Barren Star – Chapter 66
by Little PandaDeep Sisterly Affection
Schools have always represented something “sacred” in the public eye, yet wherever there are people, there will be various conflicts. Among these, students’ roughhousing is a minor matter, but sometimes things can even turn deadly. Schools naturally wouldn’t let negative news cling to their reputation, especially Tir Military Academy.
Most people commenting under “Mystery No. 1’s” official account were just joining in the excitement, leaving quick comments before carefully examining the posted materials. Once they looked, it was no small matter, instantly igniting tremendous anger.
——I remember something about this from three years ago. That bullied student was forced to drop out, while the perpetrator still roams freely in the school. After such a huge scandal, Tir Military Academy just quietly brushed it aside! They avoid discussing it on all occasions.
——Now that you mention it, I remember too. Let me check, didn’t Tir Military Academy’s official announcement say they would investigate the truth? Where’s the truth? What have they been doing these three years?
——Sh*t, that scum is still considered Tir’s outstanding graduate.
——Don’t speak nonsense when you don’t know the truth, would Tir Military Academy need to deceive people over small matters? They’re a top-tier military academy, I believe in them.
Forgotten memories were reawakened, causing chaos in the comments section. Some righteously criticized Tir Military Academy, while others defended it regardless, just like when facing that incident initially. With top talents from various industries standing behind their alma mater, how could the bullied seek justice? Even if some hadn’t joined those full of lies in their wrongdoing, they chose silence, equally becoming ruthless enablers——could such people be considered to have “responsibility”?
There were other prestigious schools like Tir Military Academy that weren’t selected. Initially, they also voiced opinions alongside Tir Military Academy, fortunately their voices were perfectly covered by Tir’s graduates, thus avoiding public execution like Tir. While these people were secretly rejoicing, little did they know netizens were sharp. After discovering the reason for Tir Military Academy’s elimination, they turned their attention to other famous military academies rejected by Mountain and Sea Star. They suspected these schools might be like Tir Military Academy——golden outside but rotten inside. The Star Network wasn’t controlled by any single voice, so digging up past events wasn’t too difficult. Soon, besides Tir, several other institutions’ names appeared on the wall of shame, with countless scandals of the privileged.
A sacred hall for nurturing students had become like this——let alone the hot-blooded young students who couldn’t bear it, even parents were extremely angry. Thus, after the Supervisory Department established subordinate institutions across various stars and states, the first proposal submitted by the public was to rectify the schools. How could those accustomed to flaunting their power be willing to lose their authority? They tried to intervene, but the final result was being sent to prison.
After Ning Buyi finished selecting those five hundred people, she discovered that all of Da Xia had begun rectifying schools. In eliminating old customs, things were naturally chaotic at first, with various conflicts occurring, but fortunately everything remained within controllable limits, and no lives were lost.
In the Simulation Training Room.
Ning Buyi hadn’t forgotten to practice her mecha control skills, and this place had also become her dating spot with Hua Zhuoyu.
Speaking of school matters, Ning Buyi felt somewhat emotional. If schools continued to deteriorate like this, even without dark pollution, Da Xia would have no future. However, she heard that Xia Sang’s side planned to restart the “Navigation Project” with intentions to enter the “Mythical Forbidden Zone.” With this, would she be able to handle everything? Ning Buyi wondered, and so she asked aloud.
“It’s not like she’s doing it herself, what’s there to be too busy about? She should thank us for delivering political achievements to her,” Hua Zhuoyu said with a smile. The common people didn’t have much opinion about the princess taking power, but usually Xia Sang stayed in the Princess Manor, associating only with officials and nobles, rarely appearing before the public. More than the life of the future Empire’s ruler, they cared more about her abilities. Xia Sang needed opportunities to demonstrate her capabilities.
Ning Buyi wasn’t interested in politics, and after asking casually, she turned her thoughts to the “Navigation Project.” “Although Elpis has emerged now, wanting to enter the Mythical Forbidden Zone filled with dark pollution is almost impossible.” Ning Buyi’s tone was certain; she trusted the Mountain and Sea Atlas. Since the system required the oak tree to grow, this was probably the only path. Ning Buyi didn’t want to weigh human nature, so this secret was known only to her and Hua Zhuoyu.
