Chapter 108

Chapter 108

After Duan Chenlin announced the reform decree aimed at changing the status of Omegas and genetic diseases, the reactions in the audience varied.

Dong Kui sat stunned, gazing at Duan Chenlin, lost in thought but no longer scoffing or mocking.

Among the Omegas from various military academy teams, some whispered in relief, glad they would no longer be forced into their school's arrangements, while others worried that the so-called public hospitals were just for show, fearing they would still be compelled to undertake obligatory labor.

Alphas and Betas were caught off guard, their faces filled with discomfort about the changing status quo and fear of an uncertain future. They worried that Omegas, already resentful towards them and reluctant to provide mental support and pheromone comfort, would no longer be available if not for the military schools' mandatory duty assignments for healing Omegas, leaving many Alpha and Beta students without treatment options.

Now, Duan Chenlin was abolishing this rule in military academies, letting Omegas decide if they want to volunteer at public hospitals. This left Alphas and Betas without their last safeguard, fearing they would helplessly watch their genetic diseases manifest and suffer unto death.

Alpha and Beta students were almost in despair, and the expressions of the military academy team coaches sitting nearby were extremely grave, not optimistic about the future implications of this move.

What caught Queqiu's attention the most was the reaction of the noble representative, Jacquely.

He had been discreetly observing Jacquely, and after Duan Chenlin finished his speech, this usually graceful and dignified noble's eyes flashed with a cold light, seemingly deeply dissatisfied with every word Duan Chenlin said.

However, his displeasure was fleeting, and moments later, he regained his usual refined and amiable demeanor, as if the contrast Queqiu had just witnessed was merely an illusion.

Yet, through such subtle observations, Queqiu concluded: It seemed Morfa hadn't lied; although he was born into royalty and was the first in line for succession, he hadn't colluded with the interests and class represented by the nobility, and in fact, their relationship could be considered adversarial.

This was also evident from Duan Chenlin's attitude.

After the speech, Duan Chenlin was swarmed by reporters, making it difficult for him to move. He handled the media with a smile, and from the barrage of questions, he picked one to answer.

"What prompted you to decide to implement this new legislation?"

Duan Chenlin looked at Queqiu with a smile, and the latter, sensing something, also raised his head to meet his gaze.

Then, Queqiu heard the Alpha say with a laugh: “This is a gift the Marshal wishes to give to the Omegas, and likewise, it is a gift I too wish to give to them.”

Duan Chenlin did not specify whether he was referring to Omegas as individuals or as a collective, nor which individual Omega if that was the case. But his mention of Duan Chensen made Queqiu certain that he himself was the Omega in question.

A memory flashed through Queqiu’s mind, from when he first arrived in this world and faced the reality of genetic diseases and their underlying darkness, feeling emotionally overwhelmed and dejected.

At that time, it was Mao Mao, in his larval stage, who provided him with stable emotional support.

The tiny caterpillar earnestly patted the Omega's back, consoling in a childlike voice: “If Mommy doesn’t like this world, then I will change it for Mommy.”

At that time, Queqiu didn’t know the true identity of Mao Mao, not even aware that this seemingly weak and small creature could transform into a butterfly; he simply saw him as a pitiful, genetically frail caterpillar Alpha, a youngster dependent on his mother.

While Queqiu felt warmth from Mao Mao’s words, he didn't take the child's promise seriously.

And now, Duan Chenlin said that this was a gift from Duan Chensen to him.

Queqiu wasn’t sure how much of what this Alpha, who spouted nonsense upon their first meeting, said was true or false, but since he mentioned Duan Chensen, Morfa, Mao Mao, Queqiu chose to believe him.

Not in Duan Chenlin, but in his little caterpillar, his little butterfly.

The new regulation announced by Duan Chenlin at the award ceremony of the military academy league's individual competition struck like a bolt from the blue, causing tumult in an Empire unaccustomed to change, bringing to light many hidden issues and contradictions that now had to be confronted by Alphas, Betas, and Omegas together.

But this was just the first step.

*

"You've already made such a mess of the first step, how do you plan to embarrass yourselves next?!"

A male voice, heavy with anger, leaked through the slightly ajar door. Even Liuchangming, who had just arrived, heard it clearly and soon, a mysterious smile appeared on his lips.

