Chapter 32: Border Military District Part 1

Two days later, urgent news arrived at Capital Star from the Border Military District. It was concise yet shocking: A new type of mutated Zerg had appeared in outer space. Their shells were far harder than any known records, and their reproduction speed exploded exponentially. In just a few days, three unclaimed resource planets had completely fallen, turning into a desolate Zerg hive.

The Old Emperor sat in his study, watching the footage sent by the Border Military District dozens of times with an expressionless face.

In the footage, the new Zerg upended all biological knowledge. They no longer resembled traditional arthropods but more like living killing machines forged from nightmares—streamlined shell structures of precise design, robust and developed forelimbs ending in giant scythe-like bone blades several meters long. Each swing easily tore through rock and abandoned alloy buildings, leaving deep gashes emitting corrosive green smoke.

The Old Emperor’s fingers, spotted with age marks, slowly tightened on the cold armrest, the joints emitting a faint click.

According to the Border Military District’s report, these Zerg were currently just wandering in outer space without any intention of attacking the border yet. But given their reproduction speed and expansion needs, an assault on the Empire’s borders was only a matter of time.

As the ruler of the nation, the Old Emperor had to plan ahead.

“Your Majesty.” The assistant minister pushed the door open and entered, his face equally grave. “I have already forwarded the footage and other materials to the research institute and issued your orders, demanding they quickly identify the weaknesses of these Zerg.”

“What did the research institute say?”

“…”

A flicker of hesitation crossed the minister’s face, but he soon replied, “The research institute couldn’t provide a definitive answer. They said conservatively it would take three months.”

The struggle between humans and Zerg had lasted a millennium, and no conflict had ever been easy to resolve. It always came at the cost of blood and tears. The Old Emperor wasn’t surprised by the result, but it did nothing to quell the anxiety and anger in his heart.

Just from the footage, it was clear these Zerg would be extremely difficult to deal with. The Border Military District was already the fiercest army in his hands, yet even they might struggle to handle it completely. Once the Zerg broke through their defensive line, invading the Empire’s interior would only be a matter of time.

The Old Emperor needed more information on these Zerg.

He asked the minister, “Has Lin Wensi replied?”

Lin Wensi was the Empire’s admiral and currently the highest commander of the Border Military District—an s-rank Alpha with a swift and ruthless combat style, and the same for his personality. He was the Old Emperor’s man but also unruly and defiant. Unless absolutely necessary, he never initiated contact with Capital Star.

The minister answered, “General Lin said he won’t let his men rashly contact that Zerg horde. He won’t allow meaningless sacrifices.”

Bang!

The Old Emperor’s anger flared. He swept the water cup on the desk to the floor. Water soaked into the carpet, and the Portable Treatment Device on his wrist emitted a faint alert tone, warning the wearer to maintain emotional stability.

“Lin Wensi, very good!” The Old Emperor paid no mind to it. He half-rose from his seat, enunciating each word, “Does he want to be the Emperor himself?!”

At his age, nothing infuriated him more than subordinates disobeying orders. He could already feel his body declining sharply, and if his control was waning day by day at the same time—

“This can’t go on.” The Old Emperor muttered to himself.

If things continued like this, would the Empire’s throne have to change surnames to Lin?

The minister hurriedly bowed. “Your Majesty, please don’t get angry. General Lin’s personality is like that—you’ve seen it before. Don’t harm your health over him!”

As soon as he spoke, the Smart Butler automatically delivered a new cup. After the medical device activated and steadily input a soothing agent, the Old Emperor’s expression finally eased, and he sat back in his chair.

But he remained firm in his view.

Lin Wensi had commanded the Border Military District for so many years that he had forgotten who the true leader of that army was. Today, he dared to defy orders over a few lives; tomorrow, he might lead the Border Military District back to the capital and seize the throne himself.

“This can’t go on.”

He turned to the minister, his gaze dark. “Who is most suitable now to take control of an army in my place?”

The minister answered without thinking, “If Your Majesty fears General Lin’s rebellion, then of course send the person you trust most.”

The person he trusted most…

The Old Emperor tapped the desk, musing, “The eldest is decent, but too impulsive—he wouldn’t be of much use there. The third is even worse; he’s never dared kill even a chicken from childhood to now, always holed up in the research institute, utterly useless… Little Yun…”

After much thought, none of his children fit. The Old Emperor’s brows furrowed tighter.

But at that moment, the minister leaned in and said softly, “Your Majesty, you’ve forgotten—you still have a son.”

The Old Emperor’s eyes snapped up.

Right, he still had a son.

The minister continued, “Before the Second Highness went missing, he could already lead armies and had several brilliant battle records. His personality fits too. Lin Wensi is cold and arrogant; the Second Highness would surely clash fiercely with him.”

Whether their personalities meshed was secondary. If his son could make Lin Wensi submit—even if it meant bringing the army back to the capital and forcing him to abdicate—the Old Emperor wouldn’t object.

After all, his own youth wasn’t exactly glorious. To emerge from his siblings, he surely could lead the Empire better too.

But…

“He’s been adrift for three years and just returned home. Is this appropriate?”

