Chapter 99: The Emperor Endures Bitterness with the Cub—Physically

Chapter 99: His Majesty Shares His Little One’s Hardships—Literally

Naturally.

King Amos looked at his child.

Especially in this strange, unfamiliar place.

Such things couldn’t be acknowledged.

"When in unfamiliar places, it’s best to be careful."

Amos said this calmly, but his fury burned, and his crown flickered faintly above his head.

Xiao Chuzao eyed his father’s simmering emotions, then at his father's calm face, and finally nodded his little head—alright then, whatever Daddy says goes.

Zao Zao was very understanding.

"Is this the Angelic Realm?"

Amos had already surveyed the surroundings during their descent.

"Uh-huh."

The little one raised his hand, tilting his small face upward.

"Daddy, look! Where you just poked a hole in—"

Amos followed his gaze upward.

They stood under a big tree, completely alone, with no trace of any angels in sight. The place looked faintly familiar, as if it were a place the little one had frequented before. But then again, that made sense—from the glimpses of the child's memories, Amos had rarely seen those so-called angels in such places.

As they fell, he’d used the branches to break their descent, landing softly on the grass.

Above them, nestled between three main branches, was a makeshift nest with a hole poked through it.

Like a bird’s nest.

"This was Zao Zao’s old home."

Xiao Chuzao flapped his tiny wings and flew up, perching on the edge of the nest he hadn’t seen in a year, peeking inside.

Amos followed right after.

He listened while the little one pointed out—

"This is Zao Zao's blanket. It’s dirty now, but I traded a month’s worth of fruit for it. That’s Zao Zao’s pillow—I gathered feathers to stuff it myself. And that little basket over there? I used to store food in it, hanging it outside. It never snows in the Angelic Realm, but sometimes it rains heavily for days, and food’s hard to find—"

His sweet, childish voice paired with the tattered little nest.

This wasn’t a home—just a makeshift shelter.

And before Amos took him in, Xiao Chuzao had slept here for years.

That month he spent gathering fruit to trade for the blanket—did he have nothing to cover himself with? Wasn’t he cold?

Had he made that basket after going hungry in the rains?

The answer to all of it was yes.

Some truths went beyond even Amos's understanding.

Amos's psychic energy unfurled silently.

This was truly an odd place, cut off yet deeply tied to the wider cosmos.

Amos's powers were slightly dampened here.

Extending further, the "outside" felt like cosmic contamination, sealing this place off.

"Papa—"

The kid finished showing Amos his pitifully few possessions.

Now he just stared at Amos, blinking those big eyes.

"Gotta help Mr. Hale, gotta help Mr. Hale. The Angel Spring's in the city—with the Archangel. We need to go find it."

The kid got antsy again.

"Have we been discovered? The Archangel could hide the Angel Spring."

The cute little guy screwed up his face.

"We gotta steal it first, then we can fight."

The kid showed no fear, didn't seem traumatized, and even constantly remembered Mr. Hale on Saint Cas's imperial star, whose time was running out.

"I kinda remember the way, but... not very clearly."

Chuzao rolled over, reached out, and wrapped his arms around Amos's neck.

"Papa, let’s go quietly?"

Amos nodded, humoring him.

"But there’s no need to rush."

Amos said.

"Mr. Hale's tough—he'll last a long time, enough for us to return. The situation here is unclear—charging in blind's a bad idea."

When Amos last saw the Angel Realm, he had already gained some understanding of what the Archangel could do.

But this wasn’t the interstellar world, and that understanding was still insufficient—the environment here, the other facilities, the power these angels wielded, whatever Nature Gods these angels prayed to—

And the Angel Spring.

The furious father who'd charged in now had to suppress his anger slightly.

He had to keep a level head and remain absolutely calm to ensure his kid’s safety.

The solo dad's nerves were wound even tighter, his stress levels rising.

Chuzao gave a nod.

The kid who used to fend for himself in this dump was completely different from over a year ago.

He had never wanted to return to the Angel Realm, always harboring some fear—but this time Dad had his back.

