Chapter 82: Isn’t This a Kind of Mass Sending?

Chapter 82: Isn’t This Just Another Group Broadcast?

His Majesty, whose ears were still ringing from the little one’s wails, had initially tried to coax the child into putting the crown down properly, but in the end, he surrendered to the inevitable.

A feverish, delirious toddler wasn’t in any state to listen to reason.

And right now, the kid just wouldn’t stop talking.

Little Chuzao wasn’t the same kid anymore who used to hide his grievances, afraid his guardians would think him disobedient or unruly.

It had taken Amos immense effort to scrub away the taint the angel had left on the child.

And the results were remarkable.

During the journey to rendezvous with the medical center, Amos held the child the entire time, listening to the double barrage of noise—both in his ears and his head.

He still remembered to replace the damp towel on the little one’s forehead to cool him down during this period.

By the time Amos’s ship linked up with the medical center’s starship, the child seemed exhausted. He was still unwell, his small body curled up in Amos’s arms, his earlier energy fading into feeble, broken murmurs.

"Your Majesty!"

The med team snapped into action.

In truth, Little Chuzao had already undergone basic examinations in the warship’s medical unit.

His vitals were steady, but his temperature kept rising with no signs of dropping.

External medications from the medical pod and oral treatments had been administered, but none had any effect.

A full psych eval would be needed before a proper cooling strategy could be determined.

Amos paused briefly before looking up at the medical team.

Holding the kid close, he hurried through the connecting passageway to the other starship.

At that moment, Finn was en route with the Grail Clan’s fleet, while Lynn, too worried to sit tight, had handed off mopping up and chasing stragglers to Frey and Fei Man after confirming no further threats from the Aberrant Beast Legion. He, too, was rushing over.

And, of course, there was Ayala’s team, escorting the research unit back for repairs.

The Saint Cas system was now swarming with troops.

Little Chuzao was taken away for further examinations.

He looked dead on his feet, eyes glazed over, barely open as he cooperated with the procedures.

Amos kept close watch from nearby, listening to their reports.

"The Grail Clan’s little lord is also aboard the starship. His Highness Finn’s flagship has arrived and docking procedures are underway. We’ll first send personnel to check on the Holy Grail Chieftain’s status before making further decisions."

Amos nodded.

"Make it happen."

"At once, Your Majesty!"

Amos raised his hand and pressed the acupressure points on his temples.

His mind was rarely quiet for a moment, leaving him in a daze. The frustration with no outlet, stemming from his little one nearly getting into trouble again the moment he left his sight, had been smoothed over by the little one's tearful duet, leaving him numb.

Who was the culprit behind all this...?

Well, the one most responsible was undoubtedly Storm, who was now dead and gone without a trace. But there was also...

"Second Brother, how's Zao Zao doing?"

Finn irritably ruffled his black hair. He had just arrived through the connection port, his expression clearly annoyed.

"I'm so unlucky. Why can't I ever reach my destination when I go out?"

Last time, he stumbled into those goddamn revolutionaries.

This time was even better—he ended up right in the middle of a horde of alien beasts, somehow managing to salvage the Grail Clan's starship that was about to self-destruct. And now they were saying that under these circumstances, the Grail Clan's secret, passed down for who-knows-how-many generations, had to be handed over to the Crown Clan.

Like they'd lost their minds.

Finn heaved a long sigh.

His footsteps suddenly halted.

Because at that moment, he saw both Amos and An Ya turn to look at him, their expressions were... a little off.

Finn's usually sullen doll-like face froze in confusion.

What... was this?

Why were they both looking at him like that?

And—

Finn caught a faint whiff of blood in the air, spotting the torn fabric on An Ya's shoulder.

He instinctively barked a laugh, teasing his youngest brother, "What? And you call yourself reliable? Got hurt—?"

An Ya couldn't help but roll his eyes at him.

Finn then glanced at Amos. "Second Brother, what's wrong? Why do you look and react like—"

Amos was always in peak condition. Even if his powers were acting up, he usually hid and suppressed it well, rarely letting them notice anything.

But now, Amos's eyes glazed over, and his reactions were slightly sluggish.

At this, An Ya couldn't hold back a laugh.

"Zao Zao was burning up and wound Second Brother's psychic thread tightly around his own crown. He whined his way into Second Brother's guilt the whole way, bawling and tattling."

"So now, Second Brother can't hear very well? His head's buzzing?"

Finn asked curiously.

"Archers can rush in point-blank—"

Suddenly, Amos spoke.

"When the hell did you teach Zao Zao that?"

Finn: ...

Finn's baby face looked dumbfounded for a moment.

What?

Amos had already stood up, reaching out to grab Finn by the back of his collar—dragging him toward the training room.

Finn: ...?

Finn: !!!!

