Chapter 116

Chapter 116

Setting aside the relationship between Duan Chensen and Queqiu, for the people of the Dark Star Military Academy, the most important thing right now was Queqiu himself.

As the kids interacted, leaving no room for the adults to chime in, Duan Chensen stepped out; after a brief exchange of pleasantries, Anweiran also left the space to Queqiu, Youbuwei, and the others.

Stepping out for air, he looked up to see the general, known only from interviews and war reports, the future master of the empire, lazily leaning on the railing, gazing boredly at the garden below.

Seeing him like this...

Anweiran thought, he rather resembled a parent waiting for their child to finish saying goodbye to friends after school.

On noticing him, the other's gaze paused, his demeanor not as cold-blooded and bloodthirsty as the rumors suggested, but rather, he seemed quite interested in observing him.

The pervasive top-tier pheromone constantly asserted Duan Chensen's presence as the most dominant Alpha of the empire.

"Are you Queqiu's instructor?" Duan Chensen raised an eyebrow, "Care for a chat?"

Very well.

Anweiran thought expressionlessly, now it was the phase where the head teacher is stopped to inquire about how their child is performing in school.

He nodded, accepting Duan Chensen's invitation.

Inside the room, Queqiu's teammates, who hadn't seen him for over a week and were unaware of his condition, were extremely worried. They quickly made room for him, sitting him down, scrutinizing him repeatedly and meticulously, finally relaxing only after ensuring he was alright.

"It's such a relief that you're okay. Everyone was in terrible shape at that time, and we couldn't look after you. By the time we came to our senses, you had already been taken away by General Duan," He Mingri said, patting his chest and exhaling deeply.

Oulfe, with his fiery red fox ears, looked at Queqiu with admiration: "Back then, we were all caught in a chaotic collective rut, suffering terribly due to the disrupted pheromones. We thought we might not make it through the team match, but to our surprise, you, our chief, managed to save so many of us!"

"After you were taken away unconscious, you became a sensation across the empire. Now, there's no one who doesn't know your name. During your absence, hordes of reporters camped outside the palace every day. We were chased and blocked every time we stepped out, all seeking exclusive scoops about you," Figo told Queqiu, "And many representatives from other military academies didn't leave after the competition. They visited our dorm thrice a day, craning their necks eagerly at your room, and no matter how many times we said 'we don’t know his condition,' they kept coming back."

Dole helplessly said, "So, we eventually stopped going out and just hid in Instructor An's room all day."

Queqiu was speechless.

"No wonder you all are here."

From his teammates, Queqiu learned about many things that happened during his unconsciousness, which matched what Duan Chensen had told him.

The Alphas and Betas chattered like sparrows together, but Youbuwei, usually talkative, sat aside this time, not joining in the conversation.

He sat quietly in a dark corner, gazing distantly at Queqiu's bright and fair profile, his eyes deep and thoughtful.

"We've known each other for so long, but I never knew, Queqiu, that you were such a precious rose," Figo exclaimed, "Xufeng and Tang Butian even video-called me, excitedly saying that everyone at school also saw your spectacular moment on the live broadcast. Now, your huge posters are everywhere on the Dark Star streets, especially around our school, where your promotions are visible everywhere."

Busy with the military academy competition, Queqiu had little time to attend to his own matters and hadn't heard these two names, which he used to hear daily, for a while.

"How are they doing?"

"They're fine, just missing you a lot. They keep pestering me, asking where you are, wondering if I've hidden you away," Figo laughed, "The task you entrusted to them, they've done it very well, and now it has expanded beyond the Dark Star's markets."

Hearing that Canary was being managed well, Queqiu felt relieved.

"I miss them too. Once I have some free time, I'll video call them."

Upon hearing this, Figo was taken aback: The implication of those words...

"Queqiu, aren't you coming back to Dark Star with us?"

But no sooner had he asked this than Figo realized he might as well have asked a foolish question.

Even without such a special, esteemed status, not to mention being a combat series S-level Omega—a unique genetic rank throughout the empire—just his dazzling achievement as the individual champion of the military academy league was enough to make him a figure of admiration.