Hua Zhuoyu said gently: “Restarting the plan doesn’t mean navigation will begin immediately, it’s just preparation.”
Ning Buyi only felt relieved upon hearing these words. She worried that after obtaining “Elpis,” the Imperial government would become overconfident and venture into that impenetrable forbidden zone. She sighed: “Let’s wait a while longer, the oak tree is growing quickly.”
Hua Zhuoyu didn’t doubt Ning Buyi’s words.
Those troublesome people in the Empire were now preoccupied, allowing Mountain and Sea Star to obtain sufficient resources and develop at its own pace.
The Judgment Month passed quietly.
People shocked by Da Xia government’s successive actions had no leisure to care about other planets’ life or death. Besides discussing recent major events, their attention was on Mountain and Sea Star. As time passed, Mountain and Sea Star gradually unveiled its mysterious corner, slowly revealing the features of that boundless base and Aurora City to everyone.
In the past, if one wanted to know about Mountain and Sea Star, they could only find information through “Mystery No. 1’s” Starlight Platform, but now things were very different. Besides those who were already on Mountain and Sea Star early on, those first “pioneers” who entered Mountain and Sea Star also fully displayed their rich and colorful lives.
No one would doubt the sumptuous feast on Mountain and Sea Star; those who were sour as lemons deep in their hearts could only attack through entertainment aspects. However, what awaited them wasn’t the other side’s envy, but rather the dazzling game hall in Aurora City. Any popular game on the market could be found in Aurora City’s game hall! Besides the game hall, there were mecha combat training rooms, experimental bases… Aurora City was Mountain and Sea Star’s only city that had been revitalized——it had everything the imperial capital had, and even things the imperial capital didn’t. What pioneers going to develop wilderness? They were simply going there to enjoy life!
——No matter what, Mountain and Sea Star is still a barren star, a place shrouded in dark pollution, limiting the range of activities.
——Hey above, “Elpis” was developed on Mountain and Sea Star, do you think they still need to worry about dark pollution there?
——I heard several Development Stars wanted to apply for territory on Mountain and Sea Star, to establish interplanetary exchange. Unfortunately, the Planet Master rejected them because Mountain and Sea Star’s grade wasn’t high enough.
…
People on the Star Network felt regret about Ning Buyi “missing a good opportunity,” but Ning Buyi herself didn’t think so. “Grade not high enough” was an excuse, but more importantly, it was for the “future.” Once the forces on Mountain and Sea Star became complicated, it would easily stir up trouble. She didn’t want to have to deal with Mountain and Sea Star’s miscellaneous affairs while heading to the “Mythical Forbidden Zone.” Having recruited a batch of enthusiastic students now, Ning Buyi felt this was just right.
“The Pure White Queen has also submitted an application to Mountain and Sea Star, she wants to come.” Ning Buyi shrugged, looking up at Hua Zhuoyu’s projection. She had refused several times, but the other party remained persistent, “Her identity isn’t ordinary; originally, entering Da Xia’s domain would require the Empire’s approval. Oddly enough, who knows what Xia Sang was thinking, approving the Pure White Queen’s ‘visit.'”
Throughout long history, humans and the Insect Race had always been on opposing sides. However, there was still a brief period of peace, during which the Insect Race Queen had visited Da Xia, and likewise, Da Xia’s envoys had visited the Insect Star. However, the brief peace had long been washed away completely by memories of war, and when people mentioned the “Insect Race,” they simply couldn’t suppress their deep-seated hatred.
“The Insect Race also needs ‘Elpis,’ any race surviving in the star system needs it.”
“But with current production efficiency, supplying Da Xia is already an issue, there’s simply nothing left to distribute to the Insect Race,” Ning Buyi answered. Although she didn’t like dealing with Da Xia, her self-awareness regarding race was clear. Between the Insect Race and humanity, she would naturally lean toward humanity without hesitation.
“The Insect Race has begun family planning, and those remaining are all living on Insect Star; the erosion of dark pollution hasn’t reached an uncontrollable stage.” Hua Zhuoyu pondered for a moment, then raised her eyes to look at Ning Buyi, suddenly changing the subject, “However, we can still meet with the Insect Race Queen, she might carry some secrets. Beast Star’s prophecy is about the revival of Beast Ancestors, while the Insect Race only transmitted those four characters ‘Lord of Endings’, perhaps there’s deeper meaning.”
