TCPUAAV Chapter 60

 

By dusk, Rong Heng and his party arrived at Planet B3024. The main battleship remained in orbit, while the group descended to the surface aboard a transport ship.

 

The massive transport ship’s landing stirred up a commotion, drawing a crowd of onlookers. Mo Li led his team to disperse them before organizing the unloading of equipment.

 

Meanwhile, Rong Heng and Hector took the three little ones straight to the repair shop.

 

Ruan Shiqing, having received word in advance, was already waiting at the door. Glory landed just outside, and the little ones were the first to rush out, tumbling eagerly into their father’s arms.

 

Ruan Shiqing ruffled their heads one by one before instructing 09 to take them to the backyard to play. His gaze then shifted to Rong Heng and Hector as they stepped forward.

 

With a slightly serious expression, he led them into the courtyard and gestured toward a pile of massive Zerg corpses. “They’re all here.”

 

The two men stepped closer to inspect them. These Zergs were undoubtedly dead—some had gaping holes blasted through their abdomens, while others had their heads blown off. Nearly all had been killed with just one or two shots, demonstrating exceptional accuracy.

 

Unaware of the full situation, Hector remarked approvingly, “Who took them down? These reconnaissance units are much more agile than the mindless frontline warriors that simply charge ahead.”

 

“09 and I did it,” Ruan Shiqing replied, nodding toward the massive armored walker parked to the side. “It’s a newly developed weapon, so we used it for a test run.”

 

Hector had noticed the enormous armored walker when he entered but had assumed it was just another piece of equipment Ruan Shiqing had acquired from somewhere.

 

He hadn’t expected it to be a brand-new weapon.

 

If it weren’t for the current circumstances, he would have been eager to take it for a spin.

 

“You weren’t injured, were you?” Rong Heng cast a downward glance at him.

 

He had intended to sound more concerned, but as the crown prince, he had never been taught how to express warmth. His upbringing instilled only strength and iron discipline.

 

As a result, even his words of concern came out rigid.

 

The moment he spoke, he regretted it.

 

He should have sounded gentler.

 

Ruan Shiqing, however, didn’t seem to mind. With a teasing smile, he said, “Mr. Rong, you really don’t have much faith in my skills, do you? Sure, I can’t take on a Zerg head-on in a contest of brute strength. But I have my wits and my weapons. Taking them down was hardly a problem.”

 

“That’s not what I meant.” Rong Heng’s lips pressed together slightly, his expression tinged with frustration. “Of course, I trust you.”

 

But when you start caring about someone, trusting their abilities doesn’t mean you stop worrying about their safety.

 

“I understand what you mean, Mr. Rong.” Ruan Shiqing’s eyes curved with amusement. “I’m fine.”

 

Only then did Rong Heng’s expression ease.

 

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the conversation returned to the Zergs. Ruan Shiqing asked curiously, “Hector, you mentioned these are reconnaissance units?”

 

Rong Heng nodded and explained, “The social structure of the Zergs is similar to that of bees. The queen rules the entire swarm, while the highly reproductive males exist solely to mate with her. Those without reproductive abilities serve as worker Zergs, responsible for guarding the hive, foraging for food, caring for eggs, and raising the young. Over the years of war, we’ve classified these worker Zergs into different roles: combat units, reconnaissance units, logistics units, and so on.”

 

“The smaller, more agile Zergs like these are called reconnaissance units. Most of the time, they’re tasked with gathering intelligence, acting as the vanguard of the swarm. Whenever the Zergs launch an attack, they always send reconnaissance units ahead to scout the battlefield.”

 

As Ruan Shiqing listened, his expression grew increasingly grave. “So these reconnaissance units came to Planet B3024 to scout the area? Does that mean a larger swarm is on the way? But why would they specifically target B3024?”

 

His questions came one after another, but even Rong Heng couldn’t provide a definitive answer.

 

“It’s not impossible,” Rong Heng admitted, his gaze dark as he studied the Zerg corpses. His voice was slightly hoarse as he continued, “In fact, in recent years, we’ve noticed that the Zergs are becoming smarter. Their actions can no longer be predicted based on their previous behavior patterns.”

