Chapter 29.2: Hidden possessiveness takes root, wraps around and sprouts sharp horns
Translated by Addis of Exiled Rebels Scanlations
Editor: Karai
Lin Xu took the absent-minded Ryan away, Heinrich gave Ryan access to room area H008, and Lin Xu moved to room 004 before the debris in room 003 was cleared out.
After the duo left, Ika remained in the lab, he lifted his face and said to Heinrich, “Marshal, there’s something I want to show you.”
“Go ahead.”
At Ika’s command, a light screen surfaced with a 3-D simulation video, and Heinrich took one look at the familiar furnishings in the screen and recognized it as Room 003.
Ika re-simulated the scene of the explosion based on the data returned by the probe robot that entered the crime scene. The digital stream flashed rapidly in the upper left corner of the light screen, showing the intensity of the explosion and various heat and pressure parameters.
The objects in the three-dimensional space were all painted as gray three-dimensional objects. Ika pressed a button, the three-dimensional objects began to move. The human form in the middle initially stood near the corner, and a few milliseconds before the explosion began, the human form bent down to pick up the cat-shaped object on the ground and rushed to the door.
The explosion began, and the humanoid quickly fell prone to the ground as explosive debris flew. The program did not restore the sound, but the violent explosion in a small space was still frightening. Heinrich’s brow furrowed as the video ended.
Ika looked at him and replayed the video again, this time progressing it to the point where the figure lay prone, slowing it down, zooming in, and playing it again.
In a flash, flying debris burst in all directions from where the bomb was located, countless sharp fragments shot into the wall, with values showing a flight speed of six hundred meters per second, surpassing many old mechanical bullets.
The debris was shot at the figure, and suddenly the figure was deformed, and the debris shot at the figure was bounced by some part of the figure, changing its trajectory and flying to the ceiling. The video paused at this point.
Heinrich already understood why Ika had to cut out this section of the simulation video of the splash track, “Why is there a picture distortion?”
“The splash was blocked by something at this location, changing its trajectory, and the indoor surveillance was destroyed. I can only calculate the depicted position based on the trajectory.”
“Dr. Lin doesn’t have any weapons or defensive equipment at hand.” Zhou Pingbo reminded the pensive Heinrich.
“I know.”
What else outside of Lin Xu’s body could be used to deflect bomb fragments traveling faster than a bullet?
Heinrich added, “The medical bay checked his body and it was unharmed.”
Zhou Pingbo also continued, “Did you notice that his reaction speed was also above normal, even beyond the reach of most A-Class alphas?”
The video just now had been speed-adjusted, and the speed of Lin Xu’s movements was not obvious to him, but once compared with the speed at which the explosion occurred, one could see how amazing Lin Xu’s reaction speed was in being able to dodge the bomb’s shockwave.
A layer of indefinable emotion floated in Heinrich’s golden pupils as he brought up another matter, “Do you remember the first time you went to him and he said he accidentally broke the bathtub? The ship’s bathtub is made of a special carbide material that is very resistant to blows. I checked the maintenance report and the back half of the bathtub broke.”
Heinrich’s words gave Zhou Pingbo a bold idea, but it was so shocking that he stuttered for a moment, “You think that Lin Xu’s own strength cracked the bathtub?”
Heinrich lifted his chin and gestured for Zhou Pingbo to look at the paused image in the hovering light screen, where the sharp debris was reflected back by what was probably Lin Xu’s body part. So why couldn’t he break a carbide tub?
Ika, unaware of what had gone before, silently asked, “Is Dr. Lin some kind of… new direction for human evolution?”
“Rather, it is not impossible,” Zhou Pingbo tried to smooth down a breath, “certain historical records stated that ancient Earth humans seemed to have special abilities, it is just difficult to distinguish between these accounts and ancient Earth fantasy novels, it is not yet possible to confirm. “
He spoke too reluctantly, Ika looked to Heinrich, who was much more reliable, “If you need, I can pull up the security footage of the bathtub when it was damaged.”