"Second Brother, archers *can* rush in for melee! I do it all the time, Second Brother! Isn't that right? Okay, fine, I admit I taught him a bit early, but Zao Zao's a quick learner—ow—Second Brother, I *know* you can hear me, don’t pretend you can’t—ow—"

An Ya peeked in, tutted twice, and casually closed the training room door.

Oof. That’s rough.

Meanwhile, in another room on the starship.

The young Grail Clan member, Derek, was clinging to the doorway. The teenage boy could already sense the faint presence of his father and cautiously asked the medical staff from Saint Cas,

"Is my dad here? Is he... not doing well?"

Though he always acted tough, the truth was that he had been sheltered by his father and had a tendency to burst into tears uncontrollably. The boy wiped his eyes over and over.

"H-Hold on, don’t panic yet. The senior doctors are still assessing the condition of Holy Grail Tribe Chieftain Cavenaugh. Until then, you can’t see your father."

The medic hurriedly handed him tissues, watching the boy sob quietly, huddled into a ball, murmuring "Dad."

The medical staff couldn’t stand it either.

She couldn’t bring herself to say much more—Saint Cas’ medical center had conducted in-depth research on mental energy, but its decline was nearly irreversible, only manageable to slow the progression.

From the latest reports, the Grail Clan members aboard that starship were in grave condition.

...

Meanwhile, in another corner of the galaxy.

"Did everything just... stop?"

Shenghua perched on top of the mechanical vehicle, nervously browsing the star-net.

She hid her worry well.

Beside her, a pale boy with heavy dark circles under his eyes peered over.

This area hadn’t suffered many beast attacks.

Seeing the headlines—"Full-Scale Counterattack, No Casualties in Saint Cas"—and spotting the Crown Clan in the accompanying images, he clicked his tongue and easily jumped down, grumbling, "Boring."

Shenghua watched the back of this suddenly disinterested figure and smirked slightly.

She thought that while he was dangerous, he was also ridiculously easy to read—likely because, to keep him under control, the Hymn Organization had never taught him anything beyond mindless obedience. Despite being older than her, he was an open book.

And unfortunately—having been born into a noble family and received a full aristocratic education in her youth—Shenghua gave a quiet scoff. Her late father had once remarked that of all her skills, she excelled most in manipulating people.

Shenghua lowered her head again.

Looking at the images on the Starnet.

Amidst the ruins, the Crown Clan stood tall. The glow of the spiritual energy arrow shot by Xiao Chuzao had yet to fully dissipate as he looked up at the sky. Behind him, Saint Casians were rushing toward him.

Further back was the silhouette of the Crown Clan’s sovereign cradling Xiao Chuzao, with An Ya standing behind them.

Shenghua had once stood at great heights and had also fallen to the lowest depths. She’d wondered whether the ideals she’d yearned for as a child—the ideals she had been taught—even existed in this world.

During her time drifting across the rogue planet, she couldn’t be sure.

But now, she was beginning to see something different—piece by piece, culminating now.

There wasn’t much she could do, nor was she sure it would make a difference, but she had found a direction.

Shenghua cast another feigned casual glance at Xi’s retreating figure. She didn’t dare save any images, nor did she check the discussions beneath them.

Instead, she opened the last picture—the one of Amos holding Xiao Chuzao.

She zoomed in, trying to examine the little one in Amos’ arms from every angle—was he hurt? How was he being held?

Ugh, why no front view?!

*

"Are they all confirmed to be retreating?"

On the warship escort returning the research vessel,

a Crown Clan member with dark-skinned, looking every bit the brute, stood before the command deck.

"Yes, Prince Ayala."

His adjutant responded swiftly.

"We’ve received word from the Empire. It’s been confirmed that the Aberrant Beasts have a commander outranking even the Legion Commander, capable of mobilizing multiple legions for attacks. However, His Majesty has already dealt with it. Now, the Aberrant Beast Legions, having lost their leader, are scattering in retreat."

"A higher-ranked Aberrant Beast commander than the Legion Commander?"

Ayala lowered his gaze, fingertips tapping lightly on the table.

"Any other intel? Where did that thing come from?"

"Unknown, but it’s likely spawned from corruption. The Empire relayed that His Majesty has instructed further discussions upon our return."

"Understood."

Ayala wasn’t one to smile, his expression stern and intimidating, his uniform straining over his muscles, his frame powerfully built.

His crimson gaze locked onto the stars beyond.

"ETA to Amos?"

"After the next warp jump."

Ayala didn’t respond this time, still observing the vastness of space.

His thoughts also lingered on the earlier reports from the research vessel.

They had been searching for a passage—one that might lead to another uncharted sector, one without the Crown Clan.

And during that search, a roar had echoed— Whether it belonged to an Aberrant Beast or something else, none could tell.