The moment he pushed the door open, his gaze shifted, narrowly avoiding the flying ceramic shards, and even slicing a few strands of his hair as he dodged.

The scolding inside the room didn't diminish with Liuchangming's arrival. Instead, the next second, he heard a crisp slap: "Worthless!"

Felix was struck to the ground by Jacky's forceful slap, the taste of iron rapidly spreading in his mouth as blood trickled from the corner of his bruised lips.

"An S-ranked combat Alpha, losing to an Omega is bad enough, but to lose so disgracefully, dragging the school down with you. The reputation we've built over the years, ruined in an instant by you. Calling you useless is an understatement."

As the superior's cold words poured out, even someone as proud as Felix lowered his head, tears shimmering in his eyes, yet still forcing himself to endure the pain, whispering, "Yes... You're right in your reprimand."

"I am... worthless."

Although both were slaps and verbal humiliations, Felix felt that Jackley's humiliation was somehow more embarrassing than Qiu's public shaming.

Liuchangming's narrow phoenix eyes scanned the room. Apart from Felix, with his bruised cheek and bloodied mouth, other students from the Empire's First Military Academy were present, all intimidated by Jackley's volatile and thunderous mood.

Seeing this, Liuchangming smiled, trying to ease the tension. He first reassured Jackley, "Victory and defeat are common in war; no need to dwell on it," then helped Felix up from the ground, gently wiping the blood from his mouth with his handkerchief, asking softly, "Are you alright?"

Almost everyone in the Empire knew Liuchangming. Before Qiu's appearance, he was the epitome of Omegas, holding a high status and reputation throughout the Empire.

Felix was surprised to see such an important figure before him, and even more so by his gentle treatment, feeling touched and slightly awkward as he backed away and stood up on his own.

He sincerely thanked Liuchangming: "No, I'm fine, thank you."

Liuchangming smiled at him, put away his handkerchief, and turned to Jackley.

Upon his entrance, the originally tense and oppressive atmosphere in the conference room eased considerably, even Jacquely, who had been lashing out at them, toned down his aggression.

Seeing this, the Alphas all breathed a sigh of relief: at least they wouldn't have to bear the brunt of his fury like Felix did.

However, upon seeing Liu Changming, Dong Kui involuntarily shivered, too afraid to look at him directly like the others, and tried his best to make himself inconspicuous, fearful of being noticed.

Unfortunately, despite his efforts to avoid attention, Dong Kui still felt that familiar, intimidating gaze land on him, though it didn’t linger long before moving away.

Nevertheless, any action related to Liu Changming triggered a psychological stress response in Dong Kui.

“Why are you here?”

In response to Jacquely's emotionless inquiry, Liu Changming smiled, “Of course, it's about that little Omega.”

Little Omega?

Was it Queqiu?

Felix felt somewhat dazed upon hearing Liu Changming mention Queqiu.

Jacquely gave him a deep look, filled with disgust and disdain, which instantly sobered Felix up. He understood that Jacquely found him bothersome, not aware of his current thoughts, but under such a gaze, he could only lower his head in embarrassment.

The room fell silent for a moment before Jacquely scoffed, “All of you, get out.”

His words were like a pardon for the Alphas who felt like they were on pins and needles, relaxing instantly and rushing to leave. Dong Kui, following behind Felix, also tried to leave, but after only half a step, a voice behind him made his skin crawl.

“Dong Kui, stay.”

It was Liu Changming speaking, his tone rising at the end, seemingly with a gentle smile, yet it sent chills down Dong Kui's spine.

Felix glanced curiously at the trembling sunflower Omega, puzzled by his unusual behavior, but knowing it wasn’t his place to ask, he paused briefly before leaving the conference room.

Soon, the few Alphas left the room in a hurry, leaving the once crowded conference room suddenly spacious, with only Jacquely, Liu Changming, and Dong Kui remaining.

“Speak up, what are your plans?” Jacquely turned to sit at the head of the table, legs crossed, looking down at the two Omegas.

Liu Changming paused at this, his gaze flickering slightly, but showed no displeasure and continued smiling, “It's time to reel in the net.”

“Can you be sure that he is truly different from the Omegas of this Empire?”

Without waiting for Liu Changming to answer, Jacquely continued, “You must understand, if we cooperate with your plan and it fails, I will suffer immense losses, and it could even throw the entire Empire into chaos.”