Heinrich, “You can access the security footage of the private area?”
“By definition you can’t, but I have Ruth’s key. I can use the key to break the blockade program, the break alert will be sent to Ms. Katrina, and you can just tell Ms. Katrina afterwards that it wasn’t an outside intrusion.”
“… No, that is after all Lin Xu’s… bathroom.”
Not exactly a place for prying eyes. Heinrich knew Lin Xu had secrets – a fake identity, an abnormal state of sickness and weakness, extraordinary strength, special abilities, and… that sweet aroma.
Heinrich was still tempted by the scent, but after many days of incubation, he thought he had a lot more self-control and could even coexist peacefully with Lin Xu in the sealed and cramped mecha cockpit without being triggered by the susceptible period.
No one else could smell the sweet aroma. A hidden possessiveness took root and sprouted, twisting and wrapping, sprouting sharp horns, constantly spreading into Lin Xu’s life, wanting to pierce all those who intended to pry. If Ika, who had just proposed this, had not been an omega, Heinrich might have thrown him out.
Heinrich pinched the bridge of his nose and gave orders to the officers aboard the Victoria via comms, “Arrest the tailor and detain him on the patrol ship under close guard. Put out word that there have been two explosions on the Victoria, that there are injuries, and that Dr. Lin Xu, a researcher at the Ancient Earth Natural Science Museum, will be attending the banquet; if there is any movement, report it to me immediately.”
–
Marion Empire, Silver Airfield, Hill Family Clan Estate
Three silvery-white satellites hang high in the night sky as streams of charged particles strike the bowl-like inverted shield over the airfield, stirring up blue-green aurora.
The Silver Airfield and the Silver Fortress, representing the farthest reaches of Imperial power, were distant stars, steel manmade creatures shrouded in the reflected glow of moon-like moons all year round, and the climate was cold, relying entirely on secondary energy.
Beyond the Silver Fortress lies the chaotic darkness of the Abatis Galaxy, where no intelligent life had been found, and where the Empire had stopped its expansion because of the complexity of the galaxy’s cosmic environment and the high cost of development.
Only the occasional Star Pirates and mercenaries venture into the Abatis Galaxy to escape from the chase or to search for rare minerals.
The Hill Family clan estate in the cold, depressing airfield was built to the exact specifications of the capital planet, with soil, water, and light equipment brought in from distant Earth-like planets, and gorgeous flowers, shrubs, and lawns decorating the estate.
Three military craft escorted a private ship to the ground, and an omega beauty, dressed in fancy clothes even during the journey, slowly stepped down from the gangway, turquoise eyes looking around the estate.
The long-awaited estate butler greeted them with servants and mechanical assistants, “Miss Katherine, welcome to the Silver Fortress.”
“Hmm.” She craned her neck and exuded an icy arrogance, “The gardens are well tended, where is my big brother?”
“Commander Hill went to meet Abyss Fleet in A01, he instructed you to pack and dress as soon as you land. The banquet starts at seven o’clock when the Fortress opens. The manor has prepared a room for you.”
“I know.” Katherine lifted her dress towards stepping into the lawn and without looking back, she instructed the servant, “Please, take care not to wrinkle the gown in the trunk and also take care to protect the wooden box on the airship, it is my gift for Marshal Chu. Don’t break it.”
–
The airfield barrier was adjusted to accept foreign aircrafts.
As the giant starship moored into the airfield, a golden outline was revealed at the point of contact with the barrier. Dozens of starships moored in formation, with the escort ships hovering in mid-air in front of them, and the Victoria slowly descending.
The silvery white moonlight illuminated the arrow shield logo, and the starships dropped a shadow on the ground.
Commander Carl Hill of the Silver Fortress, dressed in a silver gray uniform with three Admiral’s stars flashing over his shoulders, looked up at the Victoria. The bright blue flames of the engines made him squint.