 

Even he couldn’t determine the true purpose behind these reconnaissance units appearing on B3024.

 

“We can only strengthen our defenses,” Rong Heng concluded. “As for how these Zergs bypassed the frontline sectors, I’ll send people to investigate as soon as possible.”

 

Ruan Shiqing remained troubled. “If it’s just a small group, it’s not much of a threat. But if, as you suspect, a larger force is following behind them, then with B3024’s current situation, we wouldn’t stand a chance against a full-scale Zerg assault.”

 

“I’ll deploy a team to station here,” Rong Heng said firmly. “They’re elite troops from the frontlines, experienced in fighting Zergs. We’ve held the frontlines,” he added, his eyes steady and unwavering. “We can hold B3024 as well.”

 

His calm determination, even in the face of the unknown, was infectious.

 

Ruan Shiqing, momentarily setting aside his worries, nodded. “Then I’ll start dissecting these Zergs right away. Maybe we can identify their weaknesses and develop more effective weapons against them.”

 

“There’s no need to put too much pressure on yourself,” Rong Heng told him, his gaze unconsciously softening. “Protecting the empire and its people—that’s our duty as soldiers. You’ve already done more than enough to help us.”

 

“Just doing what I can.”

 

Ruan Shiqing smiled, and the heaviness in his heart eased somewhat. Only then did he ask, “Why didn’t Snowball come back with you?”

 

“He… is still undergoing special training.” Whenever the conversation turned to Snowball, Rong Heng always felt a bit guilty and uneasy.

 

Yet, he couldn’t help but ask, “You seem to like him a lot?”

 

“Mm, Snowball is very endearing.” Ruan Shiqing made no effort to hide his fondness for Snowball, his eyes crinkling with amusement. “Mr. Rong must like him too, right? Otherwise, you wouldn’t be so strict with him. The deeper the love, the stricter the discipline.”

 

The deeper the love, the stricter the discipline.

 

Rong Heng was momentarily dazed, his thoughts drifting to his own mother, who had been exceptionally strict with him.

 

From the moment he was born, she had raised and educated him personally. He had never attended school; everything—from astronomy and geography to economics and politics, from combat techniques to military strategy—had been taught by her.

 

As a child, he had occasionally envied others who had gentle mothers—mothers who weren’t so severe, who would hold their crying young ones and soothe them with soft words.

 

But as he grew older, he gradually came to accept and even agree with her methods.

 

“Yes,” he nodded slightly, then couldn’t help but add, “Compared to that, Mr. Ruan, you spoil your cubs too much.”

 

He glanced toward the backyard entrance, where three little heads peeked out, attempting to eavesdrop. Truly, an undisciplined bunch.

 

The young of the ancient bloodlines were different from ordinary species. They were born with stronger bodies, sharper minds, and far greater power. For them, growing up at a steady, unremarkable pace was never an option. From birth, their path was destined to be extraordinary.

 

The immense power within them was a double-edged sword. They needed to learn how to control and wield it as soon as possible.

 

Ruan Shiqing understood this as well. But since he wasn’t a native of this world, he didn’t carry the deep reverence for the Four Great Ancient Clans and their legacy. To him, these cubs were simply that—cubs.

 

Perhaps one day they would grow strong, but for now, they deserved a healthy and joyful childhood.

 

Still, Mr. Rong wasn’t wrong either. Their identities were special. Rather than sheltering them under his wing, it would be better to teach them how to fly.

 

Ruan Shiqing straightened up, pressing his palms together earnestly. “But I just can’t bring myself to be strict with them. Could I trouble you to train them instead? Just take them along when you train Snowball. In return, I can offer you a twenty-percent share of the factory’s profits.”

 

The young man before him, caught between adolescence and adulthood, was half a head shorter than him. With his hands pressed together in sincere request, he had to tilt his face up slightly, his dark eyes locked onto Rong Heng’s with unwavering trust.

 

Rong Heng felt as if his heart had been seared. He averted his gaze uncomfortably, avoiding those eyes. “We’re friends, no need to be so formal.”

 

After a pause, he added stiffly, “I will train them well.”

