Chapter 86: Cub Formula for Baba to Drink—Thanks, Dad Won’t Drink

Chapter 86: Cub Formula for Papa—No Thanks, Papa Doesn’t Want Any

Finn, flustered and panicked, all but carried Xiao Chuzao, whose wings had stiffened, to the medical center.

This promptly threw the once-calm medical center into chaos again.

Even Amos, who had been observing storm damage on Saint Cas’s Mining Planet No. 78, received a related communication and was now rushing back.

But all the test results came back—almost identical to the previous ones.

Xiao Chuzao’s body was perfectly fine, and his little wings showed no issues either. The medical staff, having never encountered such a situation, hesitated for a while before tentatively suggesting, “Could it be… maybe he slept on them wrong?”

In the entire Crown Clan, Xiao Chuzao was the only one who liked to keep his wings out while sleeping—or rather, the only one who habitually kept his little Halo and wings out and visible in daily life.

With no abnormalities detected, all they could do was keep an eye on him and see if any other issues arose with his wings later.

In the end, Finn stood outside the medical center, holding Xiao Chuzao’s hand, who was still feverish and likely would remain so for a few more days. He looked down at the little cub, whose wings had finally managed to fold back neatly behind him.

At this moment, Xiao Chuzao was in a stubborn mood.

He just stared up at Finn with his shiny, honey-colored eyes.

After a slow-release fever shot, the cub’s temperature stabilized. Though he still felt feverish and dizzy, he was no longer so miserable that he had to lie dazed in bed. Meanwhile, Ayala, whose naturally stern appearance already unnerved the cub, had officially been blacklisted by the little one.

His cheeks puffed out a little.

He turned his head to glance at his wings—but they still felt weird.

And before this, Zao Zao had never once slept on his wings in a way that made them go numb—

Just like how he used to shield himself from the wind with his wings in the Angels’ Realm to stay warm.

His little wings had stiffened from the cold before, but never from being squished. He wasn’t that silly.

Thinking this, Xiao Chuzao turned and toddled forward a few steps.

Suddenly, the cub heard birdsong.

The little one looked up, reminded of those large birds that had gotten the better of him earlier.

“Oh, right. The staff didn’t know what to do with those two birds, so they’ve been temporarily kept in a side room,” Finn recalled, glancing down at Xiao Chuzao.

Since the cub was still out of it, no one could predict what demands he might make later. The birds couldn’t be released, nor could they be dealt with, so they’d been isolated in a separate room.

As soon as Finn finished speaking—

The little cub toddled toward the room.

Small and fluffy—without Amos around to groom him, the little one was a total fluffball, his feathers sticking out every which way.

Sometimes, when grooming himself, he’d get frustrated and pluck out annoying feathers, so Amos never let him handle it alone.

The messy cub muttered under his breath as he walked.

Finn leaned in to hear and caught the little one murmuring, “You are what you eat… Zao Zao eats wings—”

Zao Zao needed wing-power!

With an innocent, wide-eyed look, he stared at the large birds inside the room.

That cute but oddly intimidating presence left Finn momentarily torn between laughter and exasperation. He watched as the little one entered, sending the two big birds into a frantic flapping.

The little one seemed to still feel uncomfortable with his tiny wings, so he kept them folded behind his back, not intending to use them. Tiny and springy, he bounced in place before attempting to climb onto the table to reach them.

If he fell, Finn would definitely get blamed for poor supervision.

Finn's psychic energy flared out, freezing the two big birds mid-scramble—just as they were squawking triumphantly, thinking the little one couldn’t catch them.

In panic, they looked toward the doorway, where a terrifyingly powerful presence stood, smiling at them—

"Can't you see Zao Zao here wants to catch you? Stop moving."

The big birds: ...

This is completely unfair!!!

However, the spot where the two big birds were frozen was just slightly too high.

The groggy little hatchling stretched his small hand as far as he could but still couldn’t reach.

Finn had already walked up behind Xiao Chuzao, looking down at him.

The little one’s porcelain cheeks were flushed pink from the fever, leaving him feverish and sluggish, but stubborn to the core.