Soon, the Victoria hovered ten meters above the ground, and a wave of air surged out in a circle, causing the two lines of honor guard to sway.
The deck opened and several figures emerged from the bright interior of the ship. Heinrich stepped forward, his lips straight and cold, his eyebrows awe-inspiring, his shoulders straight as a mountain peak, and Abyss Fleet’s Marshal’s regular attire straight and dignified.
The military cap pressed down his silver hair, but also cast a shadow over his golden eyes, which looked like a rich and transparent brown.
Carl Hill smiled and took a few steps forward after Heinrich had passed two-thirds of the honor guard, extending his hand to Heinrich as he walked, “Marshal Chu, it’s been a long time, welcome to Silver Airfield.”
Heinrich’s military boots stopped in front of Carl Hill and paused before extending his hand and shaking Carl Hill’s, “Hello, Commander Hill.”
They were both soldiers and should have given the Imperial military salute when they met, not a handshake.
Carl Hill seemed unaffected by Heinrich’s cold face and smiled as he greeted each other with Captain Honda Agana of the Victoria and Zhou Pingbo, one of the expedition leaders, behind Heinrich.
“The airfield has handed over the entry to the Abyss Fleet and everything is going according to plan, so Marshal Chu doesn’t have to worry about anything,” Carl Hill said, “and I thank Marshal Chu for his willingness to join me at the banquet. I am honored. The airfield has arranged a temporary place for you to stay, so you can rest for a while. The banquet will be held in four hours at Hill Family Manor. I wish Marshal Chu a good trip to ancient Earth.”
As Heinrich boarded the airfield craft with a few of his men, Ryan followed Lin Xu onto another craft. Ika would also be going to the banquet, but as chief engineer, he was escorted by a special escort and did not go with Lin Xu.
The banquet did not allow weapons to be brought in, and Ika handed them two special communicators with different bands and principles of communication to ensure that they could contact support in time when they were in danger.
Lin Xu and Ryan’s craft were mixed in with the large group and appeared to be low-profile. He had Ika additionally prepare entry verification of their identities for the two of them. If they were lucky, no one would know the true identities of the passengers on the craft until they entered the party.
But as a precaution, Ika modified the craft and gave the highest control authority to Lin Xu, who had no pilot’s license, so that if there was an accident on the way, Lin Xu could take over the control of the craft and escape at any time. He found that Lin Xu’s skill in driving the aircraft was not bad.
The cold moon light was faint, giant lights were floating above the airfield, countless aircraft were taking off and landing in the air, and the traffic on the ground was like ants. The airfield building in front of him was still like a huge mountain peak, often overwhelming people.
Lin Xu leaned back in the driver’s seat and closed his eyes, but Ryan could not sit still, panic and excitement spread in his chest at the same time. He kept looking at the scenery outside the aircraft, and fiddled with the monitor, trying to find the abnormal objects close to the aircraft. Until Lin Xu pressed Ryan’s shoulder and pinned him down in his seat.
The hand on his shoulder was like a pincer, Ryan sucked in a breath of cold air, and remembered that before the explosion yesterday, Lin Xu yanked him away, his arm was still bruised with fingerprints. How did he not realize that Professor Lin’s strength was so strong?
Ryan peeked at him. Lin Xu had changed into a new black suit, altered from the Marshal’s military uniform. The material was soft and polished, and retained some brass ornaments, which was beautiful. He was not sure which template Ruth had chosen for the suit, but she had tightened it at the waist, and Lin Xu tugged at the hem when he first put it on, unhappy that the tight cut would affect his movement. But the style unexpectedly suited Lin Xu.