“Your Majesty is mistaken,” the minister said with a slight bow. “Which Alpha doesn’t aspire to achieve merits and establish a career? After three years adrift, returning to Your Majesty’s side, the Second Highness naturally wants to serve you.”

The Old Emperor had only mentioned it offhand, but with the minister’s words, he set aside his concerns and made a silent decision.

“Little Yun would actually be quite suitable too. Her personality is even more combative and fierce than her brother’s. What a pity—she’s an Omega.”

Omegas were only suited to stay home, tend to husbands, raise children, and propagate heirs for the Empire. They couldn’t inherit the throne.

A false glint of pity flashed in the Old Emperor’s eyes. After symbolically lamenting for his daughter, he waved a hand, signaling the minister to bring Wei Tingxia.

Wei Tingxia was at his sister’s place.

The Little Yun the Old Emperor mentioned was full name Wei Tingyun, the only Omega in the royal family carrying the Old Emperor’s bloodline. Her personality was as the minister described—combative and fierce.

Wei Tingxia sprawled on the sofa, unwilling to move. Occasionally, when flower branches brushed his face, he impatiently pushed them away. She leaped down from the mecha, dry-heaving as she strode to the other side and sat.

“Why are you more delicate than me?” She tossed her helmet aside after removing it. “Get up and move! You’re an Alpha at least!”

“What about being an Alpha? Who says Alphas have to be war maniacs piloting mecha everywhere?”

Wei Tingxia had no intention of moving. Every part of his body felt uncomfortable, his head ached, and he just wanted to lie somewhere until the world ended—or until Yan Xinfeng came.

He deigned to lift his head slightly, eyeing the mecha helmet in Wei Tingyun’s hands. It was a specially designed adaptive helmet from the research institute for Omegas, helping them balance the high pressure and abnormal waves inside mecha.

Wei Tingyun loved piloting mecha; the family had over ten such helmets. But from her reaction just now, it was clear that even with the institute’s efforts, such helmets still couldn’t fully accommodate an Omega’s physique. She always felt nauseous for a long time after removing it.

Wei Tingxia said lazily, “Little sister, don’t say I didn’t warn you. Keep this up, and one day you’ll really puke.”

“Mind your own business.”

Wei Tingyun glared at him. “I like it!”

“Fine, fine.” Wei Tingxia raised his hands in surrender. “Do whatever you want. I don’t care.”

He was a bit thirsty but didn’t want to move. His finger tapped the sofa back lightly, and the Smart Butler automatically brought warm water, placing it steadily in his palm. If not for the risk of choking while lying down, he wouldn’t even sit up.

Wei Tingyun couldn’t stand it. From a distance, she stretched her leg and kicked his calf.

“Why are you getting lazier?” she asked. “You used to at least get up sometimes. Now you lie there boneless.”

“I like it. What’s there to move for?”

Wei Tingxia finished the water and lay back down. The sunlight was excellent, warm on his body. He hadn’t slept well last night, his stomach hurt, but now he felt a bit sleepy.

He closed his eyes, drifting off, but before sleep fully came, a heavy weight pressed on him.

He opened his eyes to see Wei Tingyun’s curious ones.

The two were born of the same mother, true full siblings who grew up together and were always close. Wei Tingyun was impulsive but softened around Wei Tingxia, acting spoiled.

“Don’t sleep,” she pried at his eyelids. “I have something to ask you!”

Wei Tingxia sighed. “Little sister, if you’re not nauseous anymore, go practice flower arranging or tea tasting. Don’t bother your brother sleeping.”

“Flower arranging and tea tasting make me nauseous.” Wei Tingyun refused to get off, her tone certain. “You’re hiding something.”

They had never been apart growing up. After Wei Tingxia’s three-year disappearance, she could clearly feel her brother was different.

Lazier, and with secrets.

“Are you feeling unwell?”

Wei Tingyun whispered while lying on him. “Should I get off?”

Wei Tingxia: “…”

What a weird question. Telling her to get off made him seem weak; not telling her made him seem off.

He sighed again. “I’m fine.”

“Really? You look so tired.”

Wei Tingxia brushed it off carelessly. “I’m thinking about some future-related matters. Thinking about the future always tires you out.”

“Alright,” Wei Tingyun sat up. “Need help with anything?”

“No need.”

Wei Tingxia opened his eyes, gazing at his sister squatting by his hand.

He rarely softened his voice. “I might leave Capital Star in a few days. Be careful yourself. If I need your help, you’ll know.”

As a tasker, Wei Tingxia rarely invested deep emotions in task worlds, but this little girl was truly adorable—her concern genuine. He felt a bit touched.

But Wei Tingyun sensed none of his momentary sentiment. Her eyes rolled. “Are you hooking up with someone?”

“Why use ‘hooking up’?” Wei Tingxia found it odd. “Shouldn’t it be me conquering others?”

A clicking sound echoed in his mind, like 0188 snickering.

Wei Tingyun giggled too. She sat cross-legged on the floor, casually brushing aside stray hair, propping her chin in her palm. She grinned, unabashedly scanning Wei Tingxia from head to toe—from his soft hair tips to his sleek calves.

“You’re really good-looking,” she praised sincerely. “If we stood together and only one was an Omega, people would think it was you.”

She didn’t know she’d guessed her brother’s secret; it was just heartfelt admiration.