Chapter 105: The Shadow on the Other Side of the Barrier

Chapter 105: The Shadow Beyond the Barrier

Amos carried Xiao Chuzao into the interior of the starship.

For the Saint Cas Empire, this was already deep in contaminated territory.

Without the protection of the little one, the Crown Clan didn’t dare leave the starship unprotected.

Inside the starship, their Psychic Crowns were acting up too.

Almost every Crown Clan member deployed this time was gathered here.

Except for Frey, who had "volunteered" to handle the situation on the periphery—in reality, the rest of the Crown Clan had been too agitated upon learning of Zao Zao's disappearance, charging ahead faster than anyone else. Frey, being relatively level-headed among the Crown Clan, got stuck with cleanup duty and had no choice but to grudgingly handle the fallout.

At this moment, the Crown Clan members stood in their respective positions but kept their eyes fixed on the entrance. The second Amos walked in, their gazes instantly locked onto the tiny bundle swaddled in his jacket.

"Back?"

"Yeah."

Amos responded with a hum.

"Why did you suddenly lose contact? Where did you go? You didn’t actually go into the Angel’s Realm, did you?"

Mei Lun craned his neck to peek at Xiao Chuzao in Amos’s arms.

The on-edge parents eased up a bit.

"The angels in the Angel’s Realm have been replaced—they belong to a whole other dimension in space."

Amos spoke calmly as he shifted the little one in his arms.

"You really went there?"

At Amos’s words, the Crown Clan whipped their heads around.

"Seriously? You went solo and didn’t even ping us?"

"Bro, I have a reasonable suspicion—did you think the Angel’s Realm wasn’t enough for you to wreck alone, so you didn’t even consider bringing us along?"

Amos didn’t elaborate and only gave a quick rundown of the situation, including the "deity" behind it all—likely the very "deity" that Zange had worshipped, the one that destroyed their homeland and left their kin’s souls restless.

Of course, when Amos mentioned that the little one sprouted another pair of wings, and that they were truly born from his own psychic energy, the Crown Clan members couldn’t help but glance toward the direction of their homeland.

"So, Bro, is it because you always suppress your energy until you can’t hold it back anymore, then release it all at once on the homeland, that Zao Zao happened?"

"Wait, if that’s the case, you could’ve clued us in—"

They could’ve been Zao Zao’s parents too!

Was it too late now?

Maybe they should blast the homeland with their psychic energy?

"Zao Zao has already brought back the Angel Spring Source Stone."

Amos gave them a look.

So they shouldn’t even think about trashing the homeland—there truly wouldn’t be any more little ones born from it now.

—If we maintain the status quo.

Amos shifted Xiao Chuzao in his arms again.

He looked down briefly.

"We’ll talk when I return."

He planned to take the little one back to rest first.

The little one wasn’t hurt, but he was utterly exhausted.

Amos turned and carried him to the lounge, someone silently following behind.

The command center lapsed back into silence after their departure. The hallway from the command center to the lounge stretched long, and Amos walked ahead in silence, with someone trailing wordlessly behind.

Only after Amos had put the little one to bed, tucking him in and placing the ghost bear beside him, did he finally lower his gaze, then tilt his head slightly to look at the person behind him.

Fei Man stood silently in the doorway, her crimson eyes unnervingly calm. Her combat suit was dust-streaked from the recent turmoil, her profile sharp as she watched Amos.

At last, she spoke: "Second Brother, have you seen Mother?"

Amos straightened up and strode out.

But he didn’t pause for Fei Man, brushing past her instead as the starship hatch began to close behind him.

He was returning to the command center.

Fei Man took a few involuntary steps after him.

"And Grandfather—?"

Amos finally halted.

He seemed to have anticipated her question from the start.

If he’d seen Solan, did that mean he knew whether the spiritual consciousness of Ebinino, who once led the First Legion of Saint Cas, had also returned to the embrace of the homeland?

It was Fei Man’s obsession—one that had haunted her since coming of age.

"Listen, Fei Man."

Amos remained where he stood, turning his head slightly. To Fei Man, this second brother—sometimes volatile yet steadfast—had become a towering presence. His crimson eyes regarded her calmly. Amos, formidable as ever, shouldered crushing pressures, just as their eldest brother bore the weight of national affairs, allowing their younger siblings to live a little easier.

"You’re not a child anymore. Stop carrying guilt that was never yours."

The nightmares that never ended.

