First Interstellar Guide Chapter 50: Truth

Chapter 50: Truth

Translated by Addis of Exiled Rebels Scanlations

Editor: Karai

Lu Zexuan looked at Yu Ran’s earnest gaze, feeling a vague sense of bitterness in his heart. Although he had never been an undercover agent, he knew how difficult their situation could be; a slight misstep could mean certain death.

If what Yu Ran said was true, then, under such dire circumstances, Yu Ran risked exposing himself to danger to save his life, and was willing to trust him, disclose the truth, and join forces with him… The weight of this trust was immense, almost like entrusting one’s life to another.

If Lu Zexuan agreed, from that moment on, they would be bound together, sharing life and death.

Lu Zexuan quickly adjusted his emotions and looked at Yu Ran, saying softly, “I also hope that we can become comrades-in-arms, not enemies.”

This statement was ambiguous, seemingly reminding Yu Ran not to deceive him again. Meeting Yu Ran’s gaze, Lu Zexuan saw a candidness in his eyes as Yu Ran calmly said, “If I were your enemy, you would have died countless times. Do you remember the cup of sweet water I gave you?”

Lu Zexuan’s expression stiffened. “What did you put in it?”

“It was supposed to have the medicine they gave me, but I replaced it with candy,” Yu Ran replied.

Lu Zexuan was speechless. Remembering how he unquestioningly drank that cup of sweet water, he couldn’t help but shiver. If Yu Ran hadn’t swapped out those drugs, he might have been under his control by now. The Dark Night Organization was truly ruthless. Not only did they experiment on sentinels, but they also aimed to control the military? The hidden powers behind the scenes must have extremely terrifying ambitions.

Yu Ran needed someone he could trust. And he, Lu Zexuan, was the best candidate.

Taking a deep breath, Lu Zexuan said, “I’ll try to cooperate with you as much as possible, but I hope you’ll tell me your plans in advance.”

After this frank conversation, Lu Zexuan’s trust in Yu Ran grew a bit more. Yu Ran nodded, saying, “Of course. I’ll discuss the feasibility of the plan with you. After all, many things require your cooperation.”

As their eyes met, they saw clear reflections of themselves in each other’s pupils.

As the sky darkened, the searchlights on distant skyscrapers swept back and forth on the streets. Since the last assault by the beast herd on the human base, Base B73 had strengthened its defenses, and there were more patrolling soldiers. The Dark Night Organization was evidently on high alert, not wanting anyone to discover the secrets buried deep in the contaminated area. There were many people on the streets who were mentally controlled by them.

Softly in his mind, Yu Ran said, “Let’s go back. Until we find the other undercover agent in the Eagle Special Forces, let’s continue pretending to be a couple. Let him think that I’ve gained your trust and am giving you medicine, trying to control you.”

Lu Zexuan paused. “Another undercover agent?”

“Xiong Kai is the prime suspect, and Mohr cannot be completely trusted either. The organization wouldn’t have just sent me to get close to you; there must be someone else monitoring us. So, you can’t afford to be careless in any situation from now on,” Yu Ran explained.

Lu Zexuan could hardly believe it. Since taking over as Captain of the Eagle Special Forces in Star Calendar 494, he had treated his team members like brothers. Every time they went on a mission, he would do his utmost to protect their safety. Just like earlier, when they encountered the monster assault in Dorado Constellation, he didn’t hesitate to risk his own life to save all the team members. Because he was the Captain, he had a responsibility to take care of everyone. He had once said that he wouldn’t let any of his soldiers die in vain. But what if there was a traitor among the team members? At a critical moment, being stabbed in the back by a teammate was more terrifying than facing the most powerful enemy!

Xiong Kai was his most trusted deputy captain, who had been guarding the starship in the rear; Mohr was their guide, and also the person his brother had asked him to take care of before his death. Both of them had been in the Eagle Special Forces for seven or eight years… and Yu Ran actually suspected these two of being undercover agents?

Lu Zexuan clenched his fists tightly, his voice dry, “What evidence do you have to prove that they are undercover agents?”

Yu Ran candidly replied, “I have no evidence, just speculation and suspicion based on some clues. I’m telling you this so that you won’t let your guard down. In the future, don’t eat anything they give you without being wary.”

