First Interstellar Guide Chapter 24: Thank You

Chapter 24: Thank You

Translated by Addis of Exiled Rebels Scanlations

Editor: Karai

Yu Ran woke up at noon. When he woke up, Lu Zexuan was sitting in the living room looking at documents. The transparent holographic blue screen displayed one sentinel’s personal resume after another. These were all sentinels who recently went berserk. Lu Zexuan sorted through their information, trying to find some clues.

White Eagle noticed Yu Ran waking up immediately and hurriedly reported to his master, “He’s awake, he’s awake!”

Lu Zexuan put down the terminal and walked to the bedside. “Are you okay?”

Yu Ran rubbed his eyes and said, “I feel much better after sleeping. Don’t worry, I just expended too much mental energy and got a bit tired.”

The little fox also rested well, coming out of the mental landscape and lying on Yu Ran’s shoulder, wagging its tail towards White Eagle in a friendly manner. White Eagle was extremely happy and shouted in his mind, “It’s saying hello to me, did you see? What does it mean when a fox wags its tail, does it like me?”

Lu Zexuan said, “Stop overthinking. You are an S-level sentinel spirit body, physically strong, but you don’t have the intelligence of an S-level animal.”

White Eagle replied, “…You’re mocking me for being strong but simple-minded, I get it.”

Lu Zexuan ignored it and looked at Yu Ran, “You must be hungry. Let me treat you to lunch.”

Yu Ran got off the bed and asked curiously, “Is there a restaurant inside the White Tower? If there is, let’s just eat something here. It’s troublesome to go out.”

“It’s also possible. Then I’ll take you to the buffet restaurant.”

Lu Zexuan took Yu Ran to the restaurant on the 100th floor of the White Tower.

The White Tower was inhabited by a large number of A-level and above sentinels. There was a buffet restaurant every 20 floors. At this time, it was mealtime. When Lu Zexuan and Yu Ran entered the restaurant, they encountered many sentinels who came to eat, including many members of the Eagle Special Forces.

“Major Lu!” 

“Hello, Major Lu!” The sentinels greeted Lu Zexuan respectfully, but their eyes sneakily glanced at Yu Ran. They were curious why General Lu would bring this young guide to the White Tower. Have the two of them established a romantic relationship? The spirit body of the little guide is quite cute. He must have been frightened, covering his face with his tail.

Yu Ran looked nervous and whispered, “So many people, I wish I hadn’t come…”

Lu Zexuan said, “Don’t be afraid. They have no ill intentions towards you, just curious why you’re here. Let’s get some food, choose whatever you like.”

Yu Ran followed Lu Zexuan and picked a few dishes in the restaurant, then found a corner to sit down and eat.

The surrounding gazes made Yu Ran feel embarrassed, so he quickly buried his head and ate. The food in the White Tower was as delicious as ever. After all, sentinels have a very strong sense of taste. Most A-level sentinels are picky eaters. If the food was too bad, the chefs would surely be fired.

In the afternoon, Lu Zexuan drove Yu Ran back to school. Before parting, Lu Zexuan suddenly said, “Thanks for your help today.”

Yu Ran smiled and said, “No need to thank me. I’m glad I could help that little girl.”

Lu Zexuan said, “You go back first. I’ll come to see you tomorrow.”

Yu Ran turned back to school, while Lu Zexuan drove in another direction towards the outskirts, heading to the Lu Family estate. It had been a long time since he had been home.

The Lu Family had been in military service for generations. Starting from three hundred years ago, high-ranking sentinels from the Lu Family had served in various positions in the Federal Military. Lu Zexuan’s great-grandfather had made significant contributions during the battle to quell the sentinel rebellion in the Star Calendar year 255. Since then, the Lu Family’s position has been solidified. In Lu Zexuan’s generation, he had risen to the rank of Major General.

