Chapter 61: Corruption.

Words : 1115 Updated : Sep 19th, 2025

Voss’s eyebrow rose. "Out with it, Leena." She took a deep breath. "We... We don’t have a confirmed visual on him, sir. But reports suggest he and another individual were found a few kilometers away of the bug, one fitting the description of the higher-ups secret objective." Voss’s lips curled into a faint smile. "So, he made it out alive. And it seems our friend has a knack for making strange allies." He chuckled softly, shaking his head in amusement. Leena’s expression was cautious. "Sir, should we pursue him? He technically violated a number of Allied protocols, entering combat without orders, using unauthorized weaponry, and now consorting with an enemy operative." Voss held up a hand, cutting her off. "Not yet. We’ll keep an eye on him, but for now, let him play his games. He has a talent for stirring things up, and in war, sometimes chaos is useful. Especially when dealing with an enemy like the Khryssari." Leena seemed taken aback but nodded. "Understood, sir." Voss turned back to the screen, watching as the last of the reinforcements touched down, securing the area. He thought of Rex and his unusual companions, warriors who fought not for orders or duty but for each other. It was rare in this galaxy to have that kind of loyalty. And for now, he’d let them keep their secrets. In a low voice, almost to himself, he murmured, "The game is only beginning... and this guy may just be the wild card we need." Meanwhile, on the planet’s surface, Rex and Ys had been picked up by an Allied medical team and were en route to the frontlines HQ. The rough ride of the transport didn’t help Rex’s condition since every jolt sent a fresh spike of pain through his battered body. Lying on a stretcher, he managed a pained grin as Ys leaned over him, concern evident in her large, expressive eyes. "Darling, how are you feeling?" she asked softly, her voice tinged with worry. "Does it still hurt?" Rex chuckled, though it quickly turned into a grimace. "Oh, don’t worry about me, I’m fine. Just, you know, painful enough that it hurts to breathe, blink, or move any part of my body. No big deal." Ys frowned, catching the sarcasm in his voice. "I’m serious, Rex. That fusion took a toll on you." He sighed, the attempt at humor dropping as he looked up at her. "Yeah, it hurts like hell. But I’ll live. I’ve been through worse, I think.... probably?" She placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, her touch light but reassuring. "You did something incredible, you know that? You saved us. I don’t know what would have happened if you hadn’t come." Rex gave her a lopsided smile. "What, you think I’d let you go off alone and have all the fun?" His eyes softened, the mask of bravado slipping for a moment. "I’d fight a thousand worms if it meant keeping you safe, Ys." A faint blush touched her cheeks, and she quickly looked away, trying to hide the warmth in her expression. "Just don’t push yourself so hard next time, alright?" The medic jolted as it hit a rough patch, and Rex winced, clutching his side. "Easy for you to say," he groaned, "you weren’t the one getting stabbed with needles and turned into a six-meter mech-beast." She stifled a laugh though her eyes shone with affection. "Well, for what it’s worth, you made one very impressive’mech ’beast.’" Carlos squared his shoulders, stepping closer with a defiant grin. "Oh, bring it on, grandma. I’ve taken down beasts twice your size." Ys cracked her knuckles, smirking back. "Hope you’re ready to make that ego of yours a casualty." Just as Carlos and Ys squared off, a stern-faced nurse barged in between them, her presence cutting through the tension like a knife. She folded her arms, glaring up at the towering soldiers. "Keep your voices down," she said sharply. "This is a medical zone. There are wounded here who need rest. Fighting is strictly prohibited. If you don’t settle down, I’ll be forced to call the military police." Carlos immediately dropped his head, doing his best to look polite. "Uh, we weren’t fighting, ma’am. Just... just joking around. Sorry for the noise. We’ll keep it down." The nurse’s gaze didn’t waver. "Good. There won’t be another warning. Kindly follow the rules." She gave them both a brief, scolding nod before striding off to tend to other patients. Ys, barely containing her laughter, giving Carlos a smirk. "Aw, look at you, all obedient and apologetic. I didn’t know you could be so submissive to a ’weak organism.’" Carlos clenched his fists, muttering under his breath. "You got a real big mouth for someone who barely reaches my shoulder, pocket-sized grandma." Ys stretched out lazily, looking entirely unbothered. "You go on with your macho posturing. I’ll be right here, going back to sleep." Carlos grumbled, ready to retort, but before he could get another word in, a voice cracked over the communicator. "Be advised," Cleo’s calm tone came through the static. "Officers of the allied forces are on their way to your location." Carlos and Rex exchanged looks, eyebrows raised, each silently accusing the other with a "what did you do this time?" expression. They barely had a moment to process the warning when the doors swung open, and an officer in a sharply pressed uniform stormed in, flanked by guards. He took a moment to scan the room with a cold, disdainful gaze before his voice boomed out. "Which one of you is the captain of Squad 201?" The nurse, hearing his loud voice, hurried over again, her face pale but determined. "Sir, please keep it down. This is a hospital, and our patients need—" The officer shot her an icy glare, cutting her off. His lips twisted into a mocking smile as he raised his hand, preparing to strike her for her silence. But before his hand could connect, there was a flash of movement, a blur of black and green. A dagger materialized in his hand, embedded there so deeply that he barely registered the pain at first. But as the toxins from Ys’s weapon seeped in, his bravado crumbled. His face went pale, and his hand began to tremble, blood trickling down his wrist. He let out a shrill, undignified scream. "Gyaaaaaaa! Who did this? I want the one responsible dead!" The room went silent, save for his ragged breathing, as he sank to his knees, clutching his injured hand. Everyone’s gaze shifted toward Ys, who stood calmly, her eyes gleaming with barely-contained menace. "It was me,"

Chapter 61: Corruption.

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