Chapter 12: Cute Junior

In case there was a waiting foe, Michael was the first one to step inside with his sword raised high. Ava was a step behind, ready to provide support with her pistol.

Fortunately the vehicle was empty.

“Good, they have protein bars.” Michael sighed in relief as he had his fill. The military-issued protein bars were dry and had a terrible taste. But the soldiers ate them regardless, since they had a great need for nourishment.

Ava used all the healing syringes she was able to find, bringing her to top shape. With the coast clear, she was finally able to connect to the higher-ups and inform them of their situation.

“Thank god someone had the brains to connect me. Report what happened?” A holographic projection of Bryce appeared, demanding answers.

Ava immediately began to recall everything that happened, from before they entered the battlefield until they were separated from the rest and found the wrecked vehicle.

During the entire explanation she had made sure to paint Cadet Michael in the best possible light.

’I doubt that they would award him with the Epic tier cybernetic, but hopefully they give him an adequate reward.’ She felt greatly indebted to him, even owing him her life, so she genuinely wanted the best for him.

Only when she concluded her report did Bryce speak.

“I see. To think that the young man would manage to accomplish so much in such a short amount of time. Assigning him to your squad was the right choice…” Bryce played with his overgrown beard, seemingly in a dilemma.

“Right now you should be near the center of the battlefield next to where the portal was located. The best course of action would be to locate Lady Victoria. For some reason we have lost contact with her and fear the worst. But even then, the best chance of you surviving is to relocate with her.”

Michael was patiently watching the report from the side.

’So the system was indeed right. Victoria is in danger. It’s better we go as soon as possible.’

After their short rest was over, they began to move towards the last known location of Victoria that Bryce had given them.

“Do you want me to carry you?” Michael asked, innocently looking over his shoulder.

“Hum!” Instantly, Ava tripled her speed, going past him.

With a sly smile, she looked over her shoulder before answering. “Just because you saved me, don’t think you are faster than me.”

After an hour a 2-kilometer-tall geyser appeared in their view.

“This is the last known location of Lady Victoria.” Ava sighed.

Michael took a glance at the numerous dead aliens. All of them were of the Higher tier. He could barely defeat one, much less so many at the same time.

’It’s not surprising that the general has passed over here.’ He thought.

Being careful to not attract the attention of any foes, they reached the geyser, finding a two-meter-wide entrance at the side.

“The scan doesn’t detect heat fluctuations nor any kind of gas. The geyser is inactive. Aside from a little cold, we would be safe.” Ava concluded, stepping inside.

Michael’s eyebrow twitched. Of course ’a little cold’ would kill a normal human in most circumstances. Had they not started to evolve their souls with cultivation, they would have perished long ago.

“The spiritual energy here is so concentrated!” He muttered the moment he stepped inside. He could feel his spirit resonating in the place, so much so that he got the urge to sit in a meditating position and begin to cultivate.

Cybernetics had a certain limit. If one’s spirit and mind weren’t high enough, there would be dire consequences of comprehending too powerful techniques. Cultivation fixed both of these problems, as it gave humans ways to increase their mind and spirit simultaneously.

’I was worried that Lady Victoria was in danger, but now I won’t be surprised if she is just in the middle of cultivating, having lost track of time.’

Quickly they explored the inside of the geyser. After half an hour they encountered a foe.

’A slime?’ Michael raised an eyebrow. Aliens had races of their own, and this one was a rare find. Sadly, since there wasn’t meat, there was nothing he could eat to get stronger.

Bang!

With no hesitation, Ava pointed her pistol at the green slime, releasing several shots.

The body of the slime shuddered from pain, but it remained stubborn as it charged at them.

’I wonder how the sword will fare against a slime.’ Not wanting to risk it, Michael used his soul weapon to carve the being in two.

“FUCK!” A small part of the dead slime landed on his forearm, dissolving the armor and harming his flesh.

“If you were at a higher realm, the acid slime would not be able to harm you. It would just strip you naked.” Ava used the opportunity to educate him on the matter.

With a simple nod, they continued forward. Michael was wondering if they were lost until they saw corpses of several aliens nearby.

’She must be somewhere here.’

Following the bloody trail, it didn’t take them long to hear nearby breathing.

The moment they turned the corner, they saw her.

Victoria was sitting in a lotus position, attempting to cultivate to recover her strength. Her battle suit looked different from others. It had been custom-made, since standard issue wasn’t built for someone with her proportions, especially across the chest.

Her blonde hair fell down like a waterfall, free of any alien blood, despite all the beings she had slain up until now.

“Lady Victoria!” The moment Ava saw her, she saluted in respect.

Alerted by the noise, Victoria slowly opened her eyes, revealing their blue color.

She examined both Michael and Ava, taking in their condition.

’The cute Daredevil and a…man? I don’t know him. He must be part of the newly arrived branch. But if that is the case, why is a cadet like him so far in enemy territory?’

Intrigued by the situation, a smile began to form on her peerless face before she spoke.

“I wasn’t expecting my cute junior to arrive to my rescue.”

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