"Want Uncle to get them for you?"

The little one thought for a moment.

"No," he grumbled stubbornly.

"Zao Zao wants to catch them himself to make things right."

Zao Zao had caught them himself before.

But he really couldn’t reach.

Finn sighed and relented and crouched down.

"Alright, alright, reach for it yourself."

What else could he do? This was their family’s little one, after all.

Finn was more than happy to stay by the little one’s side—it soothed the anger and darkness in his heart, bringing him unparalleled calm.

As he spoke, Finn hoisted the little one up, letting him sit on one of his shoulders.

Even then, the spot where the two big birds stood was just barely out of reach.

Xiao Chuzao only paused for a second before determinedly stretching his small hand out again, trying his hardest.

Behind him, his tiny wings instinctively started fluttering.

Finn: ...

Well, he'd seen this coming. Just some soft wing pats to the head—he could handle it!—he thought.

Then those little wings flapped faster and faster, shedding a few feathers. In that instant, the little one's psychic energy seemed to undergo some subtle change, though its exact manifestation to Finn was—

Finn: "...Wait, wait, wait—"

He was dazed by the rapid flurry of wing beats.

Dazed, he looked around.

"Why do I feel like there are so many little wings slapping my face??"

The young one, who had just managed to grab the big bird's neck, paused in confusion and turned to look.

Behind them, the room door was pushed open again.

Amos had returned, the golden ornaments on his black military uniform flashing past the eyes of the two inside. He looked up, but before he could speak, he hesitated.

Finn finally realized the issue—

At some point during the commotion, the child had grown an extra pair of small wings.

Soft, snow-white, fluffy, and gently trembling.

The attention made him uncomfortable. The two pairs of snow-white wings slightly folded, now wrapping more snugly around his small frame.

"Zao Zao... you grew wings???"

Finn, still dazed from the flaps, stared at Xiao Chuzao in shock.

Xiao Chuzao blankly let go of his grip and tugged at his new little wings.

"It doesn't hurt anymore."

His young mind took a moment to process this before turning to the two large, trembling birds.

"So... Zao Zao didn't actually need to fix his wings?"

Zao Zao was just growing wings.

Wait... what? Zao Zao grew wings again??

The next second, the young one was swiftly scooped up from Finn's shoulder by Amos, who turned and quickly whisked him back to the medical room.

They'd just declared the Little Highness fine when the Emperor walked in carrying the Little Highness with two pairs of wings on his back—chaos erupted in the medical room.

How had they missed all the signs????

Fortunately, this time they were well-prepared.

After a full battery of tests,

Growing wings didn't cause any problems for Xiao Chuzao.

In fact, his psychic energy had surged significantly, remaining remarkably stable—his physical strength had also undergone a significant boost. He might now handle more power when using the Black Flame arrows.

Moreover, just like the wings of the Crown Clan, once these wings fully formed, the discomfort in Xiao Chuzao's wings had vanished. He could now choose to retract just one pair, just as before.

"We suspect the Little Highness's constant fevers were due to his body couldn't handle his power. Now, his temperature is coming down. In a few more days, he'll adjust completely, and future fevers should be less likely."

The medics reported to Amos.

"However, Your Majesty, please wait a moment. We would like to conduct further experiments on Little Highness's mental energy to better assess his current condition."

King Amos nodded.

It didn’t seem to have much of an impact on Xiao Chuzao. To him, it was just that he could see farther, his senses were slightly sharper, and the control of his power felt more effortless.

The little one skeptically tugged at the small wings behind him. Clinging to the edge of the medical pod, he blinked his big eyes at Amos.

Good, he's fine.

King Amos's momentarily anxious heart settled back down.

But now, standing calmly by the side, Amos looked calm and dependable, soothing the slightly anxious little one.

Only Finn knew better.

Amos clenched his fists, his veins standing out faintly—he was expertly controlling his emotions.

For Amos, every time his little one wasn’t by his side, Xiao Chuzao would get into unpredictable situations—whether danger or situations like this.