He had always tried hard to keep up with Queqiu, but this seemingly delicate Omega was in fact more outstanding than any genius. He soared too high, too fast, and Figo, being ordinary, knew all too well that no matter how hard he tried, he could never catch up.

They had supported each other along the way to this point, but eventually, they would have to embrace different paths in life and part ways at a crossroads.

Queqiu didn't quite know how to respond, but after a moment, he simply hummed in affirmation.

He summarized briefly: "I still have some things to take care of, so I'll be staying on the capital star."

It was an expected answer.

Figo fell silent.

The team competition in the military academy league was likely to be their last battle side by side.

The others simply stared at Queqiu in silence.

They hadn't spent much time with this beautiful and powerful Omega, only about two months during the military academy league, but even in such a short span, they had developed a deep camaraderie. Their admiration and respect for Queqiu, their indulgence and affection, all stemmed from their genuine feelings towards him.

They were truly captivated by the Omega's own charm, not because of his genetic rank or special status.

But now, it seemed, it was time to say goodbye.

Figo was the first to snap out of it. Initially, his expression was a bit frantic, but he quickly composed himself and said to Queqiu with a forced smile: "I always knew your brilliance would one day be admired by the entire empire when we were on Dark Star. I just didn't expect that day to come so soon."

And the luckiest thing was that he had accompanied his little princess to witness all these.

This journey, sparkling with stars, ended in a flourish of blooming flowers, and Figo was Queqiu's best audience.

He was already very content.

He Mingri sniffed, his voice slightly choked, but he was smiling happily, showing his large hippo-like teeth: "Chief, you just stay peacefully on the capital star, don't worry about us. Dark Star is now the hottest planet because of you, and many on the Star Web have changed their views about us."

Li Congyan felt as if his glasses had fogged up, blurring his view of Queqiu across from him, but he just smiled and said: "Chief, you are the best, most charismatic leader I've ever met."

Oulfe, recalling his first meeting with Queqiu, was amazed that in just half a year, this Omega had grown to such a stature that one had to look up to see his brilliance.

"I remember advising you against choosing the combat series, suggesting that the healing series was more suitable for you. But back then, you told me to trust you. I've always remembered that, so no matter what happened, under any circumstance, I believed in you, just like you once told me," Oulfe said, "Although I don’t know what you still need to do, I believe you will definitely succeed."

Dole, being slightly older and perhaps having seen more of such scenarios, wasn't too sentimental. He simply offered his heartfelt wishes: "You are the most outstanding Omega I've met, and also the most exceptional combat series chief. Whatever you wish to do, at least the teachers and students of Dark Star Military Academy will always support you."

So, please go ahead with confidence and bravery, do what you feel is right.

The Alphas looked at Queqiu with earnest eyes. In that moment, their gaze held a mix of reluctance to part with a teammate, admiration for an idol, and a reverence akin to that for a deity.

Queqiu felt the atmosphere of parting, a kind of sadness different yet somewhat similar to when he was forced to separate from Morfa.

He knew that one day he would meet Morfa again; it was just a temporary goodbye. But with these teammates before him, it was uncertain if they would ever meet again, and if so, under what circumstances and with what experiences.

Despite the deep reluctance, they all understood that no matter how many years passed or what happened, stripping away those noble titles and ranks, they would always be teammates who had fought side by side, leaving their mark in the military academy league, creating brilliance both for Dark Star Military Academy and for themselves.

There's only one champion, and only one person who will be remembered and revered by the entire empire. But the champion doesn't fight alone; behind him are teammates who forever support him.

Queqiu looked at each face from Dark Star Military Academy, engraving them in his memory. This farewell was just like leaving the academy; he was reluctant to leave the familiar scenery, yet he knew the most beautiful views were always ahead.

He would keep moving forward without cease.

When his gaze fell upon Youbuwei, Queqiu paused.

Only then did he realize that Youbuwei had been watching him all along, and their eyes met as he looked over.

There was something hidden in those eyes that he couldn't quite discern, and he was somewhat afraid to look deeper.

Queqiu remembered all the moments he shared with Youbuwei, recalling the many jokes he had made, but never a serious confession of liking.

So, Queqiu naturally assumed that Youbuwei didn't have feelings for him.

Youbuwei had been silent all along, even now, just quietly watching Queqiu.

