First Interstellar Guide Chapter 40: Lu Zexuan’s Burden

Chapter 40: Lu Zexuan’s Burden

Translated by Addis of Exiled Rebels Scanlations

Editor: Karai

After Yu Ran and Lu Zexuan returned to the White Tower, they quickly packed their belongings and arrived at the eagle starship. Today was the day when the newcomers of the eagle Special Forces reported. There were five sentinels who came to report this time, three of them were graduates from military academies, and two were experts from the Eagle legion sent by General Lu. Among the graduates, besides Tang Ce, whose spirit body was a color-changing lizard, there were two others, both around 20 years old, with spirit bodies of A-level tigers, which were quite common among sentinels. The two of them were curious about everything on the starship. Tang Ce followed behind them, his acting skills not as exquisite, but not enough to be noticed by others.

The other two veterans, around 35 years old, were brothers named Zhao Feng and Zhao Quan. They looked very similar, with spirit bodies of powerful vultures. Vultures feed on rotting corpses, have sharp vision, and are covered in dark brown feathers, extremely fierce and bloodthirsty. As sentinels with vulture spirit bodies, they possessed a special ability—the presence of corpses would enhance their combat power. Especially when dealing with galactic creatures, they could freely navigate through a sea of corpses, becoming stronger with each kill. General Lu sent these two to protect Lu Zexuan, obviously concerned about the danger of Lu Zexuan’s mission this time.

The old general sent people to protect his son, presumably his trusted men, unlikely to be bought by the Dark Night organization. Moreover, General Lu suddenly sent people without leaking any information beforehand, and Lu Zexuan had just learned about it. Yu Ran felt that the Zhao brothers could be trusted—of course, he couldn’t be entirely defenseless. Even Tang Ce currently didn’t know his true identity and purpose, just followed the Marshal’s orders to cooperate.

As Lu Zexuan led Yu Ran onto the starship, all the sentinels were registering with Mohr. The eagle Special Forces were not many in number, and Mohr was in charge of data management and logistics. Mohr had a strong memory, enough to handle these trivial matters alone. Yu Ran walked over conscientiously and said, “Mohr, let me help you.”

Mohr smiled, “Sure, you organize the new recruits’ data, and I’ll conduct a simple physical examination for them.” He then waved to the few people, “Come over here, line up for routine check-ups, very simple.”

The two veterans from the eagle legion lined up first, followed by the three military academy graduates. Mohr had professional medical instruments in hand and quickly recorded their physical data. The first few were normal. When it came to the last one, Tang Ce, the instrument suddenly started beeping.

Mohr was stunned, looking at the thermometer showing “42°C,” his eyes widening slightly, “You have a fever?”

Tang Ce looked puzzled, “No, I don’t.”

Mohr immediately turned to get fever-reducing medicine, “42 degrees and you say you don’t have a fever? Wait… wait, why is it back to 36 degrees now?”

Tang Ce scratched his head, “Sorry, Doctor, my spirit body is a lizard, and I can regulate my body temperature autonomously. It was a bit cold on the starship just now, so I raised my body temperature a bit. Can you check again? Is it back to normal now?”

Mohr was speechless. Yu Ran watched this scene beside him, finding it somewhat amusing. He remembered back when they were training in the Starlight Legion, Tang Ce adjusted his body temperature to be as cold as ice on a hot day, lying under the shade of a tree, scaring passersby who thought they had stumbled upon a corpse.

Yu Ran looked at Tang Ce, who looked apologetic, the lizard on his shoulder, camouflaged to match the color of his military uniform, now revealing its original green body, wagging its tail to Mohr, as if saying, “Don’t be angry, Doctor, I didn’t mean it.”

Mohr looked at the shaking lizard, feeling both amused and helpless, “Alright, fill out this form over there.”

It was his first time encountering a sentinel with a lizard-like spirit body. This “temperature control” ability was quite troublesome for doctors. However, this sentinel seemed mentally sound and not sick, so he didn’t dwell on it, letting Tang Ce proceed to the next step.

Tang Ce came to Yu Ran, “Hello, guide Yu.”

Yu Ran handed him a form and said, “Fill out the information.”

The two pretended not to know each other.

After all the newcomers had filled out the forms, Lu Zexuan stepped forward. Vice Captain Xiong Kai immediately organized everyone to stand in two rows, “Salute!”

Lu Zexuan returned the salute and glanced at everyone, saying, “Today, five new comrades are joining the eagle Special Forces. Welcome, everyone.”

