NOVEL NEXT Chapter 132: The Egg Strikes Back
Right now, I'm traveling alone through space.
Yep.
Both Eva and Cassandra weren't with me.
It's just like how it was when I first woke up in this universe.
And, of course, it's not like I ditched the two and went off on some journey of self-discovery, no. There's a reason for this.
Cassandra had official business she couldn't skip out on as Queen, so she's currently stuck—unable to make her escape.
Eva, on the other hand, was glued to her mother's side and the researchers, pestering them constantly as they tested out a prototype suppressor for her mother's disease.
Apparently, the large quantity of Herticalcium we mined did help accelerate their research significantly. In just a single week, they'd already made remarkable progress.
I guess the actual medicine might not be that far from becoming a reality!
To speed things up even more, they needed more sample cases. So, as a sort of "charity" program, others who had contracted either ESD or VND were given access to free treatment—on the condition that they consented to take experimental medication in return.
Technically, it was giving hope to people already living hopeless lives. Unsurprisingly, none of them refused.
Well, that's not important right now.
Anyway, at this moment, I'm en route back to the Narlia Commercial Hub—bringing the egg along with me. After all, at this stage, progressing the quest takes precedence.
Thanks to the Warp Nexus, however, returning to a distant star system wasn't a hassle at all. In fact, it took me just an instant—or around five minutes, from departing the dock to arriving at my destination.
"It's been so long since I've been here…"
Come to think of it, ever since the whole fiasco with Cassandra began, I haven't visited this place even once. It honestly feels like a distant memory now, even though it's been less than a month.
"Percy, initiate docking procedures."
Without delay, I moved toward the docks using autopilot.
Given the sheer number of ships arriving and departing every minute, navigating the area manually would've been a nightmare. So letting the ship's AI coordinate with the Station's AI was the standard approach.
After docking and shutting down the Falcon, I swiftly disembarked.
The long corridor stretching from the docks to the main commercial area welcomed me at once.
It was just a straight path, so I reached the end fairly quickly. Guards were stationed at the entrance, inspecting everyone passing through. From what I could tell, they were the same guards from my last visit.
A quick scan was done to check for hidden weapons or contraband. I expected to pass through without issue—or so I thought.
"D-Diamond Wing Medal?!"
The guard blurted out in astonishment after checking my identity. Ah, right… That medal still displays on my public profile, doesn't it...? Although I honestly can't remember where I even put the real thing...
In the next instant, both guards snapped to attention and saluted. "P-Please forgive our rudeness, sir Arthur Grail! P-Please, go ahead!"
"Ah... It's fine, it's fine." I chuckled lightly, watching them suddenly switch to full formality. "You're just doing your jobs, so no need to apologize."
"We'll send someone to escort you, sir! Please hold on—!"
"Ah, really, that's not necessary." I waved off the one who looked like he was about to call the entire squad. "I'm here incognito, so I'd rather not attract attention, okay?"
"Understood! Please enjoy your time at the Narlia Commercial Hub, sir Grail!"
I gave a wry laugh before walking past the checkpoint. Then, letting out a long breath, I muttered, "Haaa… I actually forgot I'm something of a celebrity in these parts…"
The merit from saving Major Terrence's fleet wasn't exactly a minor feat, after all.
Feeling a bit lighter, I began to look around. The entire environment within the hub radiated peace. None of the chaos we'd experienced—like the war between Astoria and Meyers—seemed to have reached this corner of space.
'Well, this place is tucked away in a secluded region, so I guess that makes sense…'
My walk didn't last long, though. The place I was heading to was right ahead of the checkpoint. The Mercenary Union—its signature electronic banner glowing visibly even from a distance.
I smiled, and stepped in with confidence. Then, I scanned the counters to check the availability of the receptionists. Mercy's station was… ah, still busy. Two people were currently lined up there. Guess I'd have to wait for a bit.
It was a bit of a hassle, but the Quest wouldn't trigger through any of the other receptionists. Only Mercy—a known relative of Major Terrence—could initiate the proper sequence.
Just as I was standing there, idly waiting for her line to open up—
"…!"
A hand suddenly clamped down over my mouth, cutting me off. At the same time, both my arms were pinned behind me. In an instant, I was completely neutralized!
But that wasn't even the worst part.
The hand covering my mouth was holding a cloth soaked in some kind of chemical—most likely chloroform—which robbed me of consciousness within seconds.