"Dad’s so strong. With Dad around, nothing’s a problem."

"Take a quick break, Zao Zao."

Amos couldn’t stop worrying about how tired the little guy was at the moment.

It was true that he wanted to bring his little one along to handle things, but if he had known they would arrive in the Angel Realm this soon, he wouldn’t have let the military academy plan training here.

Little Chuzao was completely worn out.

Amos glanced at the ragged little nest of his child, full of holes, let out a sigh, and took stock of the food he had brought that would be suitable for the little one.

Xiao Chuzao's tiny wings fluttered behind him as his big eyes scanned the area—this place had changed a bit from how it had been over a year ago, especially after the disaster that drove Xiao Chuzao away from the Angel Realm.

You could still see traces of it—amid the lush grasslands and forests, some scars were barely hidden by new growth.

And if Zao Zao remembered correctly, the Angel Realm during this season—

Xiao Chuzao looked around, his eyes lit up as he spotted his target. With a flap of his tiny wings, he swooped down.

Amos kept himself busy fixing up Xiao Chuzao's tattered little nest.

He didn’t look up, as if ignoring him, but his mental energy wrapped around the kid like a blanket.

"Zao Zao."

He spoke.

"Don’t fly too far."

The moment Amos spoke, the little one tugged at something, his little wings beating loudly as he flew back, clutching a shriveled-up orange fruit in his small hands.

"Dada, dada—"

The little one chirped in his tiny voice.

"Hmm?"

Amos turned to look.

The little one had already brought the fruit to Amos’s lips.

"Zao Zao used to eat these all the time. They’re everywhere this season."

He waved his hands excitedly.

He was a pro at scavenging.

Amos instinctively took a bite of the fruit the little one offered—

Worst case, it’d be sour.

Amos thought, already accustomed to such things—then his face went blank for a second.

"Zao Zao."

Amos swallowed the fruit expressionlessly before looking at his little one.

"Do you even know how this tastes?"

"Mmm, it tastes bitter."

The child nodded his little head, gazing innocently at Amos.

"But I promise it's not poisonous!"

Amos was speechless.

Since raising the child, the once free-spirited tyrant, King Amos, has gotten quite a taste of bitterness—literally.

The little one was about to pop another one in his mouth—

Amos reached out to stop him.

He sighed, took out the food, and handed it to the little one.

"When you're done eating, we'll go."

The child had mentioned earlier that to avoid some of the little angels who shunned him, his home was quite far from where the angels normally lived.

The little one held the food, sat curled up at the edge of his former nest, taking small bites. He watched Amos's movements, then glanced at the small fruit beside him. Unable to resist, he picked up the orange fruit again and sneaked a tiny bite—

His face instantly scrunched up.

"Huh? Zao Zao could've sworn it wasn’t this bitter or disgusting before—"

Xiao Chuzao stared at the fruit in his hand in shock. Amos had already handed over some sweet juice and swatted the fruit from his hand.

The little one watched as Amos used his powers to sweep away the dust from his small nest, tidied up his little blanket and pillow, and packed away some scattered trinkets—things the child barely remembered collecting in the first place.

Amos even took time to examine and patch the hole in the nest with branches and other materials.

"Baba, what are you doing?"

The little one peered over curiously.

Not really understanding what Amos was doing.

"Just cleaning up a bit."

Amos replied.

He turned his head to look at his fluffy child and ruffled his hair.

"Zao Zao has grown up, but this was something little Zao Zao built piece by piece, wasn’t it? Baba never saw Zao Zao when he was tinier, but this was little Zao Zao’s hard work."

Even if it wouldn’t be used anymore, might as well fix it up. Whatever the future held, whatever the outcome, at least the little one wouldn’t have to look back and remember only that broken-down nest he'd made.

Now, he could recall the place that had been tidied and repaired—together with Amos.

Xiao Chuzao clutched his food, the sweet juice set beside him.

The child froze briefly.

He pressed his small body against Amos.

And in the smallest, softest voice, he responded.

"Hmm."

