Chapter 52: The first wave (1)

Words : 988 Updated : Sep 17th, 2025

Once the recruiter left the room, Rex let out a long, exaggerated sigh of relief. "Damn, I didn’t think I’d actually have to act like someone important for once." Through the communicator, Cleo’s voice crackled with amusement. "Rex, you really don’t understand what a big shot you are right now, do you?" Before he could answer, Ys suddenly appeared at his side, dropping her invisibility with a smirk. She gracefully perched on his lap like she’d been there all along. "Cleo’s right, you know," she purred, brushing a strand of hair over her shoulder. "You’re pretty much the only man in the galaxy destined for greatness, darling." Rex raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Greatness, huh? I mean, I know I’m handsome and all, but that’s a bit much, don’t you think?" Ys laughed, the sound low and teasing. "Oh, silly, it’s not because of that. You’re destined for greatness because you’re the partner of a princess of the Hive Minds. Do you even realize how rare that is?" "Mmm? I mean, there’s more princesses and queens out there, right? I’m sure they have partners too," he said, absentmindedly running his fingers through Ys’s hair. "Sure, other princesses have... let’s say ’companions,’" she replied, looking amused. "But they’re usually mindless beasts. The Hive prefers partners with no sentience, so their powers remain... undivided." Rex blinked, processing that. "Wait a second. Are you saying I’m the same as some no-brain beast?" Ys was stunned for a moment, then burst into laughter. "What? No, no, darling. You’re special because you have enough mental power to potentially threaten the Hive’s control. Do you get how wild that is?" Rex scratched his head, still skeptical. "Then why’d you pick me? It can’t just be for my genes, right?" Ys leaned in, a playful glint in her eye as she pressed a finger to his lips. "That’s a secret, my dear. I might tell you one day... if you prove yourself worthy," she teased, her smile both mischievous and cryptic. Cleo’s voice cut back in, irritation clear. "Are you two done flirting?" Rex grinned, looking up at the communicator with mock innocence. "Flirting? Us? Nah. Jealous much?" "Why would I be jealous?" Cleo snapped, sounding slightly flustered. "Look, I don’t care what you two do, but we need to get moving. The fleet departs in two days, and we have a lot to prepare." "Aye aye, ma’am," Rex replied with a cheeky salute. Two days later, the preparations were complete, and the new allied fleet of the megacorps assembled above the planet. It was a jaw-dropping sight since hundreds of ships of every size and shape filled the sky like a storm. This was the largest fleet anyone had seen in a century, a true behemoth ready for war. At the heart of it all was Rex aboard Cleo’s newly upgraded ship, now bristling with enough weaponry to make even seasoned pilots nervous. The vessel had been transformed into a formidable gunboat, sleek and armored for both aerial and ground support. And flanking them were the Wraith-Class Fighters, four deadly silver machines, each one a gleaming predator in the void. The Wraith-Class Fighters were a marvel. Sleek, silver, with sharp, angular wings that glinted menacingly against the stars. The energy core at the center pulsed with a fiery blue glow, like the heartbeat of some futuristic beast. Cleo rolled her eyes. "Hmph." Leaving Cleo to the controls, Rex made his way to the cargo bay, where Carlos and Ys were waiting. Carlos stood with his usual swagger, holding a massive hammer in one hand and a reinforced gunshield in the other, a grin plastered across his face. "Hey, you two ready for some fun?" Rex asked, cracking his knuckles. Carlos gave a hearty laugh. "Ready? I’m a damn tank now! Six months of training, and I’m tougher than ever!" He pounded a fist on his chest armor, a dull metallic thud echoing through the bay. Rex smirked. "Still the same, huh? Good to see you haven’t lost that ego, baldy. Guess that means I can sit back and let you handle everything?" Carlos scoffed, holding his gunshield up with pride. "Pfft. Feel free. But if that pretty little face of yours gets a scratch, you know the girls are going to kill me." "Who you calling pretty boy?" Rex shot back with a grin. "You wanna settle this right here?" They both stared each other down, silent... until they burst into laughter. "Hahaha!" "Good to see you back, my bald brother!" Carlos clapped him on the shoulder. "Same to you, sissy-looking brother!" Ys rolled her eyes, pouting. "Ugh, why are you more excited to see him than you are to see me? Is he that much better looking in your eyes?" Rex threw her a teasing grin. "Aw, c’mon, Ys. I just missed my bald-headed brother here! Besides, he’s basically your brother-in-law too, so you better keep his shiny head safe down there!" She sighed dramatically. "Fine, fine. But no promises if he messes up." Rex laughed and stepped forward, a confident gleam in his eyes. "Alright, enough banter. Time for the stars of the show to make their entrance." At his command, his armor materialized around him in a brilliant display, gleaming white with golden accents, each piece locking into place until his helmet sealed with a satisfying click. Golden light shone from the helmet’s eye slits and trim, casting an almost holy glow over the entire suit. "Remember, Ys," Rex said, glancing over his shoulder, "no wings. We don’t want to blow our cover. For now, hop on my back; I’ll get us to the ground." Ys grinned and climbed onto his back, settling in comfortably as he adjusted his stance to balance her. With a final nod, he called out, "Cleo! Activate the Aegis Sentinels!" And so, the first great war of Rex begins!

Chapter 52: The first wave (1)

Comments (0)