He lifted his eyelids, giving the tall, black-haired Omega a cursory glance.

“I want a deal that's absolutely risk-free and profitable.”

“Of course, I have sufficient evidence to prove that compared to the Omegas of the Empire, the genes Queqiu carries are more akin to the evolved genetics we seek and far surpass the most ideal evolved genetics.”

Liu Changming was unruffled by Jacquely’s skepticism, calmly presenting his new discoveries about Queqiu.

“Including this A-ranked Omega in front of you, who actually was B-ranked after the successful experiment. It was only after meeting that little Omega on the Erebiz vessel that his genetic rank suddenly changed.”

“Furthermore, the first-generation comfort agents he created are very effective in suppressing and even curing genetic diseases; he has also healed Alphas with genetic disease outbreaks. However, this information came from a spy in the Dark Star Military Academy, and its veracity remains to be verified.”

Their conversation was cryptic, leaving Dong Kui somewhat bewildered. But no matter how convoluted their words, they couldn’t escape one topic: Queqiu.

Dong Kui frowned secretly, pondering their intentions. It seemed they had been eyeing Queqiu for a long time, and now, were they planning to harm him?

Lost in thought, he was startled when someone called his name. Lifting his head, he met Liu Changming’s gaze directly.

Confronted with those deep, unfathomable eyes, dark as the night, Dong Kui shivered and timidly responded.

Jacquely watched Dong Kui and Liu Changming with amusement, smiling, “This little thing you’ve created seems quite scared of you.”

Liu Changming remained noncommittal, “He has always been timid, even back in the lab. But as you know, he’s the only experimental subject who has survived so far in the ‘Bloom Project.’”

Dong Kui felt a different kind of embarrassment than Felix — in the eyes of these two men, he was not regarded as a person, but as an "item."

A successful "experiment" that could prove some sort of conclusion.

The more uneasy Dong Kui felt in front of Jacquely and Liu Changming, the more he longed for the times spent with Queqiu, who, despite always being aloof, didn't talk much or smile, yet provided him with an indescribably comfortable feeling.

He did not like being in the presence of these high-ranking, influential individuals who were revered by others.

“With the addition of that little Omega, is it possible to mass-produce more high-ranking Omegas?” Jacquely inquired.

Liu Changming nodded as a matter of course: “Certainly, it's beyond doubt. So, our current task is to expose his true identity to the entire Empire and elevate him to the highest position. Only then can we achieve our goal.”

Hearing this, Dong Kui abruptly lifted his head, looking at them in shock.

Why... when discussing this topic, did their attitude towards Omegas seem like discussing how to mass-produce more superior, qualified products?!

And Queqiu was involved in this.

Dong Kui's reaction was disregarded by the two men; Jacquely, excitedly, asked Liu Changming, “If I combine with such a special Omega, could I sire offspring surpassing the royal bloodline?!”

“Your Excellency, you are the highest-ranked Alpha in the entire Empire, second only to Marshal Duan.” Liu Changming didn't directly answer Jacquely's question, but his response clearly pleased the Duke.

“Monopolizing high-ranking Omega resources is akin to controlling the lifeline of the Empire’s Alphas and Betas; combining with that little Omega, I could sire superior heirs, replace the current royal family, and become the true master of this Empire.”

A simple calculation revealed it to be a lucrative and highly profitable venture.

Jacquely, no longer hesitant or evasive, his green eyes glinting with grand ambition and determined resolve.

“Arrange everything, I will ensure full cooperation from my end.”

Before leaving, Jacquely reminded Liu Changming again, “Remember, I want a foolproof plan.”

Liu Changming nodded, “Rest assured, the final outcome will surely satisfy you immensely.”

After Jacquely left, the vast conference room was left with only Liu Changming and Dong Kui.

The black-haired Omega remained facing the direction where Jacquely had left. Though he didn't speak, Dong Kui knew that being left alone meant he had something to say to him.

As expected, after a brief silence, Liu Changming turned around, first observing Dong Kui with a smile that made him feel uneasy, then said, "Do you know how many Alphas can be affected by the pheromones released during an A-ranked Omega's estrus?"

Caught off guard by this question, Dong Kui didn't understand why Liu Changming would suddenly bring up estrus. He was slow to respond.

