held aloft, placing him high above to bask in the attention of the entire arena like a king.

Golden streamers rained down on the trio, a victory shower destined for Queqiu. Their smiles were so bright as the cameras faithfully captured this iconic moment in the history of the Empire's military competitions.

The billions of viewers who watched the entire final live and witnessed the birth of a new legend did not rest. Reluctantly turning off the live stream, they rushed to the Star Web to post snapshots of Queqiu's match, praising his stunning looks and congratulating him on creating a miracle and winning the first championship ever claimed by an Omega in the Military Academy competition.

Their frenzied posting was so intense that it nearly brought the Star Web, a platform capable of accommodating the entire Empire's population, to the brink of collapse. Many people couldn’t even access the posting and viewing interfaces, anxiously waiting in the queue screen.

The post-final celebration lasted a full hour, not just a festivity for the competition's fans, but a joint jubilation for all the Alphas, Betas, and Omegas of the Empire.

Never before had someone united them in such unanimous agreement and recognition. Queqiu, with his strength and charisma, had made them all submit and believe.

His victory meant much more than just triumphing in the Military Academy competition; more importantly, he had torn a rift in the dark Empire, bringing a light of hope.

Thus, Duan Chenlin knew that the change the Imperial Royal Family had long wanted to make to improve the situation could now take its first step, as he had predicted long ago.

Following the conclusion of the final match was the award ceremony for the individual competition of the military academy league.

Before the final match between Queqiu and Felix, two Alphas who had been eliminated by them fiercely contested for third place the previous day, with the player from the Empire's First Military Academy ultimately securing it.

In fact, compared to other military academies that didn't win any awards, the Empire's First Military Academy securing two of the top three spots in the individual competition was an achievement beyond anyone's reach.

But...

Without comparison, there's no disappointment.

Before Queqiu's emergence, players from the Empire's First Military Academy were almost always among the top five.

Not to mention, now they've lost even the first-place position, and that too to an Omega, in such an embarrassing manner.

Even though the second and third places were their own, the participants couldn't find joy in it, especially Felix and Kiramido, who had to step on stage to receive their awards. They disregarded an honor that others sought eagerly, yet couldn't refuse it in front of the entire Empire.

Especially Felix, who, before stepping onto the podium, still wore a sullen expression, showing no sign of happiness.

But a sidelong glance at Queqiu, who was watching him indifferently, was enough to frighten him into a start. Even without Queqiu doing anything, Felix hurriedly adjusted his discontented face to a more congenial and accepting demeanor.

Felix reluctantly wore a forced smile during the interview, humbly stating in front of the reporters and cameras that he was fine and not upset about winning second place.

He was terrified that any displeasure shown might provoke Queqiu, potentially revisiting those not-so-pleasant memories once more.

In short, Felix now reacted to Queqiu like a mouse to a cat, scared and squeaking.

Witnessing the once haughty Phoenix Alpha now being cautious and deferential in his presence, Queqiu's lips curled into an amused smile: He had finally given him a lesson he would never forget, ensuring he would no longer bully others with his noble birth and superior genetic rank.

The guest of honor for the second and third place awards was the Empire's Grand Duke Jacquely, a high-ranking noble distinct from the tempestuous Falks Queqiu had encountered on Dark Star. This nobleman appeared young, around the same age as Liu Changming, in his early thirties, and his demeanor exuded an ease and elegance born of years.

He had chestnut-colored shoulder-length curly hair and a handsome face, moving with grace in every gesture.

The man wore a gentle smile, placing medals and flowers on Felix and Kiramido. However, perhaps due to the unsatisfactory performance of the Empire's First Military Academy's players in the competition, the audience did not bless these two competitors with their applause, leading to an awkward silence at the venue.

Such a scene had never occurred before in the history of the Empire Military Academy League.

Felix and Kiramido blushed, feeling uneasy under the scrutiny of the crowd for the first time in their lives, and realizing that their prestigious backgrounds couldn't always protect them, sometimes even acting as a double-edged sword.

