MASG chapter 58

 

The corridor was quiet.

Mo An thought to himself.

He was currently five or six meters away from Xia Yu, but a medical report had sealed their closest distance. The days of sleeping together in each other’s arms and holding hands anytime, anywhere had become memories.

He had also worried about what he would do if Xia Yu really turned into a poisonous little jellyfish. However, his worries were only superficial. After all, nothing had actually happened yet, and a 13-year-old couldn’t think that far ahead.

Now, however, a problem had arisen—a problem that had become his predicament, though it was still far in the future.

“I’m sorry. I’m poisonous now.” Xia Yu was even more dispirited. The toxicity was a natural protective mechanism, but it had also become a barrier to his friendship with Mo An.

“Don’t say that. There’s nothing to be sorry about. Actually… we should congratulate you.” Xi Ban could only offer this consolation. “Congratulations, Xia Yu. From now on, you’re a deadly little jellyfish. This is perfect for you. You should be happy.”

Should he be happy? Xia Yu shook his head.

“To survive, everyone needs skills,” Xi Ban continued. “Mo An, what do you say?”

Mo An’s index finger twitched. Although there was no barrier between their hands, the transparent air acted as a wall. He forced a smile. “Yes, this is actually a good thing.”

His lips immediately drooped after he finished speaking. He couldn’t fake it at all.

“Let’s go back and rest now,” Xi Ban said, winking at Lao Gui.

“Yes, yes, let’s go back and rest. Everyone’s tired. We can discuss anything else when we get back.” Lao Gui felt a pang of sympathy as he recalled their first meeting. Back then, Xia Yu was thin and small, struggling to make a living with Mo An and Mi Dou. Now that everything is finally on track and his poison glands have developed…

On the way back to their room, Xia Yu and Mo An were silent, lost in their thoughts. When they arrived at the door, Xi Ban didn’t want them to be alone, so he accompanied Mo An inside. The room was the same, but their laughter and joy had been frozen in time. The moment they most wanted to relive was now impossible.

Ling Shi: [Welcome back, Xia Yu. You’ve worked hard.]

“Thank you. It’s all thanks to you this whole time.” Xia Yu sat down properly in the chair and gave Mo An and Xi Ban the bedside table.

Ling Shi: [This operation was the result of everyone’s hard work. You showed me the beautiful side of humanity. Honestly, being able to participate in this rescue operation has truly moved me. I’ve only ever dealt with cold, impersonal databases. This is incredibly exciting.]

Xia Yu said listlessly. “Oh, right. Please give Xiang Xing a new identity. If we need to investigate Yu Kun City in the future, he will be a very qualified guide.”

Ling Shi: [I’ve already done that. He will live here as a genetically engineered human. I haven’t revealed his mutant identity because most residents are prejudiced against mutants. However, Xiang Xing is a mutant like no other; he’s very rare.]

“He’s had a tough time too,” Xia Yu always considered others’ feelings. “Ling Shi, do you know what a ‘pure body’ is?”

Ling Shi: [Give me three seconds to browse the database.]

Ling Shi: [Browsing complete.] [I’m sorry, my database doesn’t have a specific explanation for ‘Pure Body,’ only the literal meaning. Would you like to hear it?]

“No, thank you. I understand the literal meaning, but I don’t understand why I’m a Pure Body. Especially since I’m clearly poisonous, and that has nothing to do with purity.” Xia Yu really wanted to ask Professor Wang Qin for clarification.

Ling Shi: [I will keep a close eye on information related to Pure Bodies for you. Xiang Xing’s examination is almost complete. I’ve arranged for him to stay with you. Xia Yu, your medical report was just uploaded to the server. You’re poisoned now.]

Xia Yu rubbed his nose: “Hmm.

Ling Shi: [As far as I know, this toxin is also deadly to mermaids. What will you do from now on? Mo An, are you going to return to the sea? ] The issues that everyone had been avoiding were laid bare by Ling Shi, forcing them to confront them. Xia Yu listened quietly, the blue in his eyes growing increasingly intense. He could hear everyone’s breathing in the room as they awaited a nervous reply.