This feeling of not having everything under his control was rather unsettling for Amos.

But Amos quickly suppressed it.

"He'll be alright. Zao Zao is fundamentally different from ordinary Crown Clan members."

Finn scratched the back of his head as he spoke to Amos.

"I see the area's been mostly cleared. The research team has reported that preparations are complete and asked whether to proceed with the contamination survey."

For them, contamination was still unfamiliar territory.

After all, the starships capable of shielding against contamination had only recently become operational to a barely functional state. Before Xiao Chuzao arrived, the Crown Clan would experience rapid crown deterioration upon exposure to contamination, often losing control due to pain and other factors.

In most cases, they chose to forcefully suppress the monsters emerging from contamination while avoiding the contamination itself.

"Have them proceed."

Amos responded.

"After this, we must strengthen our defenses. More Monster Commanders like that last one may appear again."

"Yes, sir."

Finn acknowledged.

"Zao Zao is nearly six. Should he start spending more time with kids his age at the First Military Academy?"

"Yes, but there’s no need to rush."

Amos drummed his fingers absently on the nearby table as he spoke.

When he looked up again, half his face was hidden in shadow, radiating intimidating authority.

There he goes again.

Finn muttered under his breath.

"The Grail Clan is still in treatment. But, Elder Brother, what exactly did you see?"

Amos looked at Finn: "That obvious, huh?"

Finn shrugged his shoulders, giving Amos a "what do you think?" look.

Amos had been creeping him out lately.

Amos thought for a moment, then reached out and patted Finn on the shoulder.

"Hang in there. I’ll catch you next time you screw up."

Finn: "...Wait, what?"

Meanwhile, the little cub, now done with all his checkups, had already gotten up from the medical pod. His two sets of tiny wings were all puffed up, his curly hair fluffy, and his big eyes blinked as he gazed at Amos.

"Daddy."

He was asking to be held.

Amos stepped forward and picked up his little cub.

Then he looked down at the disheveled little bundle in his arms.

He let out a long sigh.

It still got to him—at least as a parent.

Amos held the little one, eyeing the fluffy, soft four small wings, and reached out—great. Now grooming the cub took twice as long.

Once regrouped, the Saint Cas research team had quickly set off under military escort.

*

They were heading back into the polluted zone, venturing into the unknown.

Whether it took months or years, as long as they kept moving forward, they would eventually find answers—what exactly lay within the pollution, and what those earlier roars really were.

On the training deck of another starship.

The door slid open.

The instructor in military uniform leaned against the doorway, glancing at the data in his hand.

He tsked, glancing up.

What kind of monster strength was this?

Chao Huangmu had steam rising off him, dragging Yun Songquan and Peng Liang by their collars—both of whom could hardly even stand.

"Alright, take a break. A'Huang, don’t push yourself too hard. You’re still growing. Honestly, you’re already stronger than some Legion Commanders—"

And this physical capability—was it because of his Long-lived race lineage?

No normal human could pull that off.

Chao Huangmu mumbled in response. Unusually, he wasn’t smiling. The boy’s handsome face was tight with frustration.

Like a drooping sunflower.

"No, I’m still too weak—"

If I'm so weak—

how can I protect Zao Zao? How can I deserve to stand by his side?

Peng Liang finally caught his breath, struggling to raise his hand.

"Look—we didn’t help much this time, Ahuang, but our original mission wasn’t to stay by Little Highness’s side—wake up—this is war, this is a battlefield!!"

"Yeah."

Yun Songquan wiped his sweat, chugged his nutrient drink, then handed the empty cup to Peng Liang.

"This isn’t something you fix overnight."

Chao Huangmu pondered for a moment.

Finally, his bright smile returned.

"You’re right. It’s not something that can be done overnight. It’s the daily grind that counts. Little Highness is the next king of Saint Cas. I’ll work harder than anyone, so I can stand by his side with a clear conscience."

As he spoke, smiling, the earring on his ear glinted faintly. He patted his chest lightly, then looked down at the bewildered Yun Songquan and Peng Liang.

"Songzi, Ali, you good to go?"