Seeing this, Liu Changming didn't reprimand him but instead stepped closer, fixing the stray hair on Dong Kui’s forehead.

“What’s wrong? Are you so nervous around me that your hair is wet?”

“No, not at all…” Dong Kui quickly lowered his head, not wanting Liu Changming to touch him, yet not daring to refuse directly, nor even to resist a bit more assertively.

To outsiders, the always gentle and rational Omega was akin to a flood or a wild beast in Dong Kui's eyes.

Liu Changming paused his movements, withdrawing his hand nonchalantly and said lightly, “Both Alphas and Omegas undergo their most intense estrus after reaching adulthood. After this, it occurs annually.”

“It's somewhat similar to animals that mate once a year, or plants that bloom and bear fruit annually.”

He paused briefly, then asked Dong Kui, “Have you gone through your estrus this year?”

Hearing this, Dong Kui incredulously lifted his head, while Liu Changming kept smiling at him.

Even as Dong Kui was shocked and slow to respond, the black-haired Omega didn't show any displeasure, just silently urging him with his gaze to answer the question.

“I... I already went through my estrus a couple of months ago,” Dong Kui said, his voice getting quieter as he spoke, seemingly embarrassed by the question.

“Oh, is that so,” Liu Changming nodded, murmuring to himself, “That little Omega probably hasn't experienced his first estrus after reaching adulthood. But from our few encounters, the scent of the pheromones he produces seems increasingly intense. Calculating the days, it should be approaching soon.”

Dong Kui's eyes widened in surprise, and even the sunflower on his head stood upright.

What does he mean?! Why is he calculating Queqiu's estrus period?!

Before Dong Kui could linger on his shock, Liu Changming continued, “If an A-ranked Omega enters estrus amidst a crowd and it isn’t properly managed, it can trigger a group estrus. It's uncertain what the consequences would be for an S-ranked Omega entering estrus. However, it’s unlikely to be weaker than an A-ranked Omega.”

With these words, and thinking of the upcoming team competition in a few days, Dong Kui realized what Liu Changming and Jacquely meant by “reeling in the net.”

The participating teams include tens of thousands of individuals, with over a hundred thousand Alphas and Omegas, maybe even more...

And just to expose what they call Queqiu’s true identity, they are willing to disregard the safety of so many people—

His lips turned extremely pale in an instant, unable to fathom the horrific consequences of an A-ranked Omega entering estrus in such a densely populated environment.

A group estrus?

That might be... the least of the potential outcomes.

And that A-ranked Omega...

It is none other than himself.

Dong Kui couldn’t bear to imagine such a scenario, nor did he want to be coerced into becoming an accomplice.

Incredulously, he looked at Liu Changming, lips trembling as he said, “But, but my estrus has already passed, and besides, the Alphas in the military academy all wear restraining collars. Even if I enter estrus, my pheromones wouldn’t affect them, so, so…”

He was so flustered that he spoke without thinking, while Liu Changming just stood by, watching his struggle and panic like a bystander enjoying the spectacle, even looking quite entertained in his deep, dark eyes, seemingly satisfied with the performance.

It was like being suddenly doused with a bucket of ice water in the dead of winter, Dong Kui inexplicably calmed down.

Since they have already gone to such insane lengths to cause such large-scale turmoil, they must have already planned everything meticulously, and he needn’t worry about the steps and processes to achieve it.

After all...

He was just an experimental subject of Liu Changming, a mere insignificant pawn.

Dong Kui suddenly became calm, no longer attempting to struggle or defend himself, silently accepting everything that was about to befall him.

Seeing this, Liu Changming caressed Dong Kui's cheek with satisfaction, his smile gentle, his voice soft and soothing.

“When you return, you’ll find a syringe by your bed containing a drug that can induce estrus. It might hurt a bit when you inject it, but remember to use it. In the team competition two days from now, I want to see some ‘accidents’.”

He gazed at Dong Kui with rapture, but it was as if he was not really looking at him, but through him, at someone else.

“Good boy, you’ve always been the most obedient child. Everything we are doing now is for the future of the Empire and the Omegas.”

Author’s note:

New character unlocked √

The great noble Jacquely, an SS-ranked Alpha, dreams of taking over the Empire and the wife of the man in the short shirt.