Nervously sweating, they wished they could find a hole to crawl into, when suddenly a moderate clapping echoed through the spacious auditorium.

The two Alphas looked gratefully towards the source of the sound, only to find, unexpectedly, that it was Queqiu.

Felix was stunned, staring at the Omega he had ridiculed and hurt countless times, and who had in turn humiliated him before the entire Empire. In the end, it was he who broke the tension.

At that moment, a complex mix of emotions sprouted in Felix's heart.

Following Queqiu's lead, the audience, initially reluctant to applaud Felix, began to clap hesitantly.

Gradually, the applause grew louder.

While the audience still didn't approve of Felix's character and disliked the haughty attitude of the Empire's First Military Academy's players, in a power-respecting Empire, they chose to respect the honors earned by these two players on the basis of their abilities.

They also came to appreciate Queqiu's magnanimity even more.

Following this, the award for the champion was presented by the main organizer of this military academy league, the Empire's Second Prince Duan Chenlin, bestowing the highest honor upon Queqiu, representing the pinnacle of achievement for military academy students.

This time, no one needed to lead the applause. From the moment Queqiu's name was announced by the superstellar brain, the venue erupted in thunderous applause that continued in waves, unceasing for a long time.

Among those clapping was Felix.

However, fearing embarrassment, he hid in a corner, quietly watching Queqiu on the podium, not daring to approach.

As Duan Chenlin placed the gold medal around Queqiu's neck, he leaned in close to his ear, speaking in a whisper, almost a breath.

"I don't know if he's your boyfriend," he said with a light laugh, "but it seems he's quite jealous of our closeness."

Queqiu's eyelids fluttered, and he looked straight at Duan Chenlin.

Even though the prince hadn't specified, Queqiu somehow knew that 'he' referred to Morfa.

Or perhaps… the Imperial Marshal, Duan Chensen.

After saying this, Duan Chenlin stepped back to a safe distance, smiling faintly as he met Queqiu's gaze. His silver eyes, very similar to Morfa's, were filled with a calm expression.

"My... boyfriend?" Queqiu was not quite familiar with the last three words, speaking them somewhat awkwardly.

But he managed to say it, albeit with some stumbles.

However, Duan Chenlin then changed the subject, speaking louder and more formally: "Congratulations on creating an unprecedented miracle in the Empire. I hope to see you continue to excel in the upcoming team competition."

Queqiu didn't understand the prince's intentions. He had mentioned Morfa, but only in passing. It seemed like a test of Queqiu's attitude towards Morfa, yet he appeared nonchalant, as if not particularly concerned.

However, for Queqiu at this moment, deciphering Duan Chenlin's inscrutable attitude was not the most pressing issue.

Queqiu's most pressing concern was the whereabouts of Morfa, or rather, Duan Chensen.

"So, you are well aware of my boyfriend's location."

It wasn't a question, but a statement.

Duan Chenlin was about to leave when he heard Queqiu's words, turning back with a somewhat surprised look.

He apparently hadn't expected Queqiu to actually acknowledge the term "boyfriend."

After a brief moment of astonishment, Duan Chenlin smirked, giving Queqiu a smile, but he didn't respond to the remark. Instead, he mused in his mind, a mix of amusement and slight regret, about his blood-related yet distant brother: "Huh, boyfriend... so there's an official status."

He had thought his dear brother was eagerly involved in an unrequited love, played and then discarded.

The award ceremony concluded amidst the audience's applause, marking the end of the individual competition in the Empire Military Academy League. Traditionally, this was followed by a speech from Duan Chenlin.

"Dear citizens of the Empire, it is a great honor to once again share with you another exciting and thrilling event..."