He had recently regained some muscle, so the suit didn’t look empty, but the waist was still slim, while the shoulders were open to support the shape. In Marianna’s absence, there was no one to help Lin Xu with his hair, so his long black hair was tied up casually, with a few soft strands curling around his forehead, elegant and soft, but with a haphazard wilderness. The two achieved an odd and fascinating balance on Lin Xu’s body. He opened his gray, foggy eyes and glanced at Ryan, who was sizing him up in the shadows.
“Bored?” His tone eased and he asked again, “Scared?” Ryan looked into Lin Xu’s eyes, half open most, and froze. Professor Lin seldom chatted with students, much less with their personal moods. Many young people could not adapt to his personality, and since the beginning of the internship, the only one who stayed by Lin Xu’s side was Ryan, who had a good heart.
“A little bit, but it’s okay.” Ryan rubbed his knees, not yet adapted, but also some discovered the secret of the leap, Professor Lin was not without feelings, android, or Ika more like a mechanical owl.
“Hmm.” Lin Xu closed his eyes again, the answer was full of nasal resonance. Lin Xu had no teammates on the apocalypse battlefield, and was a little rusty about handling such relationships.
For one thing, after receiving the transformation, Lin Xu’s power soared, and almost no one could keep up with the intensity of his mission; for another, there was always a barrier between ordinary human soldiers and psychics, and normal psychics held suspicion and fear of transformed monsters like Lin Xu.
The psychic transformation he received, the source material partly belonged to zombies and mutated creatures, partly belonged to human psychics. The low-level unconscious walkers feared and submitted to the power, but Lin Xu’s mission was to harvest zombie heads; the humans alienated him from themselves, while his goal was to protect the embers of human life.
The chief physician reassured Lin Xu, “If you can’t figure it out, don’t think about it, isn’t it nice to be alone? When the apocalypse is over, everything will be fine.”
“Ryan,” Lin Xu closed his eyes, his voice deep, like some kind of warm wood, “don’t be afraid, when it’s all over, things will be fine and you can continue doing ancient Earth research.”
Ryan shook for a moment when his name was called, and slowly relaxed again. Behind Lin Xu’s craft, Arnold and another Marshal crony follow not far behind.
—
At 6:30 p.m. at the fortress, Lin Xu and Ryan arrived at the Hill family estate, and a light snow was falling in the sky.
The shield bound the artificial atmosphere within the airfield, naturally formed dark clouds drifted overhead, Ryan turned his head to see the sky of snowflakes, the attendant at the door smiled and said, “Dr. Lin and Mr. Kalt, welcome to Hill Manor, please come in.”
After the attendant checked their invitations and raised his hand politely, Lin Xu nodded and took Ryan with him to step into the main building of the manor, a wave of light swept over the two and the robot in charge of security at the entrance said in a low volume, “No dangerous items, confirmed safe.”
Another tuxedoed attendant then led the two into the lobby. The Hill Family Manor was different from the retro design of the Ancient Earth Natural Science Museum. The interior materials were mostly artificial metals and special molecular building materials, white hovering lights floating in the cold gray color of the hall, noble and cold, using light brown ripple carpet and flowing silk luster of heavy curtains to dilute the technological atmosphere.
In the middle of the hall was a giant object covered by red silk velvet, with a rugged silhouette, and many people gathered around it to look at it, but no one dared to offensively remove the velvet at the Hill Family’s banquet.
According to the procedure, the long table dinner starts at seven o’clock, and after the dinner, there would be the Hill Family’s unique flower ball.
Guests were still arriving, and waiters were passing by with goblets full of wine, while guests whispered and mingled. Lin Xu felt like he was in a trance, back on that night at Endymion. Ryan poked him in the shoulder to wake Lin Xu up, “Professor Lin, Ika is over there, want to go over?”
Lin Xu fixed his eyes and looked through the crowd to Ika, who was cowering in the corner, looking at a military jacket over a crew-neck T-shirt, and came in. Very well, another one with social phobia. Lin Xu exchanged a glance midway with Heinrich, who had arrived early, in passing.