 

“Then I’ll be counting on you.” Ruan Shiqing grinned and warmly invited him to stay for dinner.

 

Rong Heng clenched his fist in secret. He almost agreed.

 

But in the end, he forced himself to refuse. “There are still matters to handle. Hector and I need to leave first.”

 

“Next time, then.” Ruan Shiqing, understanding his busy schedule, saw them off.

 

Once he stepped onto Glory, Rong Heng exhaled a deep breath, throwing out a curt “Head to Fragrance Tower Manor” before hastily retreating into the rest cabin.

 

Hector stared at his tense jawline, baffled. “Weren’t you chatting just fine a moment ago? Why the sudden mood swing?”

 

Inside the rest cabin, Rong Heng pressed a hand over his heart.

 

Beneath his palm, his heartbeat was rapid, burning hot.

 

Closing his eyes, all he could see was Ruan Shiqing’s expression—his earnest request, his unwavering trust.

 

Leaning back against the cabin wall, he murmured to himself, “Noah, I’m growing fonder of this planet…”

 

And even fonder of someone on it.

 

*

 

By the time Glory arrived at Fragrance Tower Manor, Rong Heng had already composed himself, ensuring that both his expression and emotions were back under control.

 

Mo Li had just returned from the factory and, upon seeing them, immediately asked anxiously, “Are we certain it’s the Zergs?”

 

Rong Heng nodded and walked straight inside. “Let’s talk inside.”

 

The three of them settled in a small conference room. Mo Li muttered to himself, “So it really is the Zergs… How did they manage to bypass the defensive line?”

 

“More pressing than that,” Hector said, shedding his usual laid-back demeanor for a serious expression, “we need to contact the Military Department as soon as possible. But if we notify them, they’ll definitely send investigators, which means everything we’ve been preparing here will be exposed. All our efforts will be wasted.”

 

Yet, if they chose not to notify the Military Department, they would essentially be gambling with the empire’s entire defensive line.

 

Rong Heng, however, wasn’t as optimistic as Hector. “Do you really think that reporting this to the Military Department will make any difference? Do you think anyone will actually care?” He let out a cold chuckle. “This isn’t Sikkim. It’s just a remote garbage planet.”

 

Unlike Hector, who still had faith in the military’s sense of duty, Rong Heng had seen too much of the darker side of things. “We have people inside the Inner City. I just confirmed with them—Inner City officials reported the presence of Zergs on B3024 this morning. But the moment the higher-ups realized the outbreak was on a backwater garbage planet, their first response wasn’t to send reinforcements. It was to silence the news.”

 

Hector and Mo Li were both stunned. “How could they…”

 

“It’s just a garbage planet. Those people don’t care,” Rong Heng said, his voice laced with biting sarcasm. “What does concern them is what would happen if word got out that Zergs had appeared in the Central District. The panic that would cause. Not to mention, the population of B3024 is made up almost entirely of undocumented individuals. If officials were sent to investigate, the media would inevitably follow. And when that happens, the truth about these garbage planets being filled with ‘gray-area’ citizens would be exposed. That kind of scandal would be just as damaging—if not more so—than news of a Zerg invasion in the Central District.”

 

Since the very first Energy Center was established, it had always been marketed under the banner of environmental protection and human rights.

 

To be fair, at the beginning, Energy Centers were genuinely built to improve planetary living conditions. Waste from prosperous planets was transported to barren ones, where it was converted into energy. A system that, at first glance, benefited everyone—protecting the environment while repurposing waste into useful resources.

 

To show appreciation for the military and staff stationed on these so-called garbage planets, the government had even invested heavily in building thriving cities around the Energy Centers. Staff were permitted to bring their families, further solidifying these locations as legitimate, inhabited areas.

 

But over time, corruption crept in. The system rotted. Capitalist greed and political ambition twisted the purpose of these centers beyond recognition.

 

Now, garbage planets were overrun with undocumented individuals, crime, and violence.

 

In this decaying empire, human rights and environmental protection were nothing more than convenient slogans, tools used for political showmanship and to undermine rivals.

 

Human rights only mattered where people were watching.

 

And in the unseen corners of the empire?

 

No one gave a damn.