Before I could even catch a glimpse of my attacker's face, I…
"Hmmph!"
My vision was filled with darkness when I woke up.
And no, it's not just because of the blindfold over my eyes, but also because the place I'm in lacked proper lighting to begin with. I could tell that much even in my current state.
"You're awake…" a voice muttered nearby.
He must've noticed how I flinched upon regaining consciousness, realizing I was finally back to my senses. If not for the gag strapped tightly over my mouth, I'd have already demanded to know who they were, and what they wanted—
"To think you'd dare walk around alone after what you did to us… You've got guts, Arthur Grail."
—but from the sound of that voice, slightly familiar in tone… I figured out who my captors were.
'Eden's pilot!'
It was the same guy who, back during the Aegis Grand Prix, started a fight with us out of nowhere!
Naturally, I was shocked. Not just because they managed to kidnap me in a public space, but also because I hadn't expected him to be this persistent. Tracking my movements and catching me here in Narlia Commercial Hub? That was bordering on stalker behavior!
"Well, tough luck. Seems like the gods still love me," the man continued, chuckling to himself. "Who'd have thought I'd run into you while still on probation? Truly… divine intervention, I'd say."
"..."
...So this was all just a coincidence, then.
Still, that didn't change the situation. I was in danger—real danger. Who knows what this unhinged Voltherian might do? In fact, it might be nothing short of a miracle that I was still alive right now.
"Hey, answer when someone's talking to you, bastard!"
*THUNK!*
A kick slammed into my gut.
And not just any kick, either—it was like a full-power goal shot. A straight-up soccer-style power kick. Although I couldn't verify it, I was pretty sure I broke a few ribs from that hit, even through the protective suit I was wearing.
"Oh, right." The bastard went on, laughing as if it was all a big joke. "I forgot you've got a gag on. Let me fix that for you!"
*THUD!*
Another kick, this time directly to my face, and sending the gag away.
My neck jerked from the blow, pain shooting down my spine—but worse than that, I could taste iron pooling in my mouth. I might've even lost a tooth from that one...
Ptew!
I spat the loose tooth out, panting through the waves of pain.
"You… You're Eden's pilot, aren't you?" I asked, trying hard to keep the pain buried beneath my voice. "Why are you doing this? Is it just petty revenge…?"
"Revenge…?"
His voice suddenly flattened, emotion draining from it.
"You're asking me if I'm doing this out of spite? Out of revenge…?" he muttered, his voice beginning to tremble, each word saturated with rage. "OF COURSE I AM, YOU SON OF A BITCH! WHY ELSE DO YOU THINK I'D BEAT YOU TO A PULP?!"
*THUMP!* *CRACK!*
Another kick crashed into my face, this time dead-on at my nose. My whole face went numb, and my tongue was caught behind my teeth. I couldn't even register the pain properly—hell, I couldn't even breathe for a moment.
Damn… This was somehow worse than getting wrecked by Eva.
A barrage of kicks followed. With no vision, I could only curl up, doing my best to shield my vital spots. Still, his brutal kicks landed all over me.
Head, back, ribs, thighs—even my ass—he kicked everything in reach with his heavy, metallic boots.
The pain completely swallowed me, blurring my senses—but more than that, I felt utterly… humiliated.
'A third-rate, small-time villain… getting the best of me?'
This wasn't something I could've imagined. This… wasn't supposed to happen at all!
*CLINK!*
Then suddenly, amidst the chaos, a strange metallic sound rang out.
One of his kicks had struck something in my pocket—followed by a sharp cry of pain. But the voice wasn't mine. It was his.
"AGH! W-WHAT THE—?!"
He immediately backed off, halting his assault.
From all the damage I'd taken, my blindfold had come slightly undone, letting me glimpse the situation. He was gripping his foot, face twisted in pain, and the electrodes extending on the back of his head were sparking violently.
Looking closer, I spotted a small... dent? Yeah, the metal of his boot was deformed, and pressing against him uncomfortably.
That dent… it had a shape I recognized instantly, making me glance down at the chest pocket of my suit.
'It's… the egg!'
The egg had saved me! Not intentionally, of course… but still, it saved me!
*CRACK...*
Though it'd be nice if that was where it ended...
Without any warning, and for the very first time—yes, even considering all my hours playing TSO back then…
I saw the egg begin to hatch.