Mecha Chapter 58: Manhunt

Translated by Addis of Exiled Rebels Scanlations

Editor: Sulo

 

125 was keenly aware that its ‘master’ would lecture it about Cyril’s words. So it was the first to accuse Luo XiaoLou of cheating on it, which it had learned secretly from Yuan Xi. Undoubtedly, 125’s purpose was accomplished, and Luo XiaoLou’s embarrassment at Cyril’s misunderstanding was completely replaced by anger.

Cyril watched in amazement as Luo XiaoLou rose sharply. Cyril looked around and asked Luo XiaoLou, “What are you doing? What can I do for you?”

“Nothing. I just want to find a stone to test the hardness of my jade. When I bought it, the salesman assured me it couldn’t be broken with a stone. I’m in the mood to test it now.” Luo XiaoLou said tautly. Unfortunately, apart from the soft earth and the almost invisible Starlover, there were hardly any stones around. 

Cyril leaned in to see the jade in Luo XiaoLou’s death grip. Luo XiaoLou’s long, thin fingers tightened until the jade became even more luminous. 

Cyril exclaimed, “It’s beautiful. I really advise you not to do that experiment. How can you trust the words of a seller? They have a tendency to brag about their wares as if they were nothing. Besides, jade is a very delicate thing.”

Luo XiaoLou reluctantly looked at the stones that could only be seen in the distance near the valley. He had to put the 125 back under his shirt. A round trip for a 125? Don’t be silly. It’s better to collect a lot of stuff. If you want to get rid of it, there’s always other chances.

Cyril gave Luo XiaoLou, who was still annoyed, a sideways glance, and smiled a little. He handed Luo XiaoLou all the good materials he had. He only picked out a few at random, explaining that his own mecha maker had more than he needed anyway.

Luo XiaoLou’s anger was lessened by the company of such a beautiful and gentle man. Thinking of the information Master Yan had given him, Luo XiaoLou said to Cyril, “Starlover is an excellent material for repairing mecha. It can also be added to the daily maintenance lotions and protective lotions. It is an excellent ingredient for mecha makers and mecha warriors alike.”

Cyril’s turquoise eyes stared at Luo XiaoLou. A good-looking eyebrow raised as he said, “Thank you for explaining it in such detail. I don’t know much about materials. In that case, I’ll give you the best of the best and when you make the lotion, give me a bottle. I’ll be happy to take one.”

Luo XiaoLou’s heart jumped. Cyril, whom he had just met today, was too nice to him. It was almost as if he was trying to get close and ingratiate himself with him. But why would a mecha warrior with far more talent and promise than him be nice to him? He had nothing to him now, and there was no profit in getting close to him. Was it for Yuan Xi?

Even though Luo XiaoLou was in doubt, he agreed. After all, in any society, it was always hard to say no to a beautiful person. 

125 had learned its lesson and for the rest of the day, so it was good-natured and didn’t go overboard. At least Luo XiaoLou was no longer walking on bare ground.

An hour later, Luo XiaoLou’s few storage containers were full. He looked reluctantly at the material that was still in abundance. Then he looked to Cyril, who had been talking with him the whole time, “I have to go back.”

Cyril looked at the time and said thoughtfully, “It’s been so long. You should go back. You’re not very strong so don’t go out on your own again. After all, there are still mutants on this planet. Your team will be worried if you go out again. Do you need a ride?”

“No need. My team is very close to here. Thank you, sir. I’ll take care of it myself.” Luo XiaoLou declined. 

But when Cyril said it… Luo XiaoLou suddenly thought of Yuan Xi. Yuan Xi, who had been supporting the other teams, should be back soon. He had to get dinner ready before Yuan Xi returned. He didn’t want to see Yuan Xi blow up in front of all the students. That would be humiliating.

After saying goodbye to Cyril, Luo XiaoLou headed back immediately.