“Of course I’m staying. What else is there to say?”

Mo An’s voice hadn’t gone through puberty yet; it was crisp and clear, like a small stone hitting glass. Each word was firm. But you could tell he was angry again; he never hid his anger.

“I’ve already said it. Even if Xia Yu is poisonous, I won’t leave. Why do you all keep asking me this question? Just because I’m young doesn’t mean my answer doesn’t count.” Mo An didn’t understand this question either. “You need to respect my thoughts and choices. I’m not a clueless child anymore. I have my own principles.”

Spirit Stone: [Sorry, it seems my actions angered you.]

“I’m not easily angered. I just don’t want to repeat myself.” Mo An looked around, adopting a calm tone. “This is the last time I’ll answer. Please listen carefully. No matter how potent Xia Yu’s poison becomes, I will not abandon him. I will stay here until you humans find a cure. He protected me when I was young, and now that I’m grown up, I will protect him. And…”

He paused for a few seconds.

“Also, I’ve figured out how to solve this problem. At worst, I… I won’t touch Xia Yu. Even then, I’ll only touch his clothes. I can protect him, and I can protect myself. So please don’t make decisions for me anymore. I’m staying. I will be careful and won’t put my life in danger.”

After he finished speaking, Xia Yu actually breathed a sigh of relief.

He was afraid that Mo An would act like a child and refuse to return to the deep sea or accept their separation. It seems his younger brother has truly grown up and learned to act with discretion.

“Since you say so, then fine. We will respect your choice.” Xi Ban also stepped forward. “Originally, I thought that if you wanted to return to the deep sea, I would go with you and take you to the hatching grounds to live for a few more years. Now, I will stay with you until you are fully grown.”

“Thank you. I will grow up well!” Mo An bowed. Lao Gui breathed a sigh of relief. “All right, all right. Since you’re so determined, everyone will help you. Xia Yu, in the future, when you’re in contact with Mo An, try to wear long sleeves and gloves to avoid accidental contact.”

“I will,” said Xia Yu, looking at Mo An. “Don’t worry. I’ll be careful, too. I won’t put you in any danger.”

“We can still hug if we’re dressed,” Mo An said. Then he looked at Lao Gui. “Also, I want to work in a more dangerous place. I want to train myself.”

“No!” Xia Yu objected first.

“No, I want to go. I want to become really powerful, like Yan Xia, able to manage a lot of people.” Terrified by this rescue operation, Mo An made his demand with lightning speed. “Talos is right. He went to sea when he was thirteen. I can’t live under Xia Yu’s protection forever.”

Lao Gui crossed his arms, thinking hard: “There really is such a chance. I heard from Yan Xia that they are forming the ‘Genetically Synthesized Human and Monster Control Center’ because there are more and more monsters, and they’re becoming harder to manage. Training for guards starts at age 13, but it’s difficult every year. They receive half a year of training and half a year of cultural lessons at home. If you’re in the first batch, though, I believe your promotion will be fast. However, before you get the position, you’ll be separated from Xia Yu for six months or more every year. Can you accept that?”

Mo An glanced back at Xia Yu, gritted his teeth, and turned back. “I can.”

“A-Ni…” Xia Yu called softly.

“I can do it. I’ll get a good position.” Mo An was already on the verge of tears. Being separated for six months every year was terrifying. But what if Xia Yu was kidnapped again? He had no one to contact, no leads, no weapons, and no abilities. Good luck wouldn’t come again.

“Okay, I’ll talk to Silver Fang tomorrow. Remember to report for duty then.” Lao Gui nodded with satisfaction. This little fish is finally growing up.

Neither Xi Ban nor Xiang Xing had expected Mo An to make such a big decision—not even Xia Yu had. That evening, Xiang Xing and Xi Ban went back to rest. After showering, Xia Yu changed into long sleeves and trousers and put on gloves.

Mi Dou had just brought them over; they were very soft, like satin. Xia Yu made sure the white gloves were on properly before lying down. His little brother’s pillow was no longer beside him.