Yun Songquan, Peng Liang: …?

Before they could react, Chao Huangmu cheerfully grabbed their collars again: "No slacking off now!"

Yun Songquan, Peng Liang: …

Are you even human?!

"You maniac—HELP, INSTRUCTOR!!"

*

Meanwhile, on a distant planet.

"They want us to cross the pollution zone?"

Shenghua stared at the latest request from the Zange Organization, brought by Xi. She wore a baggy olive-green tee, a camouflage cap tilted on her head, a few strands of her black hair sticking out in messy strands. She had just finished discreetly observing the recent movements of the mutant creatures and the order gave her pause. Pollution was terrifying to humans, but—

"Does the Zange Organization already know there’s something on the other side? Do we have forces there too?"

Thanks to her sharp skills and gift for hype,

Shenghua had gained some decent intel within the Zange Organization.

She hesitated, then glanced at Xi, who was slumped against the wall, hands in his pockets, his dark circles looking worse than ever.

"Beats me."

Xi spat out the weed he’d been chewing, his pale face scrunched in annoyance.

He sneered.

"Do I look like a damn encyclopedia?"

Shenghua: …

Yeesh—this kid probably can’t even spell his name… yeah, no shot.

Shenghua lowered her head and studied it carefully.

"Are you heading back to the subsidiary base soon? Could you do me a favor and check what’s really going on? Pollution is no joke—we can’t just be sent into danger, right?"

"Hah? You talking to me?"

Xi abruptly pushed off the wall, taking a few steps closer to Shenghua. His dark, slightly hostile gaze narrowed as he stared down at her.

"What exactly am I here for? Don’t tell me you don’t know."

Shenghua looked up again.

"Of course I know."

She raised her hand and patted Xi’s shoulder, sending him jumping slightly. Then she spoke again.

"We’re allies in this fight. After everything we've been through, you’re the person I trust the most. I trust you'll handle it right."

Xi: …?

He froze for a moment, clearly taken aback.

"What? Don’t take me for a pushover."

Shenghua withdrew her hand. "If that’s how you see it, I can’t help it. I’m just making a small proposal for our future. You’re so strong—of course I’d value you this much. Not like the brass's approval."

Xi: …

With a final *tch* sound, Xi turned and walked away without hesitation.

It was unclear whether he’d agreed or not.

But judging by the boss’s usual tactics in dealing with him—this probably meant he agreed?

One of her subordinates standing behind Shenghua hesitated, wanting to speak but holding back.

"Uh, Boss… exactly how many 'most trusted people' do you actually have?"

A few days later.

*

A significant day.

On Saint Cas’s capital planet, the principal’s office at Saint Cas First Military Academy received a letter from the royal court.

The principal, vice principal, and several senior faculty members were assembled.

"Little Highness will only complete some of the courses and training at our First Military Academy. Which grade do you think would be most suitable?"

"Well… has His Majesty hinted at anything?"

"Not really."

"Come to think of it, the Dwight family has the strongest Imperial Tutor, so the academy’s assistance isn’t that crucial."

"We don’t know Little Highness’s exact capabilities. His public information is extremely limited. In that footage, his arrows appeared formidable, but with the other Highnesses and His Majesty arriving, it was difficult to assess the specifics."

"Didn’t the royal court already select the top squad in the Elite Class? Perhaps we should place Little Highness with them—"

"I'm just worried about the Little Highness's true capabilities—but the Crown Clan likely doesn’t need our worry, right? It's just that Little Highness doesn’t seem like the kind of Crown Clan we’re familiar with—we’ll proceed like this for now."

"If no one objects, I’ll proceed with this arrangement?"

The principal responded, scribbling a few notes in a hefty book.

"We’ll update His Majesty later."

Meanwhile, on Saint Cas’s 78th mineral planet.

The little one had been much more lucid lately.

With every front facing Saint Cas’s full-scale counterattack, most Crown Clan members abroad had returned.

The cub had checked on the injured Wen siblings.

The little one had been recovering this whole time, so the starship wasn’t scheduled to return yet.