Warm applause echoed around them.

When the applause subsided, Lu Zexuan continued, “We have received a mission from the White Tower. Tomorrow morning at 8 o’clock, we depart for the J-107 planet in the Dorado Constellation. The Dorado Constellation is the farthest from the capital star in the southern celestial hemisphere. Six months ago, the Federal Astronomical Observatory discovered traces of water sources and vegetation on a planet there. After a long period of observation and discussion, it was decided to send a vanguard unit for on-site inspection.” Lu Zexuan paused, his voice firm, “We are the first humans to set foot on J-107. Whether there are dangerous creatures on this planet, everything is unknown. For this mission, everyone remembers, prioritize your own safety. If you encounter any danger that cannot be handled, retreat immediately!”

Everyone responded in unison, “Yes!”

Yu Ran stood among the crowd, watching Lu Zexuan in his military uniform—he was young, but indeed had a strong leadership aura. His words were concise and powerful, no wonder he could lead the team to complete so many difficult tasks.

Meeting Yu Ran’s gaze, Lu Zexuan paused for a moment before continuing, “Tonight, everyone stays overnight on the starship. The newcomers should familiarize themselves with the environment. Since this mission requires a long journey, Mohr and Yu Ran will recheck the supplies on the starship and prepare according to one month’s consumption.”

Mohr and Yu Ran exchanged a glance, nodding in understanding.

The sentinels dispersed to their respective dormitories to pack their belongings.

Yu Ran followed Mohr to check the supplies in logistics. Curiously, he asked, “In the past, did you often go to these remote planets for exploration?”

Mohr replied, “Yes. The Eagle Special Forces are all A-level or above sentinels, few in number but strong in combat power, suitable for pioneering missions. We’ve been to jungles, deserts, swamps… all sorts of harsh environments, and encountered many strange galactic creatures.” He paused, turning to Yu Ran with a smile, “Don’t worry. Although no one has been to the Dorado Constellation, Major Lu has extensive experience in wilderness survival, quick reflexes, and precise command. Even if we encounter any monsters, with his strength, he can handle them.”

“…” This mission, with the old general sending people for protection again and exploring a completely new map, Yu Ran always felt that Lu Zexuan’s back was like being pinned with “you’re in danger” flags.

After leaving the warehouse, the two returned to the medical room together.

Mohr closed the door, poured a cup of tea for Yu Ran, and said, “Our office is usually here. The space on the starship is limited, and the office isn’t big, but it’s enough for the two of us. If any sentinels have any mental discomfort, they will come to us for treatment voluntarily.”

Yu Ran nodded, took the tea cup, and took a sip, saying, “By the way, can I ask you a question?”

Mohr smiled, “What question? Go ahead.”

Yu Ran pondered for a moment before saying, “You served in the Eagle legion for eight years. You should be familiar with the former Captain, Major General Lu Cheng’an, right?”

Upon hearing this name, Mohr’s smile gradually disappeared, replaced by a heavy emotion in his eyes. He lowered his head to look at the cup in his hand, his voice dry, “Of course, I’m familiar. When I first joined the team eight years ago, I knew nothing, but he took care of us newbies very well. Although he had a carefree personality and messy living habits, he… indeed was a very good Captain.”

Yu Ran asked softly, “How did he sacrifice himself?”

Mohr remained silent for a long time before sighing, “To save his younger cousin, Lu Zexuan.”

Yu Ran was dumbfounded. 

Mohr recounted, “Back then, after Lu Zexuan graduated, he joined the Eagle Special Forces to learn from his cousin. During one mission, we encountered unprecedented danger. Lu Zexuan was trapped, and his cousin… charged into the herd to save him but never returned.”

Yu Ran hadn’t expected that Major General Lu Cheng’an’s sacrifice had this reason behind it. His cousin, who had grown up with him, sacrificed himself to save Lu Zexuan. Lu Zexuan must feel incredibly guilty and saddened. Perhaps he even wished that the one who died that year was himself? Was this the shadow that troubled him, causing him to have frequent nightmares?

Yu Ran suddenly felt a pang of sympathy. He felt sorry for the general who had sacrificed himself in his prime at the age of 25 and also for Lu Zexuan, who had become the new Captain burdened with guilt and pain. Yu Ran sighed, saying, “Is this why General Lu has always refused mental grooming?”

Mohr smiled bitterly, “Yes. I worry that his unresolved issues have accumulated for too long, forming stubborn shadows that will eventually lead to a collapse of his mental world. Until I find a guide who can treat him, I dare not leave…” Mohr looked at Yu Ran and asked, “Did he take you to visit the graves today?”

