Chapter 94: Oops, Seems Like I Used Too Much Strength

Chapter 94: Uh-oh, I Might’ve Overdone It

Ah well.

Finn thought to himself, muttering under his breath.

After all, the kid didn’t know that Amos had gone out of his way while he was asleep to bring back these candies, which weren’t even produced in Saint Cas.

Meanwhile, the Commerce Department was negotiating with various interstellar candy manufacturers, apparently looking to buy them out.

Finn never would have guessed—that the investment craze in Saint Cas in the coming years might center on the candy industry.

The little one, contentedly chewing his candy, was led downstairs by Amos, holding his hand.

Amos rarely showed such clear emotion on his face.

Finn lounged against the wall nearby, watching.

Amos gazed at the little one sucking on his candy.

Months had passed, and summer had arrived in Saint Cas. Outside, the lush green leaves rustled, and the little one’s potato plants were flourishing, almost ready to harvest.

Not long ago, the little one had got a craving and secretly dug up a few potatoes with his friends in a corner of the royal palace, trying to roast them—only to successfully turn a patch of the palace lawn into charred patch. Mori was still dealing with the aftermath.

The little one wore short-sleeved pajamas, his plump little limbs as white and tender as lotus roots, with faint pink hues at the joints.

Time had flown by, and the little one had grown quite a bit. His sweet, childish voice had become clearer and more fluent, his logic more coherent. Yet, when facing Amos, he still clung to his childish ways, calling him “Daddy” in that extra-soft tone. But he was undeniably growing up, and Amos struggled to articulate his feelings.

Xiao Chuzao looked up at him, blinking his big eyes.

Only then did Amos speak: “Your training location has been finalized. It’s relatively close to your aunt’s area, but also near a contaminated zone, so there’ll be some danger.”

It was an abandoned planet, home to low-level mutant creatures suitable for the children to practice on.

Amos watched as the little one, sitting on the sofa's edge, looked up while peeling the candy wrapper. His little curls swayed slightly as he nodded.

“Mm-hmm, Zao Zao gets it.”

He clambered up, seeming a little excited.

“Then Zao Zao will go prepare.”

Watching Xiao Chuzao’s disappearing back, Amos paused.

“Getting all sentimental now that the kid’s grown up?”

Finn, with his baby face, popped up from behind the sofa like a specter, whispering.

Amos didn’t even glance up.

“Feeling like you haven’t sparred in days and your whole body itches?”

Finn: “...”

He slowly retracted his head—taking back one Finn.

Nah, no itch here. He was perfectly fine.

*

A few days later.

Saint Cas First Military Academy.

The classes and teams participating in this training exercise have assembled, and the academy's starship is already docked and waiting.

There are quite a number of participants, giving the initial impression of a nascent Saint Cas military force.

Similar training exercises are conducted across various military academies.

However, the pollution impacts them too heavily, and they have never carried out such exercises in the actual environments where mutant beasts inhabit, as in these pollution-adjacent areas, the Crown Clan can easily be influenced, compromising their ability to maintain control.

Hence, the empire-wide live broadcast, along with research from various military academies—even outsiders from other nations and planets try to hack into Saint Cas's internal network to observe.

But because of Xiao Chuzao's involvement—this live broadcast is extremely strict, with all permissions locked down by Saint Cas authorities.

This operation, billed as a training exercise, also carries a competitive element, mostly a competition between several grades and classes of the higher division.

The rules are simple—the planet crawls with mutant beasts. Defeating a low-level beast that only uses basic attack techniques earns one point for the team. Defeating a partially evolved pack leader capable of controlling a dozen or so beasts earns three points for the team. The exercise lasts 24 hours. Teams can steal kills or retreat, but using lethal weapons against classmates is prohibited, with violators disqualified and re-evaluated for military service.

This operation is special, especially since Xiao Chuzao is involved.

Originally, King Amos was scheduled to give a speech.

However, King Amos, accompanied by Finn, made a last-minute trip to investigate traces of beasts and the Hymn Organization, so An Ya filled in to give the speech on his behalf.

Previously, King Amos would have taken Xiao Chuzao along on such missions, but as the cub grew older, he began to force himself to learn to step back—especially when other members of the Crown Clan were present with Xiao Chuzao.

Occasionally, he would handle quick but crucial missions—such as traces of the previous beast storm or signs of the Hymn Organization.

Yet, before boarding the starship, the insignia of the Empire's Ninth Army passed overhead.

King Amos and Frey stood within the open hatch of the starship, still seemingly carrying the scent of blood.

King Amos's crimson eyes lowered, immediately spotting Xiao Chuzao, who was tilting his little head up to look at him.