Lu Zexuan furrowed his brow lightly, silent for a moment before he said quietly in his mind, “Leave finding the undercover agents in the Eagle Special Forces to me. I know them better than you do.” His expression was serious, his voice cold, “I won’t tolerate any traitors in my team!”

As a soldier, he loathed traitors the most. The first rule of the Federation Military Academy was loyalty—to the country, to the legion, to comrades. Only by working together and trusting each other could they survive in difficult environments. While comrades fought to the death in the front, traitors lurked behind and watched coldly…

Thinking of this, Lu Zexuan couldn’t help but want to root out the traitor and send them to the military prison! Did his brother’s death also have something to do with this?

Lu Zexuan didn’t continue that line of thought, calmly looking at Yu Ran, “What’s the plan next?”

Yu Ran said, “First, we need to play our parts well and not raise suspicion from the mole. From now on, you have to constantly remind yourself that we’ve been through life and death together, with deep affection between us. We’ve established a romantic relationship, and you trust me completely.” Yu Ran paused, emphasizing, “Only when you believe this yourself will your performance be more natural.”

Lu Zexuan was speechless.

Yu Ran seemed accustomed to switching identities at any moment. Being an undercover agent for the military must have involved special acting training, his acting skills could rival those of actors in the entertainment industry. Otherwise, any slight flaw in his gaze or actions could easily give him away. But Lu Zexuan had never undergone acting training. Could he really play the part of a lover? Would he be convincing enough?

White Eagle chimed in his mind, “You actually look quite convincing. Whenever you were with Yu Ran before, you were always protective of him, your eyes almost glued to him. Just keep it up.”

Listening to the spirit’s comment, Lu Zexuan felt somewhat embarrassed. He admitted that he had indeed developed feelings for Yu Ran before. However, he now realized that it was for the character Yu Ran was impersonating. As for the real Yu Ran, his feelings were actually quite complex—gratitude for saving his life, sadness and anger for being deceived and used; admiration for his courage and charm; and respect upon learning he was an undercover agent.

It was all too complicated to untangle. Regardless, personal emotions were not important now; their priority was to cooperate with Yu Ran to expose the mole. The terrifying nature of the Dark Night Organization exceeded his imagination. From now on, he had to be extra cautious.

***

At 7 PM, the two returned to the Eagle starship. Yu Ran seemed a bit downcast. Hummingbird approached with concern, “What’s wrong, Ranran?”

Lu Zexuan replied, “His mother’s cake shop was demolished, and his old residence was replaced by a new building. He’s feeling a bit sad.” Lu Zexuan gently wrapped his arm around Yu Ran’s shoulder and softly reassured him, “But I’m here for you. Don’t be too upset.”

Yu Ran nodded, “Yeah, it’s all in the past.”

Lu Zexuan entrusted Yu Ran to Hummingbird’s care and walked into the command room, connecting to the White Tower’s communication line.

“This is the central command of the White Tower. Major General Lu Zexuan, how is the mission progressing?”

“We encountered highly intelligent creatures on the target planet in the Dorado Constellation. They disguised themselves as plants and remained motionless. After we entered their territory, they launched a sudden attack. Fifty-two members of the Eagle Special Forces were trapped, but luckily, we were rescued in time. Currently, one sentinel is severely injured and receiving treatment in the infirmary, while others have minor injuries. The Eagle starship has landed at Norma Planet B73 for rest and awaits further instructions.”

“Please wait a moment.” The duty officer transmitted Lu Zexuan’s report to the military command room.

After a moment, a message came from the White Tower, “Eagle Special Forces are to return to the capital star immediately. There is no need to forcibly land on Planet S107. Further arrangements will be made after a detailed discussion.”

“Understood.” Lu Zexuan ended the call.

The Federal Central Observatory had underestimated the danger of Planet S107, believing that it was populated by “non-aggressive plants.” However, those tree-like “plants” were actually the claws of highly intelligent creatures. The lack of life signals detected by the drones was because they had learned to camouflage themselves. The Eagle Special Forces were lured in and almost wiped out. Fortunately, Lu Zexuan’s timely rescue and Yu Ran’s courageous intervention saved them all.

