owlsbooks Chapter 35: Return and Award
Chapter 35: Return and Award
Today—the 27th Day of the 6th Month, Year 580 of the Yezra Unified Calendar—we finally returned safely to the Calumet Star System.
Looking back, it had taken us nine galactic days to reach the black hole sector, but twelve to make it back. The reason? Well, you probably already guessed—Eva’s "MC Correction" was in full effect.
Despite the fleet’s size, pirates weren’t deterred. After being petrified for so long, most ships looked battered, giving the impression of a ragtag assembly of derelict vessels—an easy target for big-time space raiders.
Of course, appearances were deceiving. These ships still belonged to the Militia, no matter how battered they looked. Even in their poor state, they were more than capable of tearing through any opposition—pirates or whatever. Even though the enemy also had Leviathan-class vessels, the crossfire lasted no more than a few hours before the pirates were reduced to drifting debris.
The return of Major Terrence and his fleet—despite heavy losses—was cause for celebration. Upon our arrival, the entire Narlia Commercial Hub erupted into festivities. But that wasn’t all.
"In recognition of their bravery—venturing into an uncharted corner of space in
Well... I should’ve expected that, given the extensive damage it received. I held back the bitter tears threatening to form and spoke.
"I’ve confirmed the payment. Thank you, Miss Mercy." I gave her a polite nod.
"No, I should be the one thanking you." She smiled, placing a hand over her chest. "If not for your help, my father wouldn’t have returned safely. I offer my gratitude from the bottom of my heart."
The atmosphere was turning amicable again—until Major Terrence cleared his throat.
"Ahem! Now that we’ve settled your rewards, let’s move on to serious matters," he said, his tone shifting. "This concerns the traitors who fired at your ship—the ones aboard the battleship Schneider."
At the mention of the topic, my smile faded.
This was another major deviation from the original plot. Back in the game, all the traitors should have been identified and remained petrified until the fleet returned to the Calumet Star System. Not to mention, the Detonids—those dangerous, exploding aliens—weren’t supposed to be a part of the mission at all. Their presence had forced us into unnecessary danger.
"They weren’t part of the faction I was originally wary of," Major Terrence admitted. "After interrogation, they revealed that they belong to a third group involved in this matter—one that also intended to eliminate me."
He paused for a moment, staring me in the eyes, before revealing the name.
"The Astoria Conglomerate."
"…!"
My breath hitched. Of course, I knew that name—and not only because I’m in Gerard Astoria’s body right now. The Astoria was technically the main villain of the entire TSO’s main story, so hearing that name here wasn’t shocking in itself.
What was shocking, however, was the fact that Major Terrence—a supposed vassal of the Astoria Conglomerate—was now being treated as their elimination target. In the original plot, there was no reason for them to silence him at all!
This was another major divergence from the original plot.
’So many things are changing at once… It’s giving me a headache…’ I mused, frowning.
"Are you fine telling me that?" But first, I needed to get this question out of my system.
Major Terrence knew that I was technically an Astoria, yet he still revealed the identity of the third faction trying to take his life—Gerard’s, or rather, my current family. In short, there was a real possibility that I could report this discovery straight to the Astoria.
"Of course, it’s fine." But his response was, surprisingly, just an amused grin. "If you were part of the ones targeting me, then you could’ve killed me while I was in the medical pod long before we reached here. I’m convinced you’re not part of this plot."
"...I see." I shifted in my seat, fixing my posture. "Then that’s a relief."
After that, Major Terrence and I—with Eva and Mercy listening by the side—talked for a long, long time. As for the topic, well, let’s just say it wasn’t pleasant to hear, but it was mostly things I already knew.
Still, I acted as if I were hearing most of it for the first time, all the way until our talks were done.
---
"I was bored out of my mind..." Eva grumbled as we walked down the hallway. "Your discussion was too long!"
Of course, I could understand where she was coming from. However, she was definitely barking up the wrong tree. "Tell that to Major Terrence, not me."
Like her, I had mostly been listening too. Although I had to speak occasionally, trying to "guide" his thoughts without leaking too much about future events. As the old saying goes, some things are better left unsaid. Giving him too much information now would only backfire and potentially worsen the situation.
Anyway, our plan for now was to check out the Range Falcon before using Eva’s Hunter Frigate to visit the next key point for the main quest. But then, suddenly, I noticed an anomaly along the way.
The crowd of passersby parted mysteriously. At first, I thought they were giving way to us—the recipients of the Diamond Wing Medal of Honor—until I noticed the figure walking from the other end.
A woman walking with grace, like some royalty, with a sweet smile on her pale pink lips. Golden hair, curled into perfect ringlets. Piercing blue eyes, clear as sapphire. And an incredibly enticing figure that no man would dare call unattractive.
"N-No way..." I gasped, realizing who the person was.
But the problem was—she wasn’t supposed to appear until the 13th Chapter! I rubbed my eyes, but it wasn’t a hallucination. With trepidation, I muttered the fearful nickname that most TSO players dreaded.
’Why is the Crazy Princess here?!’