His dark eyes held a long gaze, which eventually faded away.

Some words, tasted a thousand times in the heart, remained unsaid. Since they were never spoken in the past, they would remain unspoken in the future too.

Youbuwei lifted the corners of his mouth: "Princess, I wish you a future as bright as brocade."

From a distance, separated by several people, Youbuwei sat farthest from Queqiu. Watching him, the curve of Youjun Alpha's lips seemed like a smile, yet also as if suppressing tears; it was hard to discern.

Queqiu fell silent for a long while before finally responding, "I wish you a future as bright as brocade too."

Both feigning ignorance, they ended up simply exchanging wishes, concluding the moment in silence.

Amidst the somber atmosphere, the door suddenly opened. Queqiu turned around to see Anweiran entering, followed unexpectedly by Duan Chensen.

Anweiran, surprised at the gloomy students, asked, "I was gone only for a few minutes, why the tears?"

He looked towards Oulfe, who was always more emotional and was already starting to cry: "What happened?"

Figo, with drooping tiger ears, answered for Oulfe: "Queqiu isn't returning to the capital star with us, so..."

Anweiran had already guessed as much. He was amused but also touched by the deep bond among the students, eventually stepping aside to reveal Duan Chensen.

Duan Chensen had followed Queqiu in earlier, but everyone had been focused on Queqiu then, overlooking him. Seeing this significant figure again, whom they had only seen on TV, they quickly stood up, nervously performing a crisp military salute and said in unison, "Good day, General!"

Duan Chensen returned the salute, speaking gravely: "Hello to you all."

Anweiran spoke: "General Duan just discussed with me. He watched this year's military academy league and was impressed by your performance. Therefore, he has approved that anyone who wishes to stay on the capital star may do so."

Before he finished speaking, a wave of immense joy erupted in the eyes of the Dark Star Military Academy students, instantly dispelling the gloomy atmosphere. They latched onto the most important part of Anweiran's words: staying on the capital star!

They could actually stay on the capital star!

Figo's round ears perked up in disbelief and then, in a burst of ecstatic joy, he rushed to Queqiu, exclaiming: "Queqiu, did you hear that? We can stay on the capital star, I can still be with you!"

For Figo, this was even more exhilarating than winning the team championship!

Youbuwei also quietly heaved a sigh of relief.

Everyone joyfully embraced each other, their initial perception of Duan Chensen as intimidating and formidable now shifted to seeing him akin to a great philanthropist.

Surrounded by the crowd, Queqiu looked up at Duan Chensen amidst the rising cheers. Taking advantage of the moment when no one was looking, Duan Chensen quickly turned playful, lifting his slender index and middle finger to his lips and blowing a kiss to Queqiu.

His eyes gleamed with pride, like a chest-puffed dog unabashedly signaling: 'Wife, praise me now.'

Queqiu knew Duan Chensen was considering his well-being. Unable to return a kiss in front of so many, he still managed a subtle response.

He slightly lifted the corners of his lips, smiling gently at Duan Chensen, filling the Alpha’s heart with sweetness as if he had consumed a hundred pounds of honey.

Anweiran watched the students, hugging joyfully, his eyes unconsciously revealing affection and nostalgia.

Unexpectedly, he recalled the words Duan Chensen had said to him. Such a powerful, illustrious general also expressed his acknowledgment of him.

However, Anweiran ultimately declined Duan Chensen’s invitation to join the prestigious First Legion, choosing instead to return to Dark Star Military Academy to continue his teaching duties.

He had once urged Queqiu to go to the capital star for the military academy league, to shine on a bigger stage; he had also shown his longing for the capital star.

But in the end, Anweiran decided to return to that remote, less developed planet.

Preparing to return with him were Oulfe, Li Congyan, and He Mingri. Figo wanted to stay on the capital star with Queqiu, while Youbuwei expressed his desire to enjoy the bustling city a bit longer. Dole, nearing graduation and able to join the military, saw it as a great opportunity.

"I don’t have grand ambitions, and Xiao Yan and Mingri have lower genetic ranks, so it's better to return to Dark Star than stay on the capital star," explained the group planning to return. Oulfe added, "Besides, with you all staying here, someone needs to go back. After all, Dark Star Military Academy is waiting for its heroes’ triumphant return!"

