Chapter 197: Optimization

Words : 1277 Updated : Sep 23rd, 2025

Chapter 197: Optimization Was it too late to regret things? It was a thought Kyle had as they traversed another Planet for their next unsanctioned trip. Yeah, a new one. They surely haven’t dealt with the corruption on Eon-13 and probably barely made a dent. But they couldn’t stay for longer lest they risk getting flagged. After all, they were allowed passage, but it was just that, actual passage. So, they’ve been hopping planets, going from one place to another as they tried earning more CP for the waiting dragon boss. But by the time they reached Eon-4, Kyle couldn’t ignore the sinking feeling that something felt off. Maybe it was the quiet—which was suspicious, considering Jax was with them. Or maybe it was Xavier’s complete lack of orders despite them hopping planets like fugitives. Kyle narrowed his eyes at his screen. Jax’s mecha was stationed near him, fully operational and shields ready. But inside? The bastard was lounging. And he only found out now after checking the video communication feeds which he had minimized to see the map better. In fact, he only figured something was up when the feed was devoid of the figure that should’ve been there. But that was because Jax’s seat was fully reclined, arms crossed behind his head, feet up like he was sunbathing instead of preparing for a potential ambush. Kyle’s eye twitched. "Jax." "Mn...?" mumbled the redhead. "Just what do you think you’re doing?" Kyle asked while trying to maintain his blood pressure. "Resting," Jax answered as if it was a matter of fact. "You should try it sometime." Kyle was about to argue that they were on an active, albeit illegal mission, but then he noticed something else. Xavier had been too quiet. Too quiet for someone who would’ve been first to issue additional training sessions to Jax. But nothing. Now, normally, their Captain wasn’t much of a talker, but even for him, this level of silence was weird. Concerning, even. So the worried Kyle checked his radar. Sid, the guardian mecha, was still moving as he cleared another area for collection. And everything looked normal. But Xavier? Kyle pulled up a live cockpit feed. The adjutant’s jaw almost dropped. Who was this person and what has he done to the tyrant?! Because Kyle had to look for Xavier, much like he had to look for Jax. Napping. "He’s napping?!" Jax cracked open an eye, completely unfazed. "Yep." "...He’s literally asleep?" "Mmhmm." Kyle could not believe what he was seeing. Xavier—His Imperial Highness, the Workaholic Captain himself—was completely passed out in his cockpit. Like a man who had finally known peace. But Kyle should’ve known that if not for Xavier’s most recent lack of sleep, he wouldn’t be found dead inside his newly ’improved’ mecha. It was just that the Prince couldn’t help it. Not when the little chipmunk explained his thoughts on the normally questionable upgrades. Obviously, he was going to try and ask to have those toned down, as it would be unfair to the other military personnel. But his little chipmunk thought Xavier would need it because of how tired he looked. And ’what if he got so tired and couldn’t perform his other duties.’ It sounded like a challenge, and Xavier’s ears twitched at this, but if it was Luca, then he probably meant it literally. Either his money-earning duties or his money-spending workload. But apparently, there was no need for much convincing. Not when Sid decided to activate the functions while volunteering to continue the work by himself as practice for autonomous control. "Wha—" was all that Xavier could react when the cockpit lights dimmed even more as the seat reclined. Then he caught it, what seemed to look like an actual heated blanket. And the rest was history. For that was an hour ago. But it was a belated discovery for Kyle, who was just now seeing this incredibly shocking scene. "...What the hell happened?" Kyle demanded half thinking that maybe the Captain passed out as some sort of backlash occurring from piloting an autonomous mecha, but how could that be when he had that disconcerting night sky-themed blanket on him? Jax yawned. "Sid happened. He can move without a pilot now, remember? The boss just lets him do his thing while he catches up on rest." Kyle wasn’t sure whether to be impressed or terrified. "Sid volunteered. Something about training." Jax shrugged while grinning at him, looking all so chill and refreshed. Huh? Refreshed? Had this guy been drinking spiritual water or something for him to look like that after using his spiritual abilities earlier? "Jax, have you been taking spiritual water? Or overeating?" Kyle asked as he’d been feeling a bit of the strain for some time now. He was in charge of their close-combat defense and had to ensure that the cube remained undisturbed from ambushes as it was situated properly. But who would’ve known that the betrayal in this group ran deep? "I’ve been snacking, so my reserves are fine. This tray is really convenient, after all!" "But I think it’s the power naps. The guild leader was really right about napping. You should try it, too." Kyle stared at him. "Power what?" "Every time the Captain left to offload the containment cubes, I nap. And every time we wait for the next jump point, I also nap." The adjutant was unsure if his hearing had been badly damaged or if everyone was really just gallivanting?! Kyle opened and closed his mouth. But before he could really say anything, Jax went on about how Ollie explained optimizing his resting schedule so he would be good to go again tomorrow. "It’s efficient, Kyle. Maximum uptime, minimum exhaustion. It’s called optimization." But Kyle was too deep in disbelief as he could only focus on Jax’s figure as he hiked up what looked like a maroon blanket. Suspicion flared. And Kyle narrowed his eyes at Jax who couldn’t understand where the hostility was coming from. "Not you, too?!" Jax blinked. Then grinned. "Oh. Yeah." Now Kyle could understand Xavier. He was a married man now. And if his wife installed antennas on Sid’s back, then he would just have to roll with it. But Jax? "It’s really good, too! Top-of-the-line heating and cooling. Maybe Tortie would also like one. It’s a shame you said no." "It was already installed, too, so Ollie had to spend some time taking it out." Kyle was still fuming, but right now, he wasn’t sure what he was fuming about as Jax hummed thoughtfully. "You know," Jax mused, "Ollie’s been asking if we needed more upgrades." Kyle stiffened. "...And?" "And, being the great friend that I am, I might’ve mentioned on your behalf that you were regretting not getting the heated blanket." Kyle glared. Jax grinned. "He understood. And, you know, Ollie being Ollie—" *PING!* A message flashed across Kyle’s screen. [Mop: "Kyle. I understand. Don’t be shy. I will allow you to use my heated blanket. You’re welcome."] Kyle froze. Jax beamed. "?!!!" Kyle’s hands shook with rage. "He thinks I’m too shy to ask?!" Jax wheezed. "You kind of are." Kyle nearly combusted. Fine. FINE. Kyle decided to take the stupid heated blanket just to shut everyone up. He activated the panel and... Something deployed from his seat. ...An atrocious yellow star blanket. Kyle stared. Jax was crying with laughter. "Oh wow." Kyle gritted his teeth. "I am going to kill him." The blanket was warm, yes—but it was also embarrassingly small, barely covering his lap. It was so Ollie. Because it was Ollie’s And worst of all? He still used it. Dammit.

Chapter 197: Optimization

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