"Your Majesty! Saint Cas First Military Academy, Higher Division, First Year Classes One, Two, Three... Second Year... Third Year... all present and awaiting orders!"

The principal of Saint Cas First Military Academy turned first, performing a salute.

The students behind followed suit in unison: "Your Majesty!"

The cub stood at the forefront of the Elite Class, looking up.

The Halo of the Crown Clan shimmered brilliantly.

"Depart."

King Amos said calmly.

"Yes! For Saint Cas' glory, for the glory of the Sacred Crown!"

...

"No matter how many times I see King Amos, I can't help but shiver."

The live broadcast hadn't even started yet. On the starship of Saint Cas First Military Academy, Peng Liang rubbed his arms lightly.

His aura is too overwhelming—impossible to meet his gaze directly.

"Daddy's really gentle though."

This should be considered Xiao Chuzao's first time going out without his guardians—though not entirely, as Ayala is also aboard this starship, and the other guardians are probably just outside his line of sight.

"That’s what *you* think."

Peng Liang muttered under his breath, watching Xiao Chuzao, who had folded his wings and carried both a gun and an energy blade, curiously gazing outside.

His eyes were clear and bright, the epitome of well-raised innocence.

It was truly hard to imagine—what kind of person would the Little Highness grow up to be? The power of genetics was strong—would he take after King Amos?

The ten-year-old boy checked his weapons and equipment again, fidgeting nervously.

He glanced at Chao Huangmu, who was crouching beside Xiao Chuzao, protectively holding the little one’s back as he peered outside. Seeing his annoyingly cheerful, sycophantic eagerness to please, Peng Liang really wanted to kick him.

This guy was a handful to begin with, but when it came to the Little Highness, he was completely shameless.

Meanwhile, Yun Songquan, who preferred silence, had already retreated to a corner from the start, leaving Peng Liang no choice but to deal with Chao Huangmu.

"Hey, Ah Huang, say something—"

"The Little Highness is especially adorable today."

Chao Huangmu beamed.

Peng Liang: "…I told you to say something, not just say the first thing that pops into your head—or rather, you really just said what you were thinking, didn’t you?!"

Moreover, Peng Liang felt this brute didn’t feel the same reverence toward the Crown Clan. The overwhelming, terrifying pressure from the Crown Clan didn’t seem to intimidate him at all—if anything, it fired him up. This guy loved challenging the strong, including the time he tried to pick a fight with the instructor, grinning all the while, on his first day in the Elite Class.

The little one, turning his head: "…"

From blushing at compliments to now being no longer fazed, his wings didn’t so much as flutter.

It’s fine. Zao Zao had come to understand—he had to put up with people like Chao Huangmu.

"Little Highness."

A voice came from behind.

Xiao Chuzao turned his head.

Teng Kelin and his team of four gave a respectful bow upon seeing the little one, but when they raised their heads again, their expressions were serious. "This time, I won’t admit defeat so easily."

The little one blinked.

They were all members of the Future Project, outcasts among their peers. Standing behind Teng Kelin, they lowered their eyes, their expressions solemn.

Teng Kelin continued, "Our drive to grow stronger won’t lose to anyone. Please watch us."

They weren’t useless roles in the plan, to be cast aside—they just couldn’t fit in. At this age, most had already formed their own close friendships, while these former prodigies, having fallen from grace, struggled with the immense psychological gap. They found it hard to adapt.

Xiao Chuzao paused for a moment, then fluttered his little wings before finally speaking with innocent confusion, "Hello? Who are you?"

Teng Kelin, who had repeatedly tried to prove himself to the Little Highness in both overt and subtle ways, froze: "…"

Indeed, before coming to Saint Cas, Xiao Chuzao couldn’t even read—a hopeless little illiterate. Thus, his daily schedule was packed. Aside from attending military school for certain activities, most of his education took place within the royal court.

This short timeframe meant the little one simply hadn’t gotten to know the upperclassmen yet.

A critical hit. Teng Kelin could only stagger away after hurriedly declaring, "Anyway, I’ll make sure you remember me!"

The little guy was still processing.

Chao Huangmu had already started cracking his knuckles.

He grinned brightly: "What did he just say?"

Peng Liang: ...?

Peng Liang grabbed Chao Huangmu—Stop cracking your knuckles and marching forward with that "I’m gonna waste him" look on your face!

"Calm down—Brother Quan!"

Yun Songquan had already stepped out from the corner, placing a hand on Chao Huangmu’s shoulder, his expression cold: "Cool it, Ah Huang—Can’t you stop being so reckless?"

Peng Liang: "Exactly! Who gives a damn what they're spouting? But there’s no need for this. Did you forget what the rules say? Like, we can just trip them up later—"

Yun Songquan: "Once things kick off, find them and pound them fair and square with our fists."