Yu Ran nodded, “Yes. So I learned that the former Captain of the Eagle Special Forces was his cousin.”

“In recent years, he has always gone alone to pay tribute to his cousin. Now that he’s willing to take you along, it means he has already accepted you in his heart.” Mohr paused, gently holding Yu Ran’s hand, “Ranran, only you can save him.”

Yu Ran said, “Of course, I will try to save him. But unfortunately, I only have C-level healing abilities, and his mental landscape is too vast. I’m afraid I can’t handle it.”

Mohr thought for a moment, then took out a small plastic bag from the drawer and handed it to Yu Ran.

When Yu Ran took a look, he found it was a sealed package of disposable blood collection needles.

Mohr said, “Your guide essence compatibility with him reaches 98%. The concentration of guide essence in your blood is the highest. Take this. If there ever comes a day, perhaps it will come in handy.”

Guide essence had a calming and soothing effect on sentinels. Artificially generated guide essence drugs were often used by many low-level sentinels as mental sedatives. Whether a natural guide essence like Yu Ran’s S-level was effective for sentinels depended on compatibility. His compatibility with Lu Zexuan was very high, perhaps this was fate—only he could save Lu Zexuan. And the Dark Night organization also noticed this, believing that Lu Zexuan would trust him, so they sent him to Lu Zexuan’s side as an undercover agent. Yu Ran discreetly put away the blood collection needle.

*** 

At 6 o’clock in the evening, it was dinner time on the eagle starship. Yu Ran and Mohr went to the dining area together, and Lu Zexuan, having finished his tasks, approached them and asked softly, “Are you getting used to the work on the starship?”

Yu Ran smiled and said, “It’s good. With Mohr guiding me, I’m adapting quickly.”

Lu Zexuan looked at Mohr, “We’ll officially depart tomorrow. Tonight, I’ll need both of you to work overtime and check the sentinels’ mental conditions, so there won’t be any accidents on the way.”

Mohr said, “Of course.”

After dinner, Yu Ran and Mohr began checking the sentinels’ mental landscapes. When a guide entered a sentinel’s mind, they couldn’t see everything. For example, Lu Zexuan had hidden some memories, so last time Yu Ran saw nothing. Otherwise, sentinels would have no privacy, which would lead to greater resistance to guides. Regular checks involved scanning for negative emotions in the mental landscape and conducting simple grooming without delving into memories or privacy. So, Tang Ce also put on a relaxed expression for Mohr to inspect. Mohr’s mental tendrils entered his mental landscape and unexpectedly said, “Little Tang, there’s a lot of mud in your swamp, and the surrounding bushes show signs of withering. Your mental landscape seems to have been damaged and hasn’t fully recovered.”

—Yu Ran hadn’t had time to fully repair it.

At that time, when they rescued Major Tang from the White Tower, his mental landscape was already in ruins. Yu Ran had limited time and only repaired the central core area, allowing him to regain his sanity. After the Marshal took him back, he should have undergone treatment. But Tang Ce’s mental landscape was not fully repaired, which was clearly intentional on the Marshal’s part.

Tang Ce smiled bitterly and said, “Five years ago, my parents passed away one after another. I almost went berserk. It should be the scars left from that time.”

Mohr paused, sympathetically saying, “I see… It’s okay, Ranran can help you.”

With this, Yu Ran had a reason to enter Tang Ce’s mental landscape alone, allowing them to have a secret conversation in the mental world. Mohr stepped back and looked at Yu Ran, “Ranran, you go help him. There aren’t many scars, so it shouldn’t take up too much energy.”

Yu Ran walked over and sat down, extending his green mental tendrils, gently touching Tang Ce’s forehead.

In the mental world, Yu Ran’s voice rang clearly, “You need to cooperate with me to quickly find the undercover agent the Dark Night organization sent into the Eagle Special Forces.”

As the captain of the Starlight Legion’s reconnaissance battalion, Tang Ce had the keenest insight in the world, and Yu Ran believed he could find even the slightest clue.

Tang Ce straightforwardly replied, “Understood. I’ll blend into the crowd and carefully observe them to identify anyone suspicious. Also, the Marshal asked me to tell you that if necessary, you can kill anyone who obstructs your plan—he’s got your back.”

Yu Ran nodded, “Got it.”

During the conversation, the green mental tendrils continued to roam within the injured mental landscape. Wherever they went, the withered bushes regained their vitality.