Lu Zexuan’s father, Lu Tingyu, was one of the four generals of the Federal Military and the commander of the Eagle Legion. His rank in the military was second only to the marshal. Although he was a highly decorated general, he was warm-hearted, easygoing, and had a good temper. He also had a particular fondness for gardening.

The Lu Family had a mansion in the suburbs of the capital star, with several greenhouse sheds where they grew vegetables and fruits. When Lu Zexuan returned home, he saw a man rolling up his sleeves and picking vegetables in the greenhouse. A mighty golden eagle, large in size, hovered above its master. It quickly noticed White Eagle and flew over to greet him.

Lu Tingyu raised his head and said, “Oh, who do we have here? Why did you suddenly come back?”

Lu Zexuan scratched his nose and said, “I came back this time to ask you something important.”

Lu Tingyu smiled and said, “Alright, I haven’t had dinner yet. You go to the kitchen and cook a feast for your old man. Then I’ll consider whether to answer your question.”

Lu Zexuan reluctantly took the basket of vegetables from his father’s hand and went to the kitchen. His culinary skills were excellent, honed since childhood. The young sentinel skillfully washed vegetables and cooked, quickly preparing three dishes and a soup, which he brought to the dining room.

The simple home-cooked dishes looked and smelled delicious.

Lu Tingyu casually picked up his chopsticks and took a few bites, praising, “Not bad, you haven’t lost your touch.” Then he smiled at his son, “By the way, what about that little guide who matches with you over 98%? When are you going to bring him to meet us?”

Lu Zexuan casually replied, “I have my boundaries. He’s still young, and we’re getting to know each other. No rush.”

General Lu had always been concerned about his son’s lifelong matters. Previously, he had asked Mrs. Joseph to introduce potential matches to Lu Zexuan, but unfortunately, Lu Zexuan had no interest in any of those guides. Now that he had finally encountered one with a high compatibility rate, General Lu wished Lu Zexuan would bring the guide home now and get married tomorrow.

Seeing that his father was about to say more, Lu Zexuan quickly changed the subject, “Dad, there have been numerous cases of sudden sentinel going berserk in many places recently. Have you heard anything about it?”

After hearing this question, General Lu became serious and asked, “What’s your analysis?”

Lu Zexuan analyzed, “I think it’s likely caused by human factors. I spent the morning reviewing the data of those berserking sentinels and found that they share many common features—they are all young sentinels at the C-level, aged between 22 and 32, with little combat experience.”

General Lu lowered his voice and said, “The military is investigating this matter. Currently, it’s under the jurisdiction of the Starlight Legion and is not within my scope of responsibility. I can’t tell you much about the specifics. However, I remind you that if you encounter a large number of berserking sentinels on missions in the future, you must be even more cautious.”

Starlight Legion? Lu Zexuan frowned. As a direct descendant of the Lu Family, he had undoubtedly joined the Eagle Legion after graduating from the military academy, becoming a captain of a special forces team. His father’s arrangement was to allow him to gain more experience. As for other legions, he was indeed not familiar with them.

However, since someone was already investigating, he didn’t need to worry too much. There would surely be results.

***

After a day had passed, Little Qi’s condition had stabilized, and she could chat normally with Mohr again. However, she didn’t know much about sentinel going berserk. She only remembered her father saying he was going on a mission with his team, but after several days, none of the sentinels returned.

Unable to gather more information from Little Qi, Mohr decided to send her to the children’s daycare at the White Tower. There were many sentinel orphans there, and she could study and grow up with them, having companionship.

Lu Zexuan decided to visit Yu Ran again. He had been too rushed to bring a gift when he picked him up yesterday, so he decided to make up for it today. Yu Ran was a student and wore a school uniform during his time at the guide academy, so there was no need to give him clothes. He also didn’t seem like the type who enjoyed playing games; he was always studying diligently. Giving him a game console might backfire.

What should he give then?

