Chapter 266 New World. {3} memories.

Words : 991 Updated : Oct 9th, 2025

Rex clenched his jaw, his fists tightening at his sides. "But... he seemed rational. He still thought, still felt—" Cleo shook her head, her voice steady but tinged with something almost mournful. "No. He only seemed normal. But in truth, he was already broken." She paused, her gaze drifting to the lifeless body of the warrior who had fought for a kingdom that no longer existed. "If he had been whole, he never would have attacked me. The Shadows are connected to the royal family; they would always know who I am, even without having seen me before." She looked down at the memory device in her hand, her expression unreadable. "The simple fact that he couldn't recognize me... is what made him choose to enter eternal slumber." Rex exhaled slowly, watching as the Aegis Unit carried the Shadow's body away, its movements almost ceremonial. A warrior of a fallen empire. A soldier who had outlived his war. He had finally, after a thousand years, allowed himself to rest. Cleo placed a hand on the Shadow's lifeless frame. For a moment, she lingered, her fingers brushing against the cold, scarred metal as if paying silent homage to a warrior who had fought for a kingdom long lost. Then, with a quiet resolve, she straightened and turned to Rex.@@@@ "Well then, I will take care of his body now," she said, her voice calm but carrying an undercurrent of determination. "There is so much information I can extract from this coffin. It might give us insights into lost Kaelzar technology." She paused, her gaze flickering to Rex with a small smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. "But as for you, it is time to go see Carlos. He is probably losing his mind from boredom by now. It has not even been a month since he woke up, so do him a favor and visit." Before Rex could protest, Cleo stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him. The embrace was brief but warm, a rare moment of vulnerability from the usually composed princess. Then, just as quickly, she pulled away and started toward her lab, her mind already consumed with the task ahead. Rex sighed deeply as he watched her disappear down the corridor, her figure swallowed by the sterile, metallic walls of the facility. "I think I'm starting to miss the days when I was just an office slave," he muttered to himself while running a hand through his hair. A beat passed before he chuckled and shook his head. "Nah." With that, he turned on his heel and made his way to the medical wing. The sterile scent of the facility greeted him as he entered, the soft hum of medical machines filling the air. His eyes immediately landed on the large regeneration tank at the center of the room, where Carlos was floating, suspended in translucent blue liquid. Tubes and wires connected him to the machinery, his body bathed in the eerie glow of the tank. Rex grinned as he stepped closer, his usual casual demeanor returning. "Hey, buddy. Good to see that your bald head is still shining as bright as this damn sun out here." Carlos, upon hearing that, simply lifted his middle finger in response, his movements slow but deliberate. Rex burst into laughter, the sound echoing through the quiet room. "Seeing as you can move your finger, I'd say you're feeling better." Carlos exhaled, his breath creating small bubbles that drifted upward. He pushed himself closer to the glass, his movements sluggish but controlled. "As good as I can be while stuck in this damn water tank," he muttered, his voice muffled but still carrying his trademark gruffness. The room fell into complete silence. Carlos's breathing turned ragged. His hands trembled, then curled into fists. His entire body tensed as if he were trying to force himself to stay still. Then he slammed his fist against the glass of the medical tank. "You are telling me that Sharon was pregnant this whole time!?" His voice was raw, almost breaking. Rex immediately pointed at the tranquilizer button. "Yes, she is. The growth has been paused for a little under a month, but that will not last forever. We do not have anyone here who can safely incubate a human hybrid, and the artificial incubators we have are designed for Kaelzars and eggs. We have nothing for her." He hesitated before adding in a quieter voice, "Next time, use protection, man." Carlos shot him a murderous glare. Rex raised his hands in defense. "I am just saying." Carlos turned away while pressing his forehead against the glass, his breath fogging up the surface. His shoulders shook. Rex had seen his friend go through hell before. He had seen him charge into battle without fear, stand against impossible odds, and survive when no one else could. But this... this was different. This time, Carlos was completely powerless. And Rex knew that was tearing him apart. Rex let out a slow breath while watching as Carlos stood motionless in the tank. The silence stretched between them, thick with unspoken fear. "So... what is your decision?" Rex asked, his voice quieter now. "Do we save Sharon over the kid or..." He hesitated, letting the words hang in the air. His throat felt tight, but he forced himself to continue. "Listen. It does not matter what you choose, man. I will always be by your side. But you have to decide fast. Time is running out." Carlos remained frozen, his back still turned. Seconds passed. Then more. Finally, his voice came, barely above a whisper. "Can't... Can't we save both?" He did not turn around. Did not lift his head. Rex closed his eyes for a brief moment, forcing himself to be steady. He had already asked Cleo the same question. He had already heard the answer.

Chapter 266 New World. {3} memories.

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