Mo An’s pillow and blanket had been moved to the floor, and he was sleeping on a makeshift bed there. After showering, Mo An quietly walked to the bedside. This time, he didn’t jump on the bed; he stood still, enduring the pain.

Xia Yu opened his eyes at that moment. “I’m sorry. I wish I weren’t poisonous.”

“No, don’t apologize. I wish you were poisonous.” Mo An stared into his eyes as he took the troublesome aquamarine crystal out of his pocket. “I didn’t return this. I asked Lao Gui, and I’ll receive 3,000 points and 3,000 yuan every month for special training at the control center. I won’t need to spend any money at the center, so I can save quite a bit in six months. I don’t want to return it…”

Xia Yu slowly sat up and took the marble-sized crystal ball.

“I want to give it to you.” Mo An nervously fidgeted with his hands. Would Xia Yu accept it this time?

Xia Yu noticed all of his little movements. Last time, he didn’t accept it, but this time, he immediately took it in his palm. “Thank you, I really like it… it’s so pretty, like the color of the ocean.”

“Really? You really think so?” Mo An, afraid that he was just trying to flatter him, couldn’t hide his joy. He sat down on the edge of the bed. “It must be from my hometown. Xi Ban said I was being silly and that there are many of these things in the ocean. They’re worthless in the eyes of mermaids.”

“But I’ve never seen one before, so to me, it’s the most precious gift.” Xia Yu took a deep breath. “Thank you… this is my xla.”

Xla… Mo An’s worries disappeared all at once. His own xla had an xla now, which meant he essentially had two xla. He giggled foolishly, swinging his legs and secretly peeking at Xia Yu. He felt like Xia Yu looked especially good tonight. No, that’s not right—there was never a time when Xia Yu looked bad. He looked so good that…you couldn’t even tell his gender. He dressed like a boy, so at first glance, he looked like one.

“You…” Mo An pursed his lips shyly. He had never been like this before. “You’re really good-looking, Xia Yu. You’re more beautiful than any gem in the ocean.”

Xia Yu stared at him, then laughed. “Silly boy. You’ve never been to the deep sea. How do you know I’m more handsome than a gem?” As he laughed, he reached out to poke Mo An’s forehead. However, his finger stopped a few centimeters in front of his brow without pressing down.

They both smiled simultaneously, then slowly regained their smiles.

“I can’t hug you freely anymore, but I will always protect you.” Xia Yu checked his cuffs, then opened both arms wide. “But if we don’t bump into each other, it should be okay, right…”

This was his natural enemy, a voice echoed in Mo An’s head. But this was also Xia Yu, another voice said. Clearly, the latter voice prevailed. He hunched his shoulders and leaned against Xia Yu’s chest. In the past, he would have pressed his nose into Xia Yu’s collarbone and inhaled his post-shower scent. Now, he couldn’t. Mo An propped his head up and looked at the person who was so close yet untouchable. He felt both anxious and sad.

Xia Yu slowly tightened his arms around Mo An, his heart pounding with apprehension. He gently held Mo An in his arms while clutching the aquamarine in his hand. For a brief moment, they forgot the hardships of the apocalypse: Nuwa, Power Plant No. 3, electronic corruption, the reclamation project…none of it existed. They felt as if they had returned to the research institute, back to their origins, carefree.

Finally, Mo An cried out a blue diamond. “I’ll grow up quickly. Wait for me, Xia Yu.”

“Okay, but it’s okay that you’re still small.” Xia Yu wiped his eyes, afraid that tears would drip onto Mo An’s skin.

Night fell and the two short yet long days ended with a restrained embrace. It was raining outside again. Nuwa monitored and managed the global weather; no rain occurred naturally. Xia Yu looked out the window. Countless flying machines were at work, and red-lighted cameras were visible everywhere. Further on, he could see the building overrun by monsters. Over the years, it had become completely wild and was covered in climbing vines. Beyond that was Yukun City, which they couldn’t approach. It had become a restricted zone where no one could leave or enter.