If Kris were still conscious, perhaps they could obtain secrets from her mouth, but unfortunately, this young, cruel, and cold-hearted queen had already become a happy little honeybee who knew nothing, interested in nothing but the flower garden.
Seeing Ning Buyi’s hesitation, Hua Zhuoyu gave a light laugh and said seriously: “Wait for me to return.” Apart from going to the Star Court during Judgment Month, judges were free most of the time. In the past, Hua Zhuoyu would either stay on Imperial Star or cruise through space, but now she had put down roots on Mountain and Sea Star, and no other matters were more important than returning.
Within the base’s protective shield was the unchanging gentle spring breeze.
When Ning Buyi first arrived in this world, she had thought about the four seasons’ scenery under the protective shield, but limited by her modest means, she couldn’t change the “skin.” Now that her account had sufficient Star Currency, she had gradually lost that desire. It wasn’t that she didn’t like the rotation of seasons, but rather in the future, when vegetation would cover the surface again, when life would be revived, the seasons that had lost meaning would return anew.
In February.
Hua Zhuoyu returned to Mountain and Sea Star.
However, accompanying her was an unfamiliar woman with white hair and golden eyes. Hua Zhuoyu didn’t have time to make many introductions, exchanging a glance with the welcoming party before hurriedly returning to the reception room that had been prepared in the base not long ago.
“Let me introduce: Hall, Queen of the Insect Race. Ning Buyi, Planet Master of Mountain and Sea Star.”
“Miss Ning.” Hall’s tone was gentle, her demeanor composed and elegant.
Ning Buyi responded politely while secretly glaring at Hua Zhuoyu. The Insect Race Queen’s visit was too sudden; she hadn’t made any preparations at all. Fortunately, Mountain and Sea Star had many good things. Ning Buyi had thought to serve tea, but unexpectedly, Hua Zhuoyu had already risen first, brewing honey water for this unexpected guest.
Ning Buyi: “…”
Hall narrowed her eyes and took a sip, those golden eyes brilliant as sunlight flowing with satisfaction. She didn’t engage in pleasantries, but rather said with some surprise: “Is this my foolish sister’s labor?”
Hua Zhuoyu smiled: “How is it?”
Hall praised: “It’s a delicacy not found on Insect Star.”
“Now then, can the Queen tell us the purpose of this visit?” Hua Zhuoyu got straight to the point. Her hands were folded on the table as she calmly gazed at Hall, her tone relaxed, as if chatting with an old friend. She had encountered Hall’s spacecraft on her way back. After obtaining Da Xia government’s permit, Hall’s vessel had left Insect Star. However, before receiving Mountain and Sea Star’s “permission,” she could only wait outside the planet’s boundaries.
After weighing the options, Hua Zhuoyu decided to bring Hall to Mountain and Sea Star. Though time was rushed, she only managed to send a brief message.
Hall smiled slightly: “I just want to see my foolish sister.” Seeing Hua Zhuoyu’s mocking expression, she smiled again, “Of course, it’s also about the Mythical Forbidden Zone.”
“Does Your Excellency have news about the Mythical Forbidden Zone?” Ning Buyi’s interest was piqued. She would certainly venture to the Mythical Forbidden Zone in the future, so naturally, the more she knew about it, the better. Unfortunately, that place was too mysterious, and Da Xia’s probes had yielded no returns.
“No.” Hall shook her head, smoothing her golden hair before smiling again, “One of my abilities is Source of Chaos, this chaos is a curse on the entire Insect Race society, it comes from dark pollution, even pointing toward dark pollution’s final destination——that place of lost order and chaos. Of course, this ability has another meaning, which is that I caused the Insect Race’s chaos.” At this point, Hall shrugged again.
Hua Zhuoyu rubbed her temples, sighing: “Get to the point.”
“Alright.” Hall blinked, “Let’s talk about my Insect Race’s prophecy, the Lord of Endings. These four characters signify the Insect Race’s doomsday and end, but it’s not just that.”
Ning Buyi asked: “Does it refer to the Greedy Wolf Star System?”
Hall nodded: “If I continued sitting on the Insect Race’s throne, with my body of chaos, it would eventually lead to doomsday. However, under these circumstances, a second supernatural ability awakened. If the first ability was an innate gift, then the second was self-awareness. After cutting off the mental connection, my chaos’s influence on them was reduced to a minimum.”