"Zao Zao once asked me why your eyes were so bloodshot, Auntie."

It wasn’t just the strain of her powers—it was the ceaseless nightmares from that time until now.

Fei Man quieted and trailed after Amos.

Amos turned his back on her without a glance, but after a moment—

Amos let out a weary sigh—

"I never met Grandfather, but don’t overthink it, Fei Man."

Fei Man lifted her gaze to her brother.

Amos didn't turn his gaze toward her. He was a head taller than her and simply reached out, giving her head a gentle pat.

The command room door hissed open.

The Crown Clan inside turned to look.

When they saw Amos enter with Fei Man, his expression calm as he focused on the command screen, the already tense atmosphere thickened.

All present—younger siblings, elders, cousins—lowered their eyes in silent deference. "Your Majesty."

The clan bowed in submission to their formidable leader.

"Status report on the barrier."

Amos stood before the command console, his tone steady.

His presence steadied the Saint Cas fleet like an anchor, which had been scrambling in panic within the heavily contaminated zone.

"This was uncharted territory for us. Even now, without Zao Zao, we couldn’t survive long outside the ship. But we’ve made progress analyzing that strange barrier—"

An Ya spoke as she pulled up the visuals.

The screen showed a hazy barrier energy—it looked like Crown Clan psychic energy, but… off.

Like it was fused with something else.

And beyond this barrier, the contamination looked denser.

For the interstellar inhabitants, the most horrifying sight was this—countless twisted beasts were forcing their way through the barrier’s cracks, their grotesque shapes like something from a nightmare.

"These beasts are far stronger than the ones we've dealt with before. We’ll have to step up our efforts, but things are looking bad. It seems this barrier has been shielding us from much of the contamination."

An Ya spoke again.

The unspoken implication was clear to everyone.

The Crown Clan was strong—almost unkillable. Even their dying psychic energy detonated with terrifying power.

But the Crown Clan was not omnipotent.

They were too few in number. If the front lines spread too thin, they’d be overwhelmed.

And the Crown Clan couldn't fight endlessly without rest, food, or sleep against these seemingly infinite beasts.

Not to mention, before Zao Zao arrived, the Crown Clan had been naturally vulnerable to contamination. Even with advancements in resistance research, the clan—their crowns already cracking from their ruined home—couldn’t risk contamination, fearing it would accelerate their demise.

For centuries, they studied contamination but hit a wall—until now, with this sudden leap forward.

Yet it seemed that without this barrier, the endless horde from the deeper contamination would’ve overrun them, leaving the Crown Clan exhausted in battle.

They might not have even lasted until Zao Zao's arrival.

That barrier was their shield.

"Let Zao Zao rest first before conducting further exploration."

Amos pondered for a moment, scanning the Crown Clan around him.

The Saint Cas army was hesitant to act recklessly at this moment. Though the Saint Casians' psychic resilience wouldn't deteriorate upon contact with pollution like the Crown Clan's, the intensity of this pollution power was unbearable for ordinary people. Only a few Saint Cas soldiers had made it this far.

"Understood!"

"Moreover, judging by the pollution levels on the other side of the barrier, there might truly be another star system like ours—likely with other planetary civilizations and empires. But given the strength of those Aberrant Beasts, we shouldn’t be too optimistic. The other side has already evolved Monster Commanders capable of coordinating multiple Aberrant Beast Legions in battle."

Kaman’s expression turned grim as he sat beside Mei Lun, speaking in a low tone.

"Still, we might find more leads. The Hymn Organization exists here—perhaps there’s something similar over there? Maybe we can find the creature King Amos spoke of—"

Mei Lun gave a wry laugh.

"Compared to where we were a year ago, this is already a huge leap forward."

Even a year ago, he had been listening to the whispers in the cosmos, luring him step by step into despair.

The surroundings fell silent as everyone busied themselves with their tasks, waiting for the little one to wake up.

Only Finn, leaning against the wall, remained clearly pissed off. He was still fuming over getting lost this time, failing to keep up with Amos and missing the chance to enter the Angel's Realm. He was itching to take it out on someone.

He couldn’t stop thinking about the Angel’s Realm.

But as he brooded, Finn recalled what Amos had just said—

Zao Zao had appeared in the habitat due to Amos's mental energy. But since the habitat had lost its ability to nurture offspring and was dragging the Crown Clan down, the little one had to be sent to the Angel's Realm for birth—born from the Angel’s Spring there.