After delivering some clichéd and uninspiring remarks, which almost lulled the audience in the venue and watching the live broadcast to sleep, Duan Chenlin suddenly looked up. Amidst countless dazzling flashes, he accurately found the camera of the main host and raised the corners of his mouth, his eyes twinkling with a mysterious and somewhat anticipatory glimmer.

"Next, I am going to announce a piece of news that is extremely important to every citizen of the Empire, whether they are Alpha, Beta, or Omega, regardless of their profession, status, or class, and it is a matter that concerns everyone."

Upon hearing this, the drowsy audience jolted awake, looking towards Duan Chenlin with anticipation; the reporters, like vultures waiting for a feast, also became excited, ready to spring into action.

As one of the top hundred in the individual competition, Queqiu was invited and currently sat with other representatives from the military academy in the spectator seats, his lips pressed together, watching Duan Chenlin with a cold expression.

As the champion of the individual competition and a leading figure among the new generation, he was naturally seated in the first row — a prime location usually reserved for the likes of Duan Chenlin and other Empire authorities like Jacquely.

Indeed, he was seated right next to Jacquely.

However, Queqiu instinctively felt no fondness for this elegantly handsome man.

Duan Chenlin's brief words escalated the atmosphere to its peak, with everyone eagerly anticipating his next statement. However, in Queqiu's peripheral vision, he sensed that Jacquely didn't seem as pleased.

"As everyone knows, genetic diseases are the greatest affliction for the Empire's people, aside from the insect race. Regrettably, there are no effective solutions for these terrible hereditary diseases throughout the Empire. What we can do is rely on Omegas and their healing abilities to provide preemptive treatments for Alphas and Betas who have not yet shown symptoms, in an effort to reduce the probability of genetic diseases manifesting; and to take necessary measures for eradication once the diseases do occur."

Necessary eradication measures — Queqiu thought of the first genetic disease outbreak he encountered with a black bear Alpha, and the prison-like treatment rooms at the Dark Star Military Academy.

And there were many more such incidents he hadn't encountered or weren't openly discussed.

In Duan Chenlin's eyes, these were just "necessary eradication measures."

The most terrifying part was that everyone at the venue, including Alphas and Betas, listened intently to Duan Chenlin's speech, not finding anything amiss in his words.

Queqiu felt a chill down his spine, finding it hard to stay seated.

Duan Chensen's voice continued.

"Here, the Empire and the Royal Family express their immense gratitude to the Omegas for their arduous contributions to Alphas, Betas, and society as a whole."

At this point, Duan Chenlin faced the camera and deeply bowed to the Omegas, showing his gratitude.

People around him applauded, but Queqiu distinctly heard a scornful laugh from behind, seemingly dissatisfied with Duan Chenlin's performance.

He turned his head slightly and saw the sound came from Dong Kui.

"Pretentious Alpha," he commented.

This was the reaction of most Omegas to Duan Chenlin's remarks.

"If they truly appreciated Omegas, why force them to provide mandatory healing services in schools? How is this different from the coercion of centuries past? It's just one is aggressive and the other is like boiling a frog in warm water."

"Just a show, distasteful."

Queqiu turned back around, not commenting on the whispers of the Omegas behind him.

He sat upright, straight as a flagpole, unconsciously drawing many eyes to him.

Duan Chenlin's silver eyes swept across the audience, indeed noticing many Omegas with seemingly discontented expressions.

He paused, understanding. He had anticipated such reactions while preparing his speech. Unperturbed, he continued, "The contributions of Omegas are seen and acknowledged by the Empire. However, I must point out that these contributions have not been utilized to their full potential and are severely limited, almost exclusively within the military academies—"

"In other words, only the top elites of the entire Empire get to enjoy these benefits. Meanwhile, many ordinary citizens who contribute just as significantly to the Empire suffer from genetic diseases."

Before Duan Chenlin could finish, the live broadcast was already filled with outrage:

"What does the Second Prince mean?! Complaining that Omegas only provide mental support and pheromone comfort in military academies isn't enough, and now they want us to offer treatment to the broader society?!"