It was only then that 125 said cautiously, “Are you still angry? You see… That man said… I’m… I’m very delicate. As my foster parent… You should be more gentle with me…”

The way it talked as if it was a baby… Luo XiaoLou shuddered. He could only say to himself, “Fine.” 

In the end, 125 was not the same as a normal A.I.

In fact, Luo XiaoLou had never even treated it as if it were inanimate. And… Luo XiaoLou unconsciously went soft every time 125 started to show affection.

When Luo XiaoLou didn’t say anything, 125 hesitated for a moment. “I’ve been studying the Federation carefully. And I’ve helped you hide it every time. I was worried when Yuan Xi dragged you into the bathroom — for you! Trust me. If Yuan Xi gets violent at home, I promise I’ll be on your side!” After confessing, 125 asked cautiously, “So. You wouldn’t not want me… right?”

How bad was it! How could he have such a stupid mecha? Saying things in such a sympathetic way that makes you want to beat it up!

“All right. But only if you do as you’re told. Now shut up.” Luo XiaoLou said weakly. He thought he had given his life’s patience and tenderness to Yuan Xi and 125. These two must have been sent by God to test him……

Fortunately, after Luo XiaoLou’s return, Yuan Xi and the mecha he took with him had not yet returned. This gave Luo XiaoLou enough time to get dinner ready before Yuan Xi returned.

By the time Yuan Xi returned, it was late afternoon. They brought back good news that Planet Anse’s ship would arrive in the morning. The mecha makers were cheering. They were finally ready to leave. The mecha warriors, on the other hand, had some regrets. To be honest, they were a bit sad. It was hard for them to leave.

With this accident, they’d gained so much strength.

At night, only two people were on guard while the rest slept in the cave. This would be their last day on this asteroid and the students all slept soundly.

However, Luo XiaoLou didn’t sleep. It was midnight when Yuan Xi’s hand gently stroked his waist. Unable to stand it any longer, Yuan Xi asked, “What’s keeping you up so late at night?

“I can’t sleep.” Luo XiaoLou, normally the sleepiest one, was still awake. After a moment’s pause, he whispered, “You used to stay up even in the middle of the night to kill the bug beasts.” Luo XiaoLou stared resentfully at the man in the sleeping bag.

“Since you haven’t slept yet… I thought… I want to… I want to talk to you about something,” Yuan Xi finally said.

“What is it?” A sleepy and confused Luo XiaoLou asked casually.

“I want to stay here for another five days. For intensive training. I know you’re tired and eager to get back. But can you hold out a little longer?” Yuan Xi asked hesitantly. He now understood a little of what his father felt before he discussed things with his mother.

Luo XiaoLou was actually very surprised that Yuan Xi would discuss things with him. In the past, Yuan Xi used to make his own decisions in such situations.

“Actually, even if I’m tired, you’re more tired than I am. If you want to train, I’ll stay. After all, I’m your mecha maker.” Luo XiaoLou whispered. Besides, Yuan Xi was also carrying his stuff.

Although Luo XiaoLou missed his jacuzzi, five days would pass quickly.

“Hey… I’ve agreed to this. Can’t you sleep now?” Luo XiaoLou whispered incredulously.

The answer was an affirmative… but Yuan Xi gripped Luo XiaoLou’s hand and moved it to his erection. His shining eyes stared at Luo XiaoLou unblinkingly in the night with unprecedented excitement.

“Okay, I’ll do it. I’ll do it. You don’t have to help me… I really don’t need… it mn…” Luo XiaoLou’s cry was muffled by Yuan Xi’s mouth. The petulant feline was quick enough to drag Luo XiaoLou into his sleeping bag as well.

……

Early the next morning, the approaching groups all combined because the ship was coming to pick them up. All the teams nearby were gathered together and had three rendezvous points. The group led by Yuan Xi was now joined by groups 2, 5 and 7. It was a big group of students and the camp was buzzing with activity.

Luo XiaoLou had not seen Cyril before, but he had seen him up close yesterday, and knew he was probably in one of the three groups. He did see Luo ShaoTian with his arrogant silver hair. The young master didn’t look wounded at all. He was leaning against the side with a cold face.