After thinking for a while, Lu Zexuan couldn’t come up with any other gifts, so he decided to drive to the private bakery where he had bought tiramisu last time. He remembered Yu Ran mentioning that his mother had passed away and he couldn’t taste his mother’s cakes anymore. He also mentioned that he loved tiramisu. With that in mind, Lu Zexuan entered the shop and picked out a delicate cream mousse cake for the shopkeeper to pack.

The shopkeeper enthusiastically said, “Sir, we’re currently having a store celebration. All rechargeable members receive a 10% discount, and you can also make reservations for free home delivery.”

White Eagle shouted in his mind, “That’s great! When you’re on a mission away from the capital star, let the shopkeeper deliver cakes to Yu Ran! Since he loves them, let’s send one every day!”

Lu Zexuan said helplessly in his mental world, “Are you sure you want him to eat such a high-calorie cake every day?”

White Eagle thought for a moment and realized that eating one every day would make him fat? It changed its mind, “Then, one per week?”

Lu Zexuan replied, “…Okay.”

So, with the enthusiastic introduction from the shopkeeper, Lu Zexuan became a member for a whole year and ordered a “long-term delivery service.” This way, even if he wasn’t on the capital star, out on a mission, Yu Ran could still enjoy the freshest cake made that day, and he wouldn’t receive the same one every week.

Lu Zexuan arrived at the gate of the guide academy. Just as he was about to tell the security guard to call Yu Ran out, White Eagle suddenly flew excitedly towards a certain direction. “The little fox is over there! Is it waiting for me?”

Following White Eagle’s gaze, Lu Zexuan indeed found Yu Ran sitting alone, holding a book in his hands. However, it was evident that Yu Ran wasn’t reading the book attentively. He occasionally looked up and glanced around, seemingly looking for someone. When he noticed White Eagle, a hint of joy appeared in his eyes. The little fox on his shoulder also wagged its tail happily towards White Eagle. The soaring White Eagle almost fainted with joy, circling back and forth above the little fox’s head.

Lu Zexuan said, “…Look at you.”

White Eagle was indignant, “My thoughts represent your subconscious desires. You clearly want to see him too!”

Lu Zexuan didn’t refute.

The eagle was his spirit body, representing his “animal instincts.” With Yu Ran’s guide essence matching with him over 98%, he was indeed very attractive to him. Out of animal instinct, White Eagle wanted to get close to the little fox, which was understandable. 

However, he was human, and besides “animal instincts,” humans also had a more “rational” side. Most of the time, rationality prevailed. He did want to see Yu Ran. However, he didn’t like Yu Ran or want to be with him. He just wanted to understand this guide more and confirm the identity and background before proceeding to the next step of his plan.

Lu Zexuan quickly calmed down and walked over, “Are you waiting for me here?”

Yu Ran blushed embarrassedly and said, “I thought you might come in the morning, so I came out early…” Just as he was speaking, he noticed the familiar gift box in Lu Zexuan’s hand and seemed to freeze for a moment, asking stiffly, “Did you buy me another cake?”

Lu Zexuan said, “Yeah, since you said it was delicious last time, I bought a different flavor this time for you to try.”

Yu Ran pretended to be surprised as he opened the box and was speechless. Such a large cream mousse cake? Can you spare me? I hate sweets, and I hate cream even more!!

The little white fox sensed the gloomy atmosphere in its master’s mental landscape and lowered its head even more.

Yu Ran held the cream cake in both hands and pretended to be “happy,” saying, “Thank you, this is my favorite flavor. But, General, you must be busy. You really don’t have to bother bringing gifts when you come to see me in the future.”

Lu Zexuan said, “No trouble. I’ve talked to the owner of this bakery, and they’ll provide delivery service. From now on, even if I’m not on the capital star, every Sunday, the owner will deliver a freshly made mousse cake of the day to you at the school gate for you to try.”

Yu Ran was beyond speechless. One per week, and home delivery???

The guide beside him seemed touched, with red eyes, and remained silent, bowing his head. 

Lu Zexuan said, “No need to thank me. It’s just a small effort.”

Yu Ran said, “….Thank you anyway.”