Peng Liang: ...

Pot calling the kettle black.

"It’s okay, Zao Zao doesn’t mind."

Xiao Chuzao glanced at his friends and waved his hand.

Because he truly didn’t care, he inadvertently dealt a heavy blow to the "enemy."

The little one, of course, wasn’t bothered.

Flapping his little wings, he looked outside—"Are we almost there?"

*

On some backwater planet in the galaxy.

After months of development, a power bloc with Shenghua at its center had quietly formed here.

Shenghua was no saint—she played the power games of the elite, manufacturing information asymmetry and exploiting the resulting vulnerabilities to gather these people together.

Everything seemed to be progressing exactly as the rosy picture Shenghua had sold for her superiors.

But in reality, this group had zero actual loyalty to the Hymn Organization. They were just dancing to Shenghua’s tune—whatever ass-kissing and ambition she showed toward the Zange, they mirrored.

Sometimes, the truth is far from what meets the eye.

Shenghua understood this well.

However—

Their increasingly handy "puppet supervisor" sent from above had gone missing.

"They pulled him? When?"

Shenghua shot her subordinate a look.

"Just now, boss. What's the play?"

"What do we do? He’s Zange brass—why sweat over him?"

"No, boss! Our latest shipment's stuck in processing! How we gonna handle this? Without Xi cracking the whip, they'll drag their feet forever!! Damn it!"

The kid covered his head.

"They don't want to improve at all, they're not as driven as I am!!"

Shenghua: ……

Yikes, that’s a real issue.

"Hold on, I’ll go check—"

Meanwhile, at Zange’s roving base.

Only five of the Seven Virtues of Zange’s high command remained, having been hunted down and forced into hiding by Saint Cas’ intensified crackdowns.

"How’s the situation on your end?"

"Those Saint Cas bastards have freakishly good noses, it's really annoying."

"Same here. We’ve had to pull back our ops even further, and several of our bases were destroyed. But it’s fine—Saint Cas is still clueless."

"Everyone—"

Chastity, the leader of Zange’s Seven Virtues, spoke slowly from beneath his cloak, his voice gravelly.

"—The Divine Grace Stone keeps flashing on and off, reappearing. It carries messages from the gods, or their envoys. The Crown Clan has thoroughly enraged the ‘gods,’ and the ‘gods’ have bestowed even greater power upon us—to wipe out the Crown Clan, to break through the barriers within the corruption, allowing the envoys to enter our star system and deliver further blows to the Crown Clan. My comrades, this is the first time since the ‘gods’ rescued us."

"‘Gods’!"

"The supreme ‘gods’! It is our failure that we have yet to offer them sacred tribute!"

At the mention of the ‘gods,’ their eyes burned with astonishing zeal and faith.

"Destroy those barriers—using the power of the Divine Grace Stone. Humility, Temperance, to ensure the plan’s success, the two of you will go personally. And—leave the most dangerous zones to the test subjects."

Chastity continued.

"They’re cannon fodder anyway. It’d be best if they serve some purpose. Of course, in areas where the Crown Clan is present, send our most loyal hounds. The Saint Cas First Military Academy still wages futile resistance against the ‘gods,’ but that’s irrelevant. That Crown Clan punk—Chu Zao of the Dwight family—seems to be heading there as well. During such training, his Crown Clan protectors will likely be fewer. Throw everything you’ve got at them to stall them. The moment an opportunity arises, take him out."

"Yes!"

"Then, my lord, have you chosen the agent to infiltrate the Crown Clan’s actual controlled corruption zones?"

"Indeed. He has already departed—our most perfect test subject, our most obedient hound. May his sacrifice pave the way for our divine cause."

Chastity smiled.

Elsewhere in the cosmos, a ship hurtled toward its destination.

Inside, Xi’s dark hair was disheveled. He slumped back, his face twisted with exhaustion, pain, and annoyance.

Then he opened his eyes—a hint of violence flickering within.

And in another corner of the galaxy…

A highly cautious, mutant beast evolving remained completely hidden. It had snacked on a few folks, but always discreetly, keeping it quiet.

It continued its silent evolution.

Its body underwent subtle changes—its mind-energy wings seemed to have grown larger, and the once-shapeless monstrosity now faintly resembled a human-like form.

"Not enough—far from enough—"

And it's too dangerous—

That guy with the strange crown on his head.

Hei Quan, the mutant beast mid-evolution, instinctively cowered in fear.

Cowering, he masked his presence to the lowest level, fighting his instincts and splitting his power apart. Moments later, his true form concealed itself in the most hidden spot, while countless doppelgangers flew out, scattering toward nearby planets.

*

Meanwhile, on the planet selected by Saint Cas First Military Academy.

Everything had already begun.