Saved by a stranger. The arrogant young master was probably furious, Luo XiaoLou thought gleefully. But he was glad that they were wise not to recognize each other. He wouldn’t want to have such an unlovable brother…

When all four groups arrived, Yuan Xi, Luo ShaoTian and the leaders of the other two groups got together for a meeting. The ship would arrive in twenty minutes. Knowing they wouldn’t be leaving the asteroid for a while, Luo XiaoLou’s already simple salute was just a casual packing. He and Yuan Xi were staying for another five days anyway. 

There was still enough food and water, and nutrient pills — he still had at least a month’s worth of them left.

Luo XiaoLou was supposed to find Tian Li but the other was courting his female mecha warrior. When he got back, he would never get the chance to team up with a pretty girl again. 

Yates, on the other hand, was nowhere to be seen and his mecha maker was sitting mournfully nearby.

Luo XiaoLou wandered off on his own. There were so many people here, surely nothing else would happen.

Ten minutes later, Luo XiaoLou realized that he had been naive.

And he was faced with the biggest crisis of his life since his arrival to the future. And it wasn’t even his exotic beast blood. 

It was the military.

With Planet Anse’s rescue ship, there were also the warships of the military that arrived.

After landing on the asteroid, a warning was heard over the loudspeaker, “Attention all students, we have detected a mix of humanoid exos among you. All students return to their groups. All students return to your groups. We have found the location of an exotic beast. Beast, you have absolutely no hope of escaping. You’d better get out of here now! Don’t get any ideas about any student or we’ll send you straight to the asylum…”

“Attention all students…”

The sirens sounded over and over again and the students ran to their camps, screaming.

Luo XiaoLou’s face went pale and he could barely keep his footing. 125 shouted in his ear, “Hide in the cave next to you!”

Luo XiaoLou couldn’t think of anything else. He turned around and entered the dark cave beside him. He had little energy left after a few steps mostly out of fear. He thought his identity was well hidden, and 125 never detected that he was leaking energy.

But… But… what now?

Luo XiaoLou was almost in tears. He didn’t know where to take shelter and no place was safe. He didn’t intend to threaten anyone — he was not even capable of it. He was probably the most pathetic, innocent and incapable exotic beast in the universe! And he was only a half-blooded exotic beast!

Jesus, Yuan Xi… He forgot about Yuan Xi. If Yuan Xi knew he was an exotic beast, Luo XiaoLou’s heart was beating fast. He didn’t dare to think about it. He remembered clearly and vividly the way Yuan Xi had rushed inside that night with a murderous look on his face, probably hating all exotic beasts.

Luo XiaoLou stumbled deeper into the cave, his head numb, unable to think straight. He couldn’t escape. He knew it. 

As the most dangerous species, an exotic beast, he didn’t know how to do anything — not even drill a hole to escape.

And now, the loud voice was still chasing him like a shadow.

“Don’t panic, everyone. According to the probe, the exotic beast has now entered the cave at coordinates (xxx.xxx). Students, please evacuate to the ship as soon as possible. A pursuit order has been issued by the military. Any form of resistance, and the exotic beast will be shot on the spot.”

Luo XiaoLou stumbled. He almost fell to the ground. Why would he do that? He had nothing on him except emergency lights and the things 125 contributed from its small storage unit.

“Is it… they’re talking about me?” Luo XiaoLou asked with one last shred of hope.

“Unfortunately, as far as I can detect, the coordinates in the alert just now are the same as your current position.” 125 also sounded anxious. It still couldn’t figure out how Luo XiaoLou, whom it had been watching over so well, could have been exposed. “Let’s go inside. I won’t let them take you away. Never.”

Luo XiaoLou laughed out loud. How can you not let them take me? You’re just an A.I. with no powers. But, with your words, I’ll be gentle with you from now on.

If there is a future.

 

The author has something to say.

Luo XiaoLou listening to 125 about sexual orientation is really cute ><