*

On the other side of the Angelic Realm, where angels live in communities.

"Archangel, the injuries you sustained last time—"

"It's nothing."

The Archangel maintained his air of compassion as he gazed at the surrounding angels.

"Today, there seems to have been a significant disturbance in the Angelic Realm as well. Have you sent anyone to investigate?"

"Yes, we've searched both inside and outside the city. All angels are performing their duties, and no issues have been detected. If there truly is a problem, it might be outside the city—those seldom-visited outskirts. However, those places are often struck by elemental magic, and today might be no different."

"Hmm."

The Archangel responded.

"All angels must hold their positions and protect the city's core. Also, have them guard it, but do not let them approach. Keep all information about the altar sealed. This is vital for our people's survival."

"Yes, we understand, Archangel."

"But earlier, you mentioned—the sound might have come from outside the city?"

The Archangel furrowed his brow slightly, as if recalling an unpleasant memory.

"Correct."

"Over a year ago, that mutated little angel who lived outside the city—has his body still not been found?"

"Indeed, it hasn't—during the calamity magic's chaos... Why do you suddenly bring this up?"

The Archangel's brow smoothed as he rested his hand on the armrest of his chair, lowering his gaze.

"It just came to mind. That little angel, whom we personally brought forth from the Angelic Spring, was entirely different—in power, structure, mindset, and abilities. I've never seen that crown before, but..."

Due to the strange sword that had suddenly flown in earlier, the Archangel felt a subtle sense of urgency. He strengthened the power of the Plunder Stones in various locations, allowing those disposable pawns to use this force to further suppress everything.

Ah, yes—the Plunder Stones. In those lower worlds, they are referred to as... Divine Grace Stones.

In a way, that isn't wrong.

Power itself—is a form of grace.

The Archangel raised his eyes again, a subtle gleam in their depths. Above his head, the golden halo flickered momentarily.

"He was just a minor anomaly. A few words of suppression, and he obediently retreated to where he belonged. Even if we couldn't find him, perhaps he was simply destroyed by elemental magic?"

The angel spoke.

"He was nothing more than an insignificant creature, unworthy of your attention or concern."

"Yan."

The Archangel smiled faintly.

"Don't speak like that. If that child is still alive, let him understand the message and weep in solitude—just don't let it affect others. Besides, he was oddly blessed by the Angelic Spring. We couldn't simply eliminate him, which made things complicated. The calamity magic proved... convenient."

"Yes."

The angel called Flame responded, bowing his head respectfully.

"Enough, don’t overthink it."

The Archangel rose to his feet, extending his hand as myriad points of light gathered around him, gradually forming a scepter.

"We still have an important ritual ahead, and even if something unusual were to happen—"

The Archangel chuckled lightly.

"We’ve got it under control. After all—we are angels."

Nothing could surpass them.

They were the angels who held absolute dominion over the Angelic Realm.

*

In stark contrast to the apparent peace and tranquility of the Angelic Realm, chaos gripped the stars.

Devices detonated one after another, their eerie echoes reverberating even deep within the polluted zones.

Fei Man scanned the area again.

"How many beasts have mobilized?"

"Unclear. Damage assessment is ongoing. The contamination zone is too vast, Your Highness. It’s impossible to gather accurate data from every location."

"Moreover, His Majesty hasn’t issued any directives in a long time."

"No directives for a long time?"

Fei Man swung her spear, turning sharply as her tall black ponytail swayed behind her. Her cold eyes locked onto the horizon.

Her face was ice, her aura thick with menace. Above her head, the silver-black Psychic Crown hovered, radiating an oppressive presence.

Fei Man was supposed to retrieve Xiao Chuzao, but Amos had stopped her en route, informing her that her presence was no longer required.

She knew Amos was chasing Zange with the kid.

But after this long without word—

Had something gone wrong?

Surely not?

Knowing Amos's capabilities, Fei Man thought it more likely that Amos would be the one causing trouble rather than encountering it.

"Your Highness Fei Man, what should we do next?"