Finn’s thoughts took a weird turn, and he couldn’t resist asking Amos—

"Hey, Second Brother—did you and the Angel’s Spring make Zao Zao?"

For a moment, the whole Crown Clan whipped their heads around to stare at Finn.

Amos also looked over.

—He had already had it up to here with this younger brother lately.

Finn, with his boyish face, grinned sheepishly.

Okay, okay, I’ll zip it.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the barrier.

*

The hulking shadow, as though drawn by something, began inching closer from the most heavily polluted area.

A terrifying force started tearing and gnawing at the Aberrant Beasts—he’d gone feral long ago. Covered in bloody gashes, he moved purely by instinct and agony. His body was barely intact, his skull partially exposed, revealing glimpses of white bone. His eyes had shriveled, leaving only two eerie psychic flames in their sockets—like some specter haunting the corruption. Only when the pain became unbearable did he let out a hoarse roar. Then, with ragged wings beating weakly, he slowly approached the barrier.

Further away.

In a stretch of space where the pollution gradually thinned.

A bloodthirsty hunt raged on.

It was a carnival of humanoid Aberrant Beasts and certain other beings.

On the most remote little planet.

A group of people huddled in a cave, weary and disheveled.

Overhead, mechanical drones fluttered their wings as they flew past, while monstrous creatures circled the sky.

They clung together tightly, their eyes wild and desperate, fixed on the outside.

“—Get rid of them.”

“Yes, we must find a way to deal with them.”

A group of desperate individuals shielded their Crown Clan’s little ones in the center.

These youngsters trembled—some from fear, others from excitement and fury.

“Will we win?”

Finally, a tiny, hesitant voice spoke up. He was careful.

“Of course. Though we’ve been hunted and oppressed since living here, we’ve never truly lost.”

Someone beside him glanced his way before turning their gaze toward a certain direction.

“We must survive, endure, and learn all we can about the situation here.”

“Yes, that’s what the elders say. But… why?”

“We survived here only because we were shielded. Far away, amidst the corruption, there’s an impassable barrier we cannot cross right now. Though many oral traditions have faded, we still know—on the other side of that barrier lies our ancestors’ creed, a homeland we’ve never known—”

Ancestors’ creed?

A homeland never known?

What exactly were those?

Were they things worth dying for?

The youngsters stared in the direction the adults pointed—homeward—only half-comprehending.

Meanwhile, on this side of the barrier.

*

A full day had passed.

Xiao Chuzao had just woken up, still holding the Angel Spring Source Stone tight with wide-eyed wonder, when Amos carried him to the war room.

The little one began his "assembly-line duty."

Sitting in Amos’ arms, he reached out one by one to strengthen the Crown Clan’s Halos. Behind him, Amos frowned as he carefully tidied the little one’s feathers one by one.

Originally, just four little wings fluffing up had already made him a puffball.

Now, with six little wings all ruffled, the feather count defied Amos’ comprehension.

Xiao Chuzao had practically poofed into a downy sphere.

Even someone as calm and patient as Amos was at his wits’ end.

Carefully grooming the little one's feathers one by one.

"Alright—"

Zao Zao adjusted Grandpa Mei Lun’s Psychic Crown—then Grandpa Kaman—followed by Uncle, Third Uncle, and Aunt—

Then Grandpa Lynn, who was curled up in the corner...

The little one was still immersed in the sadness of Grandma leaving when he woke up, but now, cheered by the Crown Clan, he perked up a little.

His little wings fluttered involuntarily when praised, only to be gently patted on the back by his father, telling him to hold still.

So the little one quickly sat stiffly upright again.

On the little one's lap rested Amos’s Psychic Sword.

But this time, it wasn't just Amos’s Psychic Sword—Fei Man's spear, An Ya's chains, Kaman's javelin... all clustered around Xiao Chuzao, waiting for Zao Zao to *taste* them.

So Xiao Chuzao, while having his wings groomed by his father and reinforcing the Crown Clan's Psychic Crowns, occasionally lowered his head to chomp down with a "Meow."

Crunchy, making everyone’s scalp tingle.

Yet, bizarrely, despite the tingling, the Crown Clan couldn't help but watch, staring as the little one crunched away.

Then, looking at the tiny tooth marks left on their Psychic Weapons, they felt weirdly proud.

After making the rounds, the little one counted them once, paused for a moment, and felt something was off.