 

If these ugly truths were exposed, it wouldn’t just be a scandal, it would tear down the carefully crafted façade the empire’s elite had built. The capitalists who had spent years profiting off these planets would see their masks ripped away, and the shockwaves would reach the highest levels of government.

 

That was why Rong Heng was certain: not only would no one come to investigate, but they would go to great lengths to suppress any news of the incident.

 

“Then we have no choice but to handle this ourselves,” Hector said, spreading his hands. “The fact that they’ve sent out reconnaissance units means those Zergs aren’t just here for a sightseeing tour.”

 

“I’ve already contacted Dares and ordered him to bring an elite squad to B3024 as soon as possible. The planet’s security won’t be an issue.” Rong Heng tapped the table lightly. “Our most urgent priority now is to determine how they got here.”

 

The distance from the frontline sectors to B3024 was immense. For the Zergs to travel this far, they must have made several jumps.

 

“I’ll have my people investigate this,” Rong Heng said as he stood up. He turned to Hector. “Once Dares arrives, we shouldn’t appear in public anymore. Be sure to get a disguise capsule from Mo Li.”

 

“One problem after another,” Hector muttered, clicking his tongue. “Feels like I boarded a pirate ship.”

 

Who would have thought that a high-ranking Brigadier General like himself would one day have to wear a disguise just to move around?

 

“If you don’t like it, you’re welcome to go find Garland on Otta yourself,” Rong Heng said nonchalantly, giving him a sidelong glance.

 

“Okay, okay, I’ll shut up.” Hector raised his hands in surrender and mimed zipping his lips shut.

 

The Otta District had only a few dozen habitable planets, but it was surrounded by countless barren ones. Garland had a habit of conducting his experiments on remote, uninhabited planets, who knew where he had disappeared to this time? If Hector had to track him down alone, he’d never find him.

 

Satisfied, Rong Heng left for his room.

 

But he didn’t rest. Instead, he dialed Lucien’s comm channel.

 

A moment later, Lucien’s virtual projection materialized in the room. “Your Highness.”

 

“Has there been any unusual activity in the frontline sectors lately?” Rong Heng asked.

 

Lucien thought for a moment, then shook his head. “No reports of anything out of the ordinary. Did something happen?”

 

Rong Heng pondered for a moment before informing Lucien about the Zergs discovered in the Central District. “Twelve reconnaissance units. I suspect they found a way to bypass frontline surveillance and slip past our defenses. Look into anyone who has recently traveled between the frontline sectors and the inner regions.”

 

There was another suspicion he hadn’t voiced yet, the possibility of a traitor within the empire.

 

Now that the Zergs had demonstrated intelligence, it wasn’t beyond reason that they could cooperate with humans.

 

But this idea was too shocking to bring up in front of Hector and Mo Li just yet.

 

“People with connections to the frontline…” Lucien rubbed his chin, thinking. “There is someone. A few days ago, Sijialan sent word that the mermaid patriarch transported a shipload of Zerg corpses from Melchers, supposedly for an experiment. But as far as I know, the mermaid have never conducted research on Zergs before.”

 

Rong Heng contemplated this for a moment, then glanced at Lucien, half-jokingly remarking, “Your intelligence network is even more extensive than I expected.”

 

Lucien bowed slightly. “The Elders’ Council has waited sixteen years for this moment. It is only right that we assist Your Highness in every way we can.”

 

Rong Heng did not dwell on the subject. He merely nodded and said, “Then I’ll have to trouble you to send someone to investigate Melchers.”

 

“As you command.” Lucien bowed again before ending the transmission.

 

*

 

After seeing Mr. Rong and Hector off, Ruan Shiqing headed to the backyard to check on the cubs.

 

The three little ones, newly returned home, were excitedly gathered around an unfamiliar cub who sat on a small chair.

 

The cub had green hair and his hands rested neatly on his knees. His head was bowed slightly, and the small antenna on his forehead swayed gently.

 

The little fox reached out a finger to poke the cub’s arm. “What’s your name? Are you our new little brother?”

 

The little dragon cub, fascinated, stared at the antenna. “You have horns too!” He touched his own short, sturdy dragon horns before lowering his head to show them off. “See? I have horns too!”