The world was shrouded in heavy rain, and purple neon lights dominated the sky above Qingyao City.

The sound of the rain mingled with the sound of footsteps on the muddy ground beneath their feet. Outside Qingyao City, a team of parts mechanics had just finished their mission and were heading toward the security gate. Transparent raindrops fell on their bright yellow plastic raincoats, washing away streams of varying lengths. Suddenly, someone twisted their ankle, cried out in pain, and bumped into the person in front of them.

“Ouch!”

“Watch out!”

Xia Yu turned around and caught Mi Dou. Beneath the hooded raincoat, it was still that same face. Five years had passed. The 16-year-old boy had grown into a 21-year-old young man. Time had refined his features, giving him a more mature air than he had had as a child and adolescent. Only his deep blue eyes remained unchanged.

As he moved, the raincoat slipped off his head, soaking his shoulder-length black hair and excessively pale skin with rainwater. His bright red lips stood in stark contrast, looking like makeup at first glance. Countless pale blue blood vessels stretched beneath the thin skin on his neck.

“It’s because my stuff is too heavy. It’s all right. It’s all right.” Mi Dou carried the heaviest equipment. He was shorter than Xia Yu, but he was incredibly strong. Freckles on his face formed his unique mark, and he wore handmade earmuffs on his bear ears.

“I told you I’d help you, but you always insist on being a hero.” Xia Yu helped Mi Dou carry the other side. A drop of rain got into Xia Yu’s eye below his brow bone, instantly making his pupil “lively.” But Mi Dou still refused to admit it, determined to prove how strong he was. “I just slipped. By the way, is Mo An coming back soon?”

Xia Yu wiped the rain from his face. A few drops slid smoothly down his jawline, neck, and into his collar. A thin gold chain draped across the hollow of his collarbone, forming a winding curve. A crystal of icy aquamarine hung between his collarbones, echoing his eyes.

“Who knows? I contacted him last week. He said he’s been undergoing special training lately. Silver Fang said their control center always has dangerous missions. He must have gone behind my back again.” Xia Yu sighed helplessly. His younger brother had grown up, and he couldn’t control him anymore.

“Hmph, he’s become wild. He doesn’t play with us anymore,” Mi Dou said, seizing the opportunity to talk badly of him. “Haha, I’m still the best. I spend every day with you.”

Xia Yu, now an elite captain, looked at Mi Dou as if he were an adorable younger brother. He reached out and lovingly scratched Mi Dou’s cheek. His cold eyes only softened around his own people. “Yes, you’re the best. I spoil you the most. After the mission, whatever you want to eat, I’ll buy it for you.”

“We don’t spoil Mo An anymore. He’s changed his mind. Hmph.” Mi Dou said with a laugh.

“Right, we won’t spoil him anymore.” Xia Yu smiled as well when they reached the security gate. Beyond the gate was a temporary tent that served as the main base for the operation. Team members walked through one by one so the security team could check for signs of electronic corruption. When Xia Yu went through, he was stopped.

“Identity verification,” the inspector said.

Xia Yu showed his face and waited for verification. The inspector scanned his face with a machine. “Captain Xia?”

“Yes, I was promoted to captain three months ago. Has my information not been updated yet?” Xia Yu raised a delicate eyebrow.

“The information has been updated, but the gender field is empty. I need to report it.” The prosecutor sized up Xia Yu’s face. Everyone said there was a Captain Xia in the middle ranks who was strikingly handsome and efficient, and now he was here.

“You have no right to report it.” However, through years of experience, Xia Yu was no longer the same person. “My information has been verified by Yan Xia. There’s no problem.”

“Are you using Commander Yan Xia to intimidate me?” the prosecutor retorted. He despised this type of person the most; they looked like opportunists using their looks to climb the social ladder.

Xia Yu didn’t even frown. Over the years, he had encountered too many people who judged by appearances. He could guess what kind of trouble these people wanted in the blink of an eye. “So what if I intimidate you? You have no right to stop my team, much less question my gender.”

