A Chemist's Interstellar Saga

Chapter 157: Fighting The Insectoid
Chapter 157: Fighting The Insectoid

When Arix and Drexel arrived, quite a few people were already there. Besides the captain and crew, there were about ten others with cold expressions, clearly seasoned fighters.

To the siblings’ surprise, three of these people had a military bearing, indicating they were from a military background. Arix and Drexel exchanged a look; they hadn’t seen these people on the ship before.

”They were probably in their cabins all this time,” Drexel whispered to Arix.

Arix nodded in agreement.

The captain, initially pleased to see more people, sighed in disappointment when he realized they were just children.

”Kids, go back. This mission doesn’t include children,” the captain said irritably. His tone wasn’t friendly, but his concern for the siblings was evident. He didn’t want to see them sacrifice themselves needlessly.

The others didn’t object either, especially the three military-looking individuals who nodded in agreement.

Facing the skepticism and concern of the group, Drexel stepped forward and solemnly saluted. ”Thank you all, but my sister and I are both reservists of the Fifth Legion and military students at the Hecaris Military Academy. When civilians are in danger, our duty doesn’t allow us to flee.”

Drexel’s expression was serious, his eyes showing firm resolve.

Arix also nodded firmly, showing that she shared her brother’s intent.

Seeing the young siblings, the captain’s lips trembled with complex emotions, and tears began to stream down his cheeks.

He turned away and wiped his eyes, feeling a bit ashamed. Then he turned back, looking at the siblings with a serious expression, and said, ”Alright! Thank you both!”

Drexel and Arix hung back for a moment, exchanging looks as the three military guys smiled and waved them over. Nodding in sync, the siblings walked up to them.

The leader, a middle-aged man, stepped forward with a warm smile, extending his hand. ”Hi there, I’m Captain Sentance of the Alliance’s First Legion. These are my buddies, Lieutenant Commanders Gillian and Clayton. Nice to meet you.”

Drexel shook his hand politely. ”Hello, sir, I’m Drexel, a student at Hecaris Military Academy, and this is my sister, Arix. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

At the mention of Drexel’s name, the officers just paused. But when Arix’s name came up, they looked like they’d just seen a god. Their eyes widened with shock and fear, not because of Arix herself, but because she was here. The future of the Alliance was standing right in front of them, in danger. It was more terrifying than facing a Supergiant-Class insectoid.

Seeing their panicked expressions, Arix tilted her head, curiosity piqued. ”Are you guys okay?”

Despite their internal turmoil, the officers managed to keep calm smiles. ”We’re fine, just surprised to see you on this ship. Didn’t the Fifth Legion arrange a battleship to escort you?”

Arix scratched the back of her head, a bit embarrassed. ”Oh, a battleship isn’t necessary. I’m just a military student. That would be overkill.”

Sentance immediately shook his head. ”Miss Kering, you invented the psychic power healing potion. It’s saved countless lives. Many of our retired comrades are back in service because of it. They owe you a lot.”

”Really? I’m glad I could help,” Arix said, her face lighting up with genuine happiness.

The officers, moved by her kindness, felt even more upset. They silently vowed to complain to their superiors.

The Fifth Legion was negligent for not providing a bodyguard and letting Arix travel alone on this shabby ship. The thought of it made their hearts ache.

’Oh, our poor Miss Kering!’ they lamented inwardly.

Drexel, who was actually sent by the Fifth Legion to look after Arix, felt a bit left out. ”What about me? Am I invisible here?”

Captain Sentance turned to Arix with a serious expression. ”Miss Kering, you are a hero to our First Legion. If you ever face danger, hide behind us. We will protect you with our lives,” he said, saluting her with determination.

”No, I can take care of myself,” Arix quickly responded, shaking her head. Though she wasn’t a mecha expert yet, she wasn’t helpless.

Sentance frowned, clearly troubled. Drexel, noticing he was being ignored again, forced a polite smile. ”Captain, don’t worry. I can protect my sister.”

Sentance, snapping back to reality, remembered that Drexel, brother of the Fifth Legion’s admiral, was also present. His expression turned even more serious.

Arix represented the future hope of the Alliance, and Drexel was the future of the Fifth Legion. They couldn’t risk losing either of them. The loss of either would be catastrophic.

Turning to his comrades, Sentance said, ”You two will be responsible for protecting Mr. and Miss Kering. They must not come to any harm!”

Gillian and Clayton nodded solemnly. ”Yes, sir!”

Drexel, still confused about being included, shrugged. ”Why am I getting dragged into this too?” But he decided it was okay. With Arix protected, he could relax a bit.

He turned to Arix. ”Arix, you haven’t piloted a real mecha yet. During the fight, stay back.”

”Okay, I understand,” Arix replied, feeling a bit down despite knowing Drexel was right.

Just then, a warm hand landed on Arix’s head. She looked up to see Drexel gently patting her hair, his eyes soft. ”Don’t be discouraged. I believe you’ll be a better mecha pilot than me someday.”

”Drexel...” Arix began, touched, but Drexel suddenly burst into a triumphant laugh. ”But that’s a long way off. Accept it, Arix. You’re just weaker than me, hahaha!”

Arix’s touched expression vanished. She grabbed the hand on her head and, with a swift motion, threw Drexel over her shoulder.

”Ow, ow, ow! It hurts!” Drexel rubbed his butt, looking betrayed. ”Arix, you tigress! You’re trying to kill me or what?”

Arix squinted her eyes, her smile growing even sweeter. ”What did you just say? Did I hear ’tigress’?”

Seeing his sister’s smile, which reminded him of a dangerous Chomper, Drexel felt a chill down his spine. He nervously shook his head. ”No, no, no. You heard wrong. You’re so gentle and cute, how could you be a tigress?”

Arix gave a cold laugh and was ready to give Drexel another ”loving lesson” when the captain’s voice rang out, calling for assembly.

”Heroes, please come over and prepare for departure!”

Hearing this, Arix snorted and decided to leave Drexel alone for now. The three officers, who had watched the entire scene, exchanged amused glances before turning their heads away, smiling to themselves.