After all, Papa had told him exactly how many Crown Clan members were on the starship when he woke up.

But no matter how he tallied on his tiny fingers, it always seemed like one was missing.

Puzzled, he recounted.

Fei Man even took the chance to peck his cheeks twice before reminding him.

"Did we forget Ayala?"

Indeed.

Ayala was also on the starship, but he was a lone wolf by habit. With his personality, he rarely joined group activities and, to this day, kept his distance, too awkward to bond with others. So, even now, Ayala hadn't shown up.

"He’s probably in denial," An Ya remarked.

"Why force it? If he really can't hold on, he'll come back."

"But Ayala's crown is on the verge of collapse, isn't it? We noticed back on Saint Cas's imperial star," Mei Lun added.

"He must be suffering right now—that boy’s too proud for his own good."

The little one listened, scanned the room, then looked at Amos.

Amos had spent a long time finally grooming his baby's little wings.

Now, King Amos admired his handiwork.

Then he locked eyes with Xiao Chuzao.

The little one thought for a moment and asked Amos softly.

"Papa, should we go find that... Uncle-Cousin?"

Amos hummed in agreement.

"Hm? Is Zao Zao going with Ayala?"

Finn leaned over to look, grinning, the Psychic Crown on his head pulsing.

His baby face looked quite cheerful at the moment.

Suddenly, he plonked his face right in front of the little one.

"Not considering Uncle Finn?"

If you team up with Uncle Finn, it’ll definitely be a blast.

Finn was eager.

Amos reached out and pushed Finn’s face away.

Then he picked up the little one and stood.

Ready to find Ayala.

Deep in the corrupted zone, leaving Ayala’s Psychic Crown untended really wasn’t an option.

Amos thought, then glanced at Finn and stepped on Finn’s foot, deadpan.

Finn: ...

Finn paused, looking down at his shoe.

For the Crown Clan, such an action was barely a pinch.

But Finn was always unpredictable, an over-the-top drama queen among the Crown Clan. Glancing at Xiao Chuzao perched on Amos’s shoulder, he hesitated for a second before letting out an overdramatic wail.

"Zao Zao, Third Uncle’s dying—Third Uncle got—"

Finn was mid-whine.

Meanwhile, Xiao Chuzao was looking around at the gathered Crown Clan.

The little one seemed to slowly realize something.

His curly locks bobbed slightly, still a bit groggy from sleep.

Held by Amos, he asked, "Papa, Zao Zao’s been wondering—what’s everyone doing here? Didn’t we agree—Zao Zao was going with Uncle-Cousin?"

The little one blinked his big eyes, totally lost as he looked around at the group of Crown Clan members.

Logically, there’s no way they’d all be here, just like that.

The little one finally figured out what felt off.

Shouldn’t these grown-ups be either out on missions or back home on the imperial planet?

"Same as Daddy—why's everyone here?"

Everything went dead silent for a second.

Everyone looked at the tiny little one.

They froze up, brains working overtime.

The Crown Clan parents, who'd tailed them, worried sick about their own little one, were all left speechless.

Staring at the clueless, wide-eyed little one who was curiously asking them why—

Ah, well—

That really put them on the spot.

"Heh, Zao Zao, Gramps is swamped—gotta run—"

"Ah, wait for me."

"Then I’ll go too."

An Ya jumped in quick, grabbing the first exit—

No way was he gonna be the kid’s least favorite.

He’d learned his lesson already!

Finn choked back a fake sob—smooth recovery.

"Uncle’s gotta bounce too—"

In the end, only Fei Man remained standing nearby.

"Auntie came with Zao Zao."

Fei Man owned it, deadpan as ever.

"Auntie adores you too much to let you outta her sight."

As she spoke, she planted another kiss on the little one’s cheek.

Instantly, Xiao Chuzao went beet red, squirming, his big eyes widening before he buried himself in Amos’s arms.

So Fei Man trailed Amos, zero regrets.

Ayala had already left the starship.

Amos cradled the kid, wrapping him in a psychic shield as his wings unfurled—

"He bolted—vanished into thin air!"

Fei Man said while glancing at her communicator.

"Zao Zao, spot Ayala’s psychic thread?"

Xiao Chuzao craned his neck, eyes lit up as he looked around for a moment before shaking his head.

"Nope, but—"

But some weird psychic thread was creeping closer—a see-through, barely there one that blinked and it was gone.