Squads fanned out across the landing zones and were deployed.

The planet, not properly secured, came alive as the mutant beasts that had been lying low seemed to sense the smell of prey, becoming active one by one.

Xiao Chuzao and his team were dropped onto a small hillside.

Standing atop the slope, Xiao Chuzao first glanced around.

Like a pro, he pulled out a map from his supply pack—standard issue drop gear.

To ensure student safety, not only were there Crown Clan members running security, but also numerous teachers and military personnel on hot standby for emergencies.

"Hmm—where exactly are we?"

Xiao Chuzao cocked his head.

"Is it here?"

He shot a questioning look at his companions.

Chao Huangmu didn't miss a beat before nodding emphatically in agreement. "Yes, we're right here—"

"Exactly."

Peng Liang jumped in, not to be outdone.

"I think so too."

Yun Songquan quickly followed suit.

"Well, if that's the case—"

The little one studied the map harder. No mutant creatures had appeared around them yet, but the kid froze for a second. He flipped the map over hesitantly, glanced at his three companions, and then—sheepishly—silently turned the upside-down map right side up.

Indeed, Xiao Chuzao was still learning basic training and hadn't yet mastered map-reading, still kinda fuzzy on the details.

Moreover, the maps provided in the supply packs weren't clear military charts but rough survey maps—so it was totally understandable for Xiao Chuzao to... hold it upside-down.

Only after spotting the relevant instructions printed on the back did the curious little one realize his mistake.

He hid his face in the map.

Major facepalm moment.

Countless livestream bots deployed by Saint Cas First Military Academy buzzed their micro-thrusters rapidly, flying out from the mothership to broadcast everything across various live feeds.

Thus, the waiting live stream was flooded with tons of viewers.

Initially, many things weren't broadcast live. The live feed didn't start until things officially began, so it took some time for them to locate where the Little Highness was.

However, once found, a huge crowd rushed in.

'Ahhhh!! It’s finally starting!'

'Little Highness!!! Little Highness!! I'm freaking out! Why does the stream only start here? And why is the control so strict? They won't let us save anything! Without the Little Highness, I’ll die. Heaven knows I've rewatched the old streams to death.'

'To the one above, please share the previous stream resources. All the royal family’s materials, including past videos, have been temporarily taken down. OMG I'm dying here!'

'I truly understand why our ancestors were so obsessed with the Crown Clan’s Little Highness—'

'Yes, I can relate. But speaking of which, I noticed the older generation’s highest attention was on King Amos. My ancestors said King Amos was so adorable and cool—it's totally wild to think about!'

'What? The comment that just floated by—does that say what I think it says?'

'Is the Little Highness… reading the map upside down? LOL'

'Hahaha—'

'Stop laughing! That's mean! OMG he's hiding his face with the map now!'

'Wait!! Behind the Little Highness—is that a monster?! It’s sneaking up on him!'

'Ahhhh!! His Highness should be able to handle it, right?? But the Little Highness is an archer!! Why's it so close? Damn!'

Finally turning the map right way up, Xiao Chuzao rubbed his little face. Under the worried gazes of the live stream audience, the kid suddenly sprang into action.

The three beside him also sprang into action.

The horned monster, some underground creature, pounced but whiffed—it was a low-level beast, hiding underground and lured by the scent of flesh.

Chao Huangmu kicked the thing, sending it flying.

Yun Songquan stayed close to Xiao Chuzao, while Peng Liang had his Energy Gun ready.

Then—the little one suddenly pressed down on the beast’s horn, using his powers to toss it—but with a *crack*—

The beast howled, only to be struck in a vital spot by Peng Liang before it could cower.

Meanwhile, the kid looked at the horn in his hand. He had no concept of his own strength—he compared himself to folks like Finn, against whom he still seemed weak. But for an ordinary beast like this—he had been mid-air, paused, then let go—

Looking all innocent, his curly hair blew in the wind like he was sorry.

Whoops, guess I got a little carried away.

The worried Saint Casians suddenly remembered—oh, right, why worry about the formidable Crown Clan? At the Little Highness’s age, Crown Clan kids have taken out whole monster squads before.

Meanwhile, aboard a starship that had been following them the whole time, observing everything.

An Ya clapped. "Looking at this, Zao Zao has gotten so much stronger. Totally those angels' fault, right bro?"

Most of the Crown Clan members who should have been on Saint Cas’s imperial planet were gathered aboard this ship, silently following.

Amos, seated at the control panel, remained silent.

His gaze fixed on his tiny little one.

Mei Lun also applauded. "The kid's awesome. By the way, why send Finn out alone to lead a team?"

Amos finally scoffed, speaking coldly.

"To see if Finn can stumble upon some shady rats hiding in the dark."