His fever hadn’t fully broken, and his temperature was still slightly elevated.

He wasn’t feeling too uncomfortable, but the exhaustion from the past few days left the cub a bit out of it.

The extra set of tiny wings on his back still felt awkward—he usually kept them folded, leaving only one pair visible. However, Amos now had an extra pair of wings to groom.

These days, he still needed regular feedings of cub formula.

The cub formula was brought straight to his room on the starship.

That morning, the little one woke up to an empty room—Amos was already gone.

The cub was used to this by now.

Amos had been swamped lately—everyone was.

Giving his tiny wings a light flutter, the little one, halo shining brightly, obediently picked up the warm cub formula on the table, hugged the bottle, and toddled out the door.

The hall was deserted, the silence eerie.

The cub blinked, confused, still slightly feverish and a bit slow to react, edging forward cautiously.

He took a sip of the cub formula—

Why was it so empty today?

So quiet.

The cub headed toward the operations room—usually, Xiao Chuzao could find Amos there.

But every time he turned a corner, he’d peek his little head out first—almost as if he were cautiously avoiding someone.

Avoiding who?

Standing in the corridor not far from the operations room, Ayala wore an icy expression and just happened to lock eyes with the little head peeking out.

Xiao Chuzao froze for a second before ducking back—

Ayala: "..."

Zao Zao: "Dead end."

Xiao Chuzao took a few steps back, getting ready to go around.

But before he could, the little one heard a familiar voice.

"Zao Zao, Auntie is back. Did you miss me?"

From around the corner, Fei Man stepped out, blocking the path.

Did you miss Auntie's smooches?

Xiao Chuzao stood frozen, gripping his bottle of cub formula.

"Auntie, you're back."

The cub greeted her in a dazed, babyish voice, but his body had other ideas as he spun and dashed off—

Fei Man chased him at a leisurely pace until he stumbled into a large room on the starship he had never been to before—today, the door was open, and the little one pushed it aside.

Noises came from inside.

Lights instantly blazed on.

Golden ribbons and streamers fluttered down from the ceiling, dancing in the little one's wide eyes as he clutched his cub formula.

"Using Fei Man and Ayala to block him was downright mean, Third Brother. Look how freaked out Zao Zao is."

An Ya laughed from inside the room.

Finn shrugged and patted Mei Lun's shoulder beside him.

"Uncle Mei Lun and Uncle Kaman were all for it."

Ayala drifted in behind the cub with glazed, uninterested eyes.

Fei Man, cool as ever, had already crouched down and smacked a big kiss on the cub from behind.

Amos stood at the front. He knelt, one knee on the ground, and placed a small, shiny little gold crown atop the cub's fluffy dark hair.

Amos mused.

"Not as cute as Zao Zao’s little crown."

Xiao Chuzao hugged his bottle tight, still dazed, peering around bewildered—

Family, party streamers, a tiny crown, and in the distance, a cake with the number six on it, surrounded by brightly wrapped gifts.

"Daddy... how... how’d you know..."

Birthdays... birthdays were like this?

Zao Zao had never had one before.

Zao Zao didn’t know birthdays could be like this—was all of this for him?

Xiao Chuzao stared ahead, his breathing uneven. Tears plopped out, one, two, three drops. Still feverish, he peered up at Amos with watery eyes, his little face flushed, trying to keep it in.

"You guys made him cry—"

"Big Bro Amos said this was slapdash. Don’t cry, Zao Zao. Next year, we’ll make it even bigger."

Xiao Chuzao's sixth birthday amidst the battlefield.

Amos ignored the people behind him and said to Xiao Chuzao, "Zao Zao, happy birthday."

"Waa... waa... Papa—"

The cub finally couldn't hold back anymore, nesting into Amos's arms and sobbing. He waved his little bottle of cub formula in the air—

The cub had nothing else to offer.

So, so... "Papa drink milk, Zao Zao's cub formula for Papa—"

Before he knew it, the bottle was pressed to his lips. Amos leaned back slightly: ...

No thanks, kiddo—Dad doesn't drink this.