“Ha.” The inspector had never encountered such a defiant team leader. “I advise you to be careful. There are plenty of people here who can order you around. Now, I order you to turn around, take off your pants, and let me check to see if you’re a man or a woman.”

“How could you do this?” Mi Dou placed the instrument on the ground; the hundreds of pounds of metal instantly created a deep indentation in the damp earth.

“I can do this.” The inspector pointed in a direction and said, “Go over there, take off your pants, put your hands behind your head, and then…”

Suddenly, a black information card was thrust between Xia Yu and the inspector. The inspector, wearing a half-finger glove, held the card between his long, strong arms. Upon seeing the card, the inspector’s expression changed immediately, and his tone became completely different. “You must be the commander of the control center. What brings you here? We apologize for our poor hospitality. We didn’t receive your notification.” The man was dressed entirely in black. His raincoat hood completely obscured his face, and he wore a mask. He didn’t speak but simply made a “pass” gesture, easily resolving the predicament. Xia Yu and Mi Dou looked over with gratitude and a sense of familiarity. The control center was right there. They wondered how Mo An was doing.

This man was also in the control center. Xia Yu couldn’t help but take a second look at him. He was taller than Mo An. Perhaps they knew each other.

After passing through the security gate, Xia Yu and Mi Dou entered the sterile corridor. Their rest area was just ahead. Footsteps sounded behind them. Xia Yu turned around and saw that the officer was with them. But as Xia Yu looked, the officer quickly took two steps past him and turned around the corner, his tall figure blocking Xia Yu’s path.

Xia Yu considered himself to be of average height, but next to this man, he felt frail.

“Excuse me, may I pass?” He nodded politely and took a step to the left.

The other man took a step to the left as well, and the two bumped into each other again. This time, Xia Yu couldn’t stop in time and bumped into the man’s arms by accident. His brow furrowed, revealing a hint of impatience and anger. However, he kept his cool and said, “Thank you for what happened earlier, but please don’t block my way. Otherwise, I won’t be polite.”

The other man still wouldn’t let him pass. Xia Yu knew he couldn’t afford to offend the control center, so he turned right.

The man turned right as well, blocking his way again.

Xia Yu endured it, turning to the left this time.

The person took a step to the left, once again blocking his way.

Xia Yu’s brow furrowed, and he could barely control his anger. “Even if you helped me earlier, there’s no need to make things difficult now.” Just as he was about to explode, the person in front of him slowly pulled down the mask under their rain hat. The lower half of his face was revealed.

Xia Yu was taken aback.

The man smiled, revealing sharp white teeth. Xia Yu immediately stepped forward and removed his hat. Beneath it were a pair of eyes staring directly at him with unbridled arrogance. His high nasal bridge was slightly flared, as if filled with intense longing for something. His short, silver hair added to his handsome, heroic air. His prominent brow bone and brow tail overlapped, and a bead of sweat clung to his forehead, indicating that he had been in a hurry.

“You brat!” Xia Yu was overjoyed. It had been eight months since they last met, and Mo An had grown even taller.

“Ugh, it’s you! You didn’t tell us you were coming back!” Mi Dou was also stunned. Good heavens, how did Mo An grow so tall? He was more than half a head taller than them!

“Why did you cut your hair?” Xia Yu circled around him.

“It’s not ideal for training or for dealing with dangerous situations.” Mo An followed Xia Yu’s every move with his gaze. His voice, deeper and more powerful since puberty, was filled with emotion. Before Xia Yu could turn around, Mo An scooped him up in his arms. Startled, Xia Yu quickly pulled his arms back. He hadn’t known his younger brother was home today and hadn’t worn gloves.

“Nonsense! Put me down!” Xia Yu pushed him with his elbow.

However, his push was ineffective and instead “enraged” Mo An. Mo An easily lifted Xia Yu up to more than half his height. He slightly tilted his head so that his nose was about to press against Xia Yu’s collarbone. This displayed a bullying stance. Startled, Xia Yu wanted to push him away but didn’t dare. Mo An seized the opportunity and bit the crystal bead on Xia Yu’s necklace.

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