Turning back, Lu Zexuan addressed the group, “Rest for the night. We depart for the capital star at eight tomorrow morning.”

His gaze swept over Xiong Kai and Mohr, but he didn’t notice anything amiss on their faces—it was okay. Once they returned to the capital star, he would find a way to uncover the mole lurking in the Special Forces.

***

After dinner, everyone returned to their rooms to sleep. Yu Ran passed by Tang Ce, but they didn’t exchange a word. However, Yu Ran knew that Tang Ce’s chameleon had already taken on the color of the ceiling, silently sneaking into his bedroom.

After closing the door, Yu Ran communicated with the chameleon using mental tendrils.

In the mental world, the chameleon said, “The master wants me to tell you that Xiong Kai has been quietly keeping an eye on you. His bedroom is close to Major Lu’s, so he can hear your conversations. Mohr has been taking care of the sentinel in the treatment pod and hasn’t left the treatment room. There’s nothing suspicious about the others. He also asked about your next plan.”

Yu Ran replied, “Tell Major Tang to hold steady and wait for further instructions. I’ll figure out a way to lure the Eagle Starship into the Southern Triangle Constellation, causing an ‘accident’ that will ‘eliminate’ everyone except the mole.”

The chameleon puzzled, “The Southern Triangle Constellation?”

Yu Ran confirmed, “Yes, where the Starlight ship was destroyed years ago. Major Tang should know how to cooperate with me.”

The chameleon shook its transparent head and disappeared.

Yu Ran turned and poured himself a glass of water in the pantry, then knocked on Lu Zexuan’s door—of course, it was intentionally done for the mole’s benefit.

Lu Zexuan said, “Come in.”

Yu Ran entered, smiling, “Still awake?”

Seeing his ‘innocent smile’ and the glass of water in his hand, Lu Zexuan knew—here comes another act from the drama king.

Lu Zexuan had no choice but to play along, “Yeah, just about to rest. What brings you here?”

Yu Ran handed the water to Lu Zexuan, “You saved so many people today, you must be tired. I poured you a glass of water to drink.”

“Thank you.” Lu Zexuan promptly drank the sugary water in the cup—he knew even if Yu Ran wanted to control him, it wouldn’t be now. Yu Ran wouldn’t risk it in front of so many Eagle Special Forces sentinels.

Seeing the man finish the sugary water without hesitation, Yu Ran admired him and said, “Good night.”

Just as he was about to leave, Lu Zexuan suddenly grabbed his arm, pulling him into his embrace.

Yu Ran stiffened slightly, asking with his eyes, What are you doing?

Lu Zexuan mouthed, “Acting.”

Yu Ran was speechless. Well, if his boyfriend came to deliver water so considerately in the middle of the night, it would be odd if Lu Zexuan remained indifferent. Between adults, hugging and kissing should be quite normal, right?

Thinking this, Yu Ran went along with it, hugging Lu Zexuan while feebly protesting, “Zexuan, don’t be silly… Hmm… someone might hear…”

Lu Zexuan, “??” I didn’t do anything, you’re quite into the act, huh?

After going through the motions, Yu Ran pushed Lu Zexuan away and left.

Leaving Lu Zexuan frozen in place like a statue.

White Eagle sounded despondent in his mind, “The fox is too clever and cunning, you seem to be no match for him.”

Lu Zexuan coldly replied, “I have only one spirit body, he has two.”

White Eagle, “…In that case, you’re not his match, seems quite normal?”

Lu Zexuan didn’t say anything. He just felt his heart suddenly out of control. He had indeed intended to act just now. After all, in the eyes of outsiders, they were already in a romantic relationship. Yu Ran came considerately to bring him water, how could he just let him leave directly? The mole must be eavesdropping, so he tried to make it as realistic as possible… a hug or something wouldn’t hurt.

He didn’t expect Yu Ran to hug him back. At the moment when he was gently hugged back, Lu Zexuan’s heart almost stopped beating. Yu Ran’s body was warm and soft. When he hugged him, Lu Zexuan didn’t even want to let go.

Lu Zexuan pressed his temple and told himself again—don’t overthink, it’s just acting.

Now, the most important thing was to uncover the other mole in the team. On this matter, Lu Zexuan already had a plan.