"Are we reverting to practices from centuries ago, next gathering Omegas in the capital star and confining them to serve as a panacea for Alphas and Betas?!"

"Genetic diseases are God's punishment for Alphas and Betas. You deserve to suffer and die from them!"

"An S-rank combat Omega is sitting right there, even the champion of this military academy league, yet that damned Duan Chenlin dares to make such statements in his presence. They have never regarded Omegas highly!!"

"So, the new policy we've been eagerly awaiting is just to expand the scope of Omegas' duties, continuing to provide treatment for more people with genetic diseases?"

Questioning, confusion, anger, curses.

Queqiu was amidst such an environment.

Strangely, while the Omegas were quietly cursing Duan Chenlin, Queqiu noticed a flicker of mockery in Jacquely's eyes, not aimed at them, but at...

Duan Chenlin.

But upon looking again, Jacquely's face bore a proper and mild smile, as if nothing had happened.

Seeing his reaction, Queqiu had an inexplicable premonition—the royalty and nobility seemed to represent different class interests.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have displayed such a reaction.

As Duan Chenlin continued his speech, Queqiu's attention was drawn back to him.

This time, he finally managed to articulate his intended message in one go.

"Reflecting on the current situation, the royal family has been pondering deeply in recent years. We wondered if overly protecting Omegas, fearing to let any of them take risks, treating them as fragile and precious exhibits, and segregating their labor from societal contribution, serving only the elites without societal communication and interaction, truly respects them."

"Until the emergence of an Omega who made us reconsider, showing that Omegas can be as brave in battle as Alphas and Betas, and just as formidable."

"This Omega has led other Omegas in the military academy to set aside their grievances against Alphas and Betas, voluntarily providing them with mental guidance and pheromone comfort."

"This Omega, I believe, is well-known to everyone here and watching the live broadcast."

As Duan Chenlin spoke, his gaze turned to Queqiu in the audience, and the camera wisely gave Queqiu a prolonged close-up.

In the frame, the Omega with a cold demeanor and extraordinary appearance nodded slightly towards the camera, greeting everyone.

Displaying a style completely different from that in the competition, he now appeared calmer, without the intense aggression, leaving many Alphas spellbound.

"After witnessing Mr. Queqiu, we were finally determined to make some changes—"

"This may lead to some turbulence for a while, cause significant resistance to the new policies, and even face opposition from those with vested interests; but the royal family believes that addressing genetic diseases and reevaluating our approach to Omegas are the most pressing issues right now. The new legislation will effectively address these concerns."

"Therefore, after careful consideration, I hereby issue a legislative decree to all sectors of the Empire: Effective immediately, all military academies within the Empire's jurisdiction are no longer to force Omegas to perform their obligatory healing duties. Instead, we will establish public hospitals exclusively recruiting Omega physicians, primarily responsible for treating genetic diseases, open to all sectors of society, including but not limited to military academy students, soldiers, and any other Imperial citizens of any profession; healing Omegas may freely choose whether to treat Alphas and Betas who seek treatment, and those voluntarily employed at public hospitals will receive compensation issued by the Empire."

The audience was stunned as the words were spoken.

The content of Duan Chenlin's new decree and the mention of "a legislative decree" were enough to become the Empire's biggest news.

A legislative decree, meaning "a one-time passage of legislation," is a privilege held by the direct bloodline of the royal family. It does not require supervision or agreement from any person or department and is a command directly issued to all sectors of the Empire, to be written into Imperial law.

While it might seem autocratic, each direct royal family member (those with succession rights) can only issue such a decree once in their lifetime. If opposition voices are too intense after implementation, the nobility can initiate a referendum based on public opinion to decide whether to continue with the decree.

Centuries ago, after the brutal struggle of Omegas, the then royal heir used their legislative decree to overturn the nobles' cruel reign over Omegas.

Author's note:

There should be two more chapters before the climactic scene.