Marshal Chu had never been keen on parties, and because of his prestigious status, no one would accuse him of always showing up at the end of the party and leaving in a hurry, but today he was willing to arrive early for some reason.
Many people gathered around to have a few words with Marshal, but his cold face was so intimidating that he was not surrounded by people. Lin Xu had no intention of relieving him, he walked through the crowd towards Ika, with Ryan close behind him.
Arnold instructed his confidants to ascend to the second floor to find a high vantage point and watch for any unusual people after Lin Xu’s entrance.
A few of the guests, who were clearly research workers, were surprised for a moment at the sight of Lin Xu, but then discussed the explosion on the Victoria and Lin Xu’s identity with their companions, and there were no suspicious circumstances related to the assassination for the moment.
In the corner, Ika saw Lin Xu and Ryan, two familiar faces, and raised his left hand to give a small wave, his right hand still clutching his electronic board.
“Ika, it’s good to see you.” Ryan swooped up and wrapped his arms around Ika’s shoulders. Ika was just baffled, “We just saw each other eight hours ago.”
Ryan wouldn’t follow Ika’s lead, “Ugh, you know what, Ika? I’ve been so scared all the way here, I feel like someone’s going to blast me with a light cannon the next second.”
Lin Xu raised his eyebrows, “I thought you said you weren’t scared?”
He grabbed Ika’s shoulder and pushed him in front of Lin Xu, ducking down behind Ika and suddenly felt a little pain in his hand, lifting it up to see that it was the four gold stars on Ika’s shoulder. Ryan, “Oh.”
“You don’t get aimed at by light energy cannons.” Ika matter-of-factly, “I just hacked into Silver Airfield’s intelligent defense system and saw the airfield’s defense regulations. Foreign ships are not allowed to bring light energy cannons into the inner city, and airfield’s own light energy cannons are in a semi-charged state during non-war time, and cannot be turned on without a high-level transfer order. If you’re still getting blasted…then the enemy you’re facing is probably the Silver Fortress commander.”
Ryan, “… He better not be.”
“I also linked into the smart security apparatus for the party, and from the known data, no guests brought in suspicious weapons, the Hill family clan has a good level of security, it’s the poisons you need to be wary of. I do not recommend that you try the drinks and dinner tonight.”
When he suddenly shut up after those words, Lin Xu blinked and turned with relief to face the visitor. One was a stranger, and the other was a fairly familiar man. Not far away, Arnold was instantly on alert. Both men were wearing suits rather than military uniforms, presumably passengers on the Nature’s Evolution, and one of them looked familiar to Lin Xu.
The man greeted him with a smile, “Lin Xu, long time no see, we haven’t seen each other for years since we graduated from college.” Lin Xu remembered that this man was Li Qing, his classmate at Capital Star University, and his research was in the history of early Imperial technology, involving part of the exile era technology.
“Long time no see.” Lin Xu politely replied, introducing him to Ryan and Ika, “This is Professor Li Qing from Capital Star University, doing research on the history of technology.”
“Hey, no more, no more,” Li Qing suddenly waved his hand, “I haven’t studied the history of technology recently, I hit some bottlenecks before, and after talking with someone, I suddenly became interested in ancient Earth mythology again and turned to this direction. But the Empire has too little ancient Earth mythology left, I hope the expedition will be able to gain something when it arrives on Earth, and by then, I will have to rely on your translation skills.”
“Mythology?” Lin Xu suddenly thought of a question.
According to Zhou Pingbo’s previous speculation, Imperial Past Mysteries involved the true origin of the Zerg and the story of the Age of Exile, and Li Qing’s research direction was more threatening than Marianna’s. But Li Qing was glowing at the moment and seemed to have met with no trouble, adding that he had recently changed his research direction…
“Is Dr. Lin interested in mythology?” The stranger asked.
This Title is available for faster chapter releases through paid Patreon membership. Any proceeds go to keeping the website running. Check it out HERE.