"Now that things have gone this far, we might as well push further—"

Fei Man pointed her spear forward.

"Find out what that weird barrier in the contamination zone is. Alert the Crown Clan—get everyone moving, fast!"

"Yes!"

Meanwhile, Finn—having seen Amos take off after Zange with the kid—linked up with Amos’s trailing warship.

"What do you mean they disappeared?"

Finn stomped his feet in frustration.

On his way here, he had casually slain a few more monsters—Finn felt he had a serious bone to pick with these creatures, a deep-seated grudge.

The place was already a total mess, yet Amos and the little one were nowhere to be found.

"It's just—"

The soldier from Saint Cas quickly explained.

Clearly, Amos had already filled them in about the situation before taking action.

Finn, of course, knew about it too.

But he missed the window—

And it pissed him off.

They must have gone to that godforsaken Angel's Realm. He had always wanted to wreck that place.

But now that he was here, where'd they go?

Why hadn’t they brought him along?!

Inside the Angel's Realm.

*

The pair, who had landed in the outskirts of the Angel City, had already fixed up Zao Zao’s nest. The little one, fed and happy, guided Amos toward the Angel City.

The journey was oddly quiet.

Amos continuously released his mental energy, spreading it out, ready to handle any emergencies that might arise.

But there weren't many angels around.

No other angels showed up.

Amos scanned the area as he followed his little one, keeping pace.

Occasionally, he spotted meteorite craters.

The closer they got to a certain area, the more craters there were.

What caused these?

Amos turned to the little one.

"Do angels’ powers work differently?"

"Yeah."

Xiao Chuzao nodded his little head, seemingly thinking it over before explaining to Amos.

"Angels rely on magic. Before, the angelic teachers always told us little angels to worship the God of Nature, or else he’d turn his back on us."

"Oh, Zao Zao’s not one of those angels."

The little cub stared at the pits and blurted out instinctively, then suddenly realized something. His little crown flickered faintly and swayed gently.

"Zao Zao is from the Little Crown Clan."

Amos answered, ruffling his cub's hair.

"Dad knows."

The God of Nature?

Amos was slightly confused.

This was rarely mentioned by the little one—after all, the parents were afraid it might bring back uncomfortable memories, so they usually avoided discussing the child's past in the Angel Realm.

But there were some hints from the little one's recollections before.

He had always suspected that the god worshipped by the Hymn Organization was likely related to these angels.

But now, something seemed off.

Amos keenly sensed that the so-called "God of Nature," who, according to the little one, could provide food, supplies, and seemingly anything—was probably no good guy.

Whatever.

Amos thought for a moment.

Stone-faced, he pushed down his anger once more.

He could just blast everything away later.

But—restraining himself, the parent decided to retrieve the Angel Spring first before wiping out these angels.

Because the little one, who had been chattering nonstop, suddenly fell silent for a while.

The kid's little wings sagged slightly, as if unhappy.

"Daddy—"

The little one looked up at Amos.

"Zao Zao wants a hug. Can Daddy hug Zao Zao?"

Why the sudden request for a hug?

The thought flashed through Amos' mind for only a second before parental instinct took over, and he picked up the child.

The little one clung tightly, his grip surprisingly strong.

"It was right here—"

Only after being held did the cub settle a bit. The small crown on his head swayed stubbornly as he lifted his face.

Pointing at the craters on the ground, he gestured to Amos.

"Right here, Zao Zao 'died,' then went *biu* and left, and then Daddy found me—and the system. What is the system? Zao Zao hasn’t heard her voice in so long."—This, Amos didn’t know either.

The six-year-old had grown much taller and stronger, no longer needing to be carried as often as before. But now, he pressed close to Amos' chest.

Back when he was just a tiny cub, he hadn’t ventured into the Angel City. He had only stood at a distance, timidly watching the other little angels. Alone, he had faced the helplessness and terror of the natural disaster crashing toward him—all of it had left its mark on him.

But now, but now—

The child clung to Amos just like when he had first been found.

"Now that Daddy is here, Zao Zao isn’t afraid of anything."