The roar was still far from them at the time, and it was unclear whether it had any connection to the appearance of this commander. But Amos's judgment was correct.

Ayala thought to himself that no matter what was over there or what Amos's initial purpose had been, given the emergence of this high-ranking beastkin commander, they needed to explore the area as quickly as possible—

"Speed up the escort of the research starship. Notify them to go to full throttle."

"Yes!"

Meanwhile, deep within the corrupted zone, a roar echoed over a planet already fully consumed by corruption.

In a place too far from the Saint Cas Empire, it sounded like a sigh, as if drifting toward unknown realms beyond.

*

Saint Cas Imperial Star.

The Grail Clan was scrambling to manage the crisis, gradually arranging for Derek to meet his already unconscious father. The medical center's methods had lost their effectiveness on these Grail Clan members—their Holy Grails had been utterly devoured, with the last glimmer of golden light about to vanish completely, marking their impending demise.

This meant the death of the Grail Clan.

These Grail Clan members were already in their final stages, and there was no possibility of stopping this through technological means.

However, reviving the Holy Grail Tribe Chieftain, Cavenaugh, for one last meeting with Derek was still achievable.

As for Xiao Chuzao, he had just undergone a full examination.

The little cub had no significant psychic energy abnormalities—mainly exhaustion and erratic readings.

This wasn’t too surprising, as the Crown Clan had already summarized their observations: when firing Love and Peace, the little cub wouldn’t be too affected, since, thanks to the angelic race’s guidance, this was essentially his primary power source.

But when repairing the crown, the conversion and restoration of psychic energy made Xiao Chuzao particularly craving the Crown Clan’s Psychic Weapons.

Finally, there was the deadliest attack—the Black Flame arrows.

From the first time the cub used them, they had sapped his strength completely. This time, the overuse had led to fluctuations in his readings, but it was still within tolerable limits.

As for the fever—

"It’s probably just the Little Highness not fully adapting to such a massive energy release, causing backlash. Overall, it shouldn’t be a major issue. His fever should break naturally."

"His temperature isn’t dropping."

Amos responded, glancing sideways at the little cub, who was drowsily half-opening his amber eyes to look at him.

The little one was still clutching his crown like a lifeline, holding on for dear life.

But he didn’t complain anymore, too fever-dazed to protest.

The little one pouted pitifully, staring at Amos, miserable and whimpering—one hand holding the crown, the other reaching out insistently: "Dada, up!"

"Zao Zao, we’re still running tests."

The cub kept his hand outstretched—"Up!"

"Wait a little, and Daddy will hold you, okay?"

The cub’s expression shifted—"Up. Now."

Though the cub did amazingly this time, he was still sick and had been shaken up by the storm, leaving him extra clingy.

Like a sticky, squishy little mochi, he insisted on snuggling into Amos's arms.

But speaking of which—he got rejected three times?

Classic Amos.

An Ya peeked over to watch.

Finn, rubbing the lumps on his head, sat cross-legged not far away, mumbling as he pieced things together—how did this even get out?

Until Amos picked up Xiao Chuzao.

The little guy instinctively wiggled into a comfortable and suitable position in Amos's arms.

He settled in, hugging his little crown. The little one was miserable—not just the feverish dizziness and exhaustion, but also discomfort in his back and wings. But curled in Amos’s arms, he didn’t want to move, so he zoned out again, like a cute, cuddly ragdoll.

Only after Amos had got the kid comfortable did he turn his gaze to the stunned medical center staff.

It wasn’t just the Crown Clan who were helpless against their own kids.

Even the Saint Casians, who worshipped the Crown Clan fanatically, were putty in their hands too.

They all stared dumbfounded at Xiao Chuzao.

Their eyes practically sparkled with heart-eyed concern.

Those damn beasts, picking on our sweet Little Highness—how despicable.

Amos glanced over.

"He’s still feverish. Medication isn’t cutting it. Should we wait for it to subside naturally like last time?"

"Generally, that’s the case. But if we want to ease Little Highness’s burden a bit, an injection might be necessary."

A medical center member spoke up, holding out a syringe.

"Zero side effects. It’ll relieve the symptoms for a day or two, likely making Little Highness more comfortable."

But Zao Zao had never had an injection before.

Amos paused, asking them to set the syringe aside for now.

Suddenly, the cub in his arms lifted his head, as if spotting something. His honey-brown eyes, glassy with fever, shimmered with moisture, while his little wings, tucked behind him, quivered uncomfortably.

The cub’s gaze abruptly fixed on a point in midair—Amos knew right away.

He froze, watching as Xiao Chuzao reached out, grasping at the air.

No—

Amos moved to grab the cub’s wrist.

But the usually vigilant parent couldn’t react fast enough this time.