His words drew laughter from everyone. Queqiu, smiling, joined in, making Duan Chensen feel a tickle in his heart.

After some more laughs and talks, Queqiu waved goodbye to Anweiran and his teammates, leaving the Dark Star Military Academy dormitory with Duan Chensen.

Stepping out, they realized the sky had already darkened, a perfect cover to explore the city.

As they were about to leave the palace, Duan Chensen magically produced two pheromone-blocking patches, saying to Queqiu, "Do you remember when we went to the Dark Star black market to sell comfort agents? How about we play Beta lovers again tonight?"

Queqiu took the pheromone-blocking patch, peeling the packaging and sticking it on his nape as he walked forward, speaking nonchalantly, "Pretend?"

"Aren't we a real couple?"

This was the first time Duan Chensen heard such words from him, leaving him momentarily stunned, standing with the pheromone patch in hand, mouth agape.

Queqiu’s hair had grown longer, enough to completely conceal the patch from view. He walked a few steps ahead, noticing the absence of footsteps behind him. Turning back, he saw Duan Chensen in such a dazed state.

Internally amused by his silly demeanor, Queqiu maintained a serious facade: “What, you think we’re not a real couple?”

Duan Chensen seemed to snap back to reality, stepping forward with a grin, encircling Queqiu’s slender waist and planting a kiss on his petal-like lips, nibbling gently.

“Right, we’re not just a real couple.”

He looked more triumphant than after a victorious battle: “We are like a butterfly and a rose, a natural pair.”

Queqiu struggled a bit in his arms: “Don’t flatter yourself too much.”

“You’re dressed too conspicuously today; even at night, it's easy to get recognized,” Duan Chensen tightened his embrace, “I’ll shield you, so we can avoid any trouble.”

Queqiu paused, considering the logic in his words, and ceased struggling.

However, if he spoke with a more serious expression, his words might have been more convincing.

In this world, people were generally tall, even the Omegas, who were commonly perceived as delicate, were around 1.8 or 1.9 meters tall. Duan Chensen, as a top-tier Alpha, naturally stood out with his height and physique.

With one arm, he could completely envelop Queqiu in his embrace, making the comparatively delicate rose, even in a bright white dress, completely hidden from view.

Sheltered in such a warm and strong embrace, Queqiu felt a sense of security, as if being well protected.

Together, their silhouettes appeared to be the most perfectly matched pair.

Unlike the harsh, howling winds on the Gobi of Dark Star, the evening breeze on the capital star gently brushed through the neon-lit, bustling city streets, carrying a tender yet intoxicating allure.

Queqiu had viewed the city's nightscape from a hovercar on his first night on the capital star. This time, while the urban area remained bustling, there was something more amidst the glamour.

The most striking feature was the buildings along the streets adorned with enormous posters of Queqiu. Looking up, the posters stretched so far that they seemed endless.

These were his posters from various stages of the military academy league, extending continuously as far as the eye could see. The dazzling golden hair and golden eyes on the posters had become Queqiu's signature, also setting the trend for the empire's current aesthetic preference.

Along the way, Queqiu saw numerous passersby with dyed golden hair and gold-colored contact lenses, regardless of whether they were Alpha, Beta, or Omega.

"Those might not be contacts. Many people want permanent golden eyes and have undergone surgery to change their eye color," explained Duan Chensen, "In this past week, cosmetic surgery clinics across the empire have seen the highest popularity."

The empire's adoration for Queqiu had reached a frenetic level.

Due to his iconic golden hair and eyes, gold had become the most revered color in the empire. Many people deliberately chose golden clothes and accessories, even altering their hair and eye color to match Queqiu's, finding ways to feel closer to him.

The beautiful, sacred Canary Rose, akin to the sun, was also highly sought after. Even those who had never seen it would unhesitatingly declare their favorite flower as 'the Canary'.

Additionally, many bridges were adorned with banners about Queqiu, mostly containing lavish praises for him. The most widely used phrase, and also their nickname for Queqiu, was—

"The Sun of the Empire."

Author's note:

Hehe, we're entering the final phase.

(Topple the nobility! Bring new hope to the empire!)