 

He even leaned forward, attempting to bump horns with the new cub.

 

But the little mermaid, more perceptive, tugged his arm gently and gestured: Don’t scare him.

 

Only then did the little dragon cub regretfully back off.

 

“What are you all up to?” Ruan Shiqing asked with a smile as he stood in the doorway.

 

“Papa!”

 

The three cubs immediately swarmed around his legs. The little dragon cub hugged his leg, looking up eagerly. “Is he our new little brother? Why isn’t he talking to us?”

 

The little fox wagged her tail excitedly. “I’m finally a big sister!”

 

“He hasn’t learned to speak yet.” Ruan Shiqing hesitated for a moment before explaining.

 

Over the past few days, he had confirmed that the cub could make sounds, but he didn’t seem to know how to speak, only occasionally letting out some vague, indistinct syllables.

 

The little mermaid, just as curious, typed on his communicator: What’s his name? Where did he come from?

 

“He found his way here on his own. As for his name…” Ruan Shiqing belatedly realized that he had yet to name the cub. “I haven’t had the chance to name him yet.”

 

He walked over and squatted in front of the cub, asking gently, “Did you have a name before? If not, would you like me to give you one?”

 

The cub stared at him for a long moment before slowly nodding.

 

Ruan Shiqing patted his head, thought for a moment, then touched the antennae on his forehead. “How about Ruan Jiao? In ancient human language, ‘Jiao’ sounds like ‘horn[mfn]funnily enough Jiao means proud/arrogant which is really unlike this lil critter haha![/mfn].'”

 

He deliberately slowed down, enunciating clearly: “Ruan… Jiao.”

 

The cub looked at him, mimicked his movements, and opened his mouth to speak. A garbled sound came out, unclear, but Ruan Shiqing could tell he was trying to say “Ruan Jiao.”

 

After two failed attempts, the cub fell silent, his antenna drooping dejectedly.

 

Ruan Shiqing stroked his head and said warmly, “No rush. Take your time.”

 

The cubs quickly accepted their new sibling, especially the little dragon cub and the little fox, who were thrilled to have a younger brother.

 

They took turns sitting beside Ruan Jiao, one teaching him to say “big brother,” the other teaching him to say “big sister,” treating it like a competition. Meanwhile, Ruan Jiao sat properly on his chair, looking at one and then the other, earnestly mimicking their words. But his pronunciation was so strange that no one could tell if he was trying to say “big brother” or “big sister.”

 

Still, the two cubs remained enthusiastic, repeating their lessons tirelessly.

 

During these moments, the little mermaid would sit nearby with a thick book, occasionally glancing up at the playful cubs. Even studying felt more enjoyable with them around.

 

The only real problem arose at bedtime.

 

Except for Snowball, the three cubs usually slept in the living room. They had long accepted that Snowball, as the eldest, had always slept with their father, so they never felt jealous.

 

But now, Ruan Jiao had taken over Papa’s bed and stubbornly refused to sleep alone.

 

The little dragon cub thumped his pillow in protest. “Heli wants to sleep with Papa too!”

 

“Nota too!” The little fox hugged her pillow.

 

Even the little mermaid, floating in his water tank, raised a hand and let out a determined “Ah!”

 

It had been a long time since they last slept with Papa.

 

With their competitive spirits ignited, the cubs clutched their pillows and scrambled onto Ruan Shiqing’s bed.

 

Fortunately, Ruan Shiqing had bought a bed big enough. Otherwise, there wouldn’t have been enough room for all four cubs.

 

He ended up in the middle, the little mermaid on his left, Ruan Jiao on his right, with the little fox and the little dragon cub curled up beside him, making it impossible to move.

 

With a resigned sigh, he turned off the lights. “Happy now? Get to sleep.”

 

Content, the cubs snuggled close to him and drifted off.

 

 

---

 

Yeah I know, this chapter has some very serious plot points but… THE FLUFF!!!

 

RONG RONG???????? Help him, he’s melting!!! the cubs accepting their lil baby brother???? my heart!!

 

Thanks for reading!

For every three ko-fis, I will upload a bonus chapter~