Before he knew it, the little one had already expertly seized something, wrapping it around his crown—

His little face all pouty.

Just then, Ye Ming of the Ninth Army hurried in, arriving at the doorway. Seeing Amos’s odd expression, he automatically announced, "Your Majesty, Prince Lynn and Prince Ayala have arrived—"

Setting Ayala aside for the moment—

Lynn...

Amos thought to himself.

Based on the little one's previous complaints, he quickly identified the target of the little one's whiny complaints this time—

So had his Psychic Thread been removed from Zao Zao's crown yet?

Over there, Lynn had just arrived on the starship.

He proceeded with his inquiries and arrangements methodically as planned.

Finally, he skillfully slipped unnoticed into a corner, intending to check on Xiao Chuzao's condition—then he would decide how to make his entrance based on the actual situation.

Lynn thought to himself.

He casually settled into the corner, easily hiding his presence.

Hearing that Ayala had arrived, he considered for a moment and decided to wait for him.

As Ayala stepped onto the starship, Lynn appeared.

Ayala was startled, his ruggedly handsome face showing a hint of familiarity. "Uncle Lynn, it's been a while."

"Hmm..." Lynn was keeping a straight face, about to speak to Ayala.

Suddenly, he froze.

It wasn't anything else.

At that very moment, in his mind—

A tender, childish voice, full of hurt, suddenly wailed—

"Grandpa Lynn!"

Like a bolt from the blue, it startled the unprepared Lynn, making him stumble.

Lynn rarely showed such obvious reactions.

Ayala: ?

What's wrong?

The voice in his mind continued.

"A bad guy took Zao Zao's candy, Zao Zao didn't eat it, Zao Zao hasn't eaten it yet—the one Grandpa Lynn gave Zao Zao... it's gone—"

The kid was heartbroken.

After the initial shock, Lynn couldn't keep his cool—never mind how he was discovered so quickly, the child's voice rang in his head again.

Zao Zao was on the verge of tears.

In that instant, he completely forgot to greet Ayala and spun around without hesitation, dashing toward the little one.

Damn it! What the hell were Amos and the others up to?

"Can't you guys even comfort one kid?"

Lynn, who was equally clueless about comforting children, thought with complete conviction.

Ayala reached out futilely: "Uncle... Lynn...?"

What the hell???

What's happening???

What's wrong with Lynn of the Crown Clan, usually so stern and composed?

Meanwhile, in the infirmary.

The little one pushed himself up, his little wings fluttering uncomfortably behind him, occasionally giving a little shake.

He had just caught sight of Lynn's psychic thread.

Instantly, he remembered the pretty candies Lynn had given him—Zao Zao never even got to taste them, and now they were gone.

The feverish kid, prone to emotional swings, was suddenly heartbroken, crying over losing those two special candies—this was just how unreasonable little ones could be at times.

Sitting in Amos's arms, he started bawling again.

Snitching once more—

Amos looked down at his child.

Then at the small crown atop his head, he let out a long sigh.

He rubbed his temples.

It was good that Zao Zao could act a bit more like a five-year-old, he thought, but it would be even better if the wailing wasn't ringing in his head.

Before Lynn could rush over, he leaned down once more, inspecting the area around the little one's crown—but found nothing.

Great—now he understood.

Xiao Chuzao's ability only allowed him to project his whining into others' minds, with no option to decline.

And clearly—

Seeing Lynn at the doorway, who had obviously hurried over upon hearing the child's voice, King Amos, his own head buzzing, mused—wasn't this just a form of group text?

Holding the child, King Amos was getting used to it, keeping his usual cool, collected look.

Lynn grabbed the doorframe, too scared to come in.

The Crown Clan member, who had been ready to fume about how Amos and the others had managed to upset the child, went stiff when he saw the little one, listening to the whiny tattling in his head—

He stammered, "Gramps... Gramps'll get you more, go buy some new ones—"

Two candies—no crying now, no crying—

His fault for not bringing back enough in the first place.

Xiao Chuzao remained curled in Amos's arms, this time understanding Lynn's words clearly.

The little one's cheeks were burning, his head spinning, and he looked particularly sad and wronged. His wings, uncomfortable, which had been tucked behind him, were now pulled forward a bit by his hands to cover his face.

Despite his complaints, the little guy was still really upset.

But after all, he was still a good little kid.

"No—too far—"

His childish, baby voice was soft and pleading.

If Grandpa Lynn really went to look for them now...

The pitiful little one curled up into a tiny ball, making all the Crown Clan present struggle to hold back their emotions—you’d never catch Zao Zao acting like this normally.

Hearing him cover his face and add in a small, aggrieved voice:

"That’d make Zao Zao a bratty Zao Zao... Zao Zao isn’t a bratty Zao Zao."