Ning Buyi showed a look of sudden understanding——no wonder “betrayal” occurred in the Insect Race’s strictly hierarchical society. As the Insect Race Queen, mental control overwhelmed everything; if it weren’t for her willingness, Kris probably couldn’t have taken that position. After all, her thoughts were constantly monitored by the upper-level Queen.
Hua Zhuoyu glanced at Hall, speaking languidly: “You’ve said so much, but it doesn’t have much to do with the Mythical Forbidden Zone.”
Hall gave a light laugh: “I know you will go to the forbidden area, and when that time comes, I hope I can accompany you.”
“Why?” Ning Buyi frowned, staring intently at Hall’s expression, not wanting to miss any slight emotional change on her face.
Hall tilted her head: “Perhaps there’s something I need there?”
Hua Zhuoyu sneered: “You’ve never been to the Mythical Forbidden Zone, how do you know there would be?”
Hall said: “Intuition, a kind of instinctive desire.” The Source of Chaos would eventually be devoured by chaos, and she was unwilling to fall into disorder herself. The first thing she did was expel those uncontrollable Insect Race members who had fallen into chaos, sending them to the “execution ground.” As for the second thing, she wanted to follow her instincts to find something that could eliminate chaos.
Ning Buyi pursed her lips: “It’s too early to discuss these things.”
Seeing that Ning Buyi didn’t mention plans to enter the Mythical Forbidden Zone, Hall wasn’t disappointed. However, before ending the topic, she said one last thing: “I feel there’s something existing there.” Seeing Ning Buyi and Hua Zhuoyu’s gazes instantly sharpen, she smiled gently, “May I see my lovely sister?”
Ning Buyi said: “She cannot leave the flower field, and Your Excellency cannot enter it.”
Hall nodded, smiling with understanding: “I understand.”
With the increase of honeybees, Kris’s activity range had expanded considerably. On the left was a swaying sea of iris flowers, on the right was the enclosed rose paradise. Honeybees moved back and forth among the flowers, while Kris herself maintained human form, wearing a beautiful flower crown on her head, calling out to the patrol robots outside the protective shield. Similarly, she would try to break out of the protective shield, and at those times her eyes would glow with an eerie red light, then she would retreat back under the robots’ cold gaze.
“My foolish sister seems a bit lonely.” Hall crossed her arms, speaking with great interest, her eyes showing no trace of pity for her beloved sister.
Hua Zhuoyu asked: “Do you plan to go in and keep her company?”
Hall shook her head: “No, my sister is bloodthirsty by nature. After eliminating potential threats, she must have grown accustomed to loneliness.”
Ning Buyi glanced at Hall.
This Queen who eagerly promoted peace had a gentle and kind appearance, showing no trace of harshness. In contrast, Kris bore a reputation for brutality and cruelty. But in reality, hadn’t Kris always been manipulated at her kind sister’s whim? The Insect Race rebellion was at the Pure White Queen’s instruction, so were those loyal ones who died fighting for the Pure White Queen also targets she wanted to eliminate? After all, those Insect Race members most worshipped chaos.
Kris, who had been entertaining herself, finally noticed the people at the edge of the flower field.
She walked over with tilted head, stopping less than a meter from the protective shield. She quietly gazed at Hall for a moment, then her right eye began to flicker with an eerie blood-red light, her expression becoming fierce as she glared at Hall, squeezing out two words: “Sister.” In her mind swirled red light and fragments of memories, but those images pieced together could still form Hall’s appearance.
Hall spoke gently: “My foolish sister, it seems you still remember me?”
Hua Zhuoyu smiled: “Such deep sisterly affection indeed.”
Ning Buyi: “…” She stared expressionlessly at Kris, worried she might damage the fields if she suddenly erupted. Fortunately, although anger was building up in Kris, it didn’t transform into corresponding combat power. The red light in her eyes gradually dispersed, and she sat down heavily on the ground, crying loudly out of anger.
Hall seemed not to notice, saying: “Seeing Kris living so well, I’m relieved.”
Ning Buyi was speechless——these sisters’ expression of affection was truly complicated.
A kind of Sisterly love indeed.