Interstellar: Return of the Villain
Chapter 113: New Training

Chapter 113: New Training

Lyra kept in constant touch with Morrison. They faced their share of challenges, but nothing too surprising.

On that far-off planet, with Cohen calling the shots, even someone like Caesara couldn’t stir up much trouble.

The real breakthrough came when the first shipment of refined materials and plants made it back. That’s when the Wyrmtrace project finally started moving forward.

Snakehead was always lurking in the background. The moment the ship touched down, he had his people swoop in to grab the goods, clearly afraid Lyra might try to keep it all. Though, Todd had already handed him the full inventory, so it wasn’t like anything was hidden.

After inspecting the haul, Snakehead shot a pointed question at Lyra, "How much did your people stash away for themselves?"

Lyra just gave a calm smile and asked, "Looking to work together?"

The hefty man laughed.

"Not a chance."

Snakehead, as straightforward as ever, rubbed his bald head and grinned as his men loaded up the supplies.

Meanwhile, school life was a whole different vibe—far less complicated than the chaos at the factory. Classes were jam-packed with training and theory, leaving even Lyra with little room for distractions.

So, when Zinnia asked if she wanted to join a school competition, Lyra didn’t even hesitate before saying no.

Halfway through the semester, Lyra heard that Zinnia hadn’t made the cut. Back in their dorm, Zinnia was fuming, "Those third-years are ruthless! Even Thierry didn’t make it!"

In other news, Vivian had finally had enough of their tight-knit trio and moved out, leaving the dorm way quieter than usual.

With the Wyrmtrace project mostly under control, Lyra found a moment to ask, "What competition was this?"

Zinnia, who’d been sulking on the couch, suddenly perked up. "The Alliance Military Academy Tournament, AMAT! Every academy in the Alliance takes part in these live combat competitions. It’s way more intense than the mecha league!"

Her excitement was obvious, but she quickly looked at Lyra with disappointment. "You totally should’ve joined! You would’ve crushed it. Only two of the final seven were level six."

The tournament was set for the Alliance’s summer break in July, hosted on Elden Prime. Lyra didn’t need a full rundown; she knew it was a big deal.

"Our school’s been stuck in second place for years. This time, they’re prepping early for intense training. They’re dead set on taking first."

Lyra didn’t mince words. "Not happening."

It wasn’t that she didn’t believe in NMA, but EPMA had the top talent, and they didn’t get the nickname ’military headquarters pre-school’ for nothing.

Also, Lyra had no plans to head to Elden Prime. Going there felt like stepping into a trap.

...

But then the training list came out, and Lyra’s name was on it. Furious, she marched into the office. "I didn’t even try out! Why am I on the list?"

Webber looked flustered, unable to give her a solid answer. He wasn’t the one who made the call.

Freida, sitting calmly in her chair, offered, "We don’t have the full story."

Right then, a tall figure walked in. "I made the list, along with the principal. Got a problem?"

Lyra’s jaw clenched, and her usual blank expression shifted to one of anger. "Yeah, I do! This was supposed to be fair and open. I didn’t participate, so why am I being forced into this?"

Andre smiled, clearly unbothered. "The rules guide the students, not us. Besides, you know exactly why I put you on that list."

He glanced at her, hiding a flicker of admiration. "Per school policy, when students level up, they have to report it so their training can be adjusted accordingly!"

Webber and the other instructors in the office were stunned.

Even Anton couldn’t hide his surprise, rubbing his chin as he thought about how incredible it was—this first-year student had already hit level six.

Webber, in particular, felt conflicted. His own student’s superpower level now surpassed his.

Lyra, on the other hand, stayed collected. "I didn’t report it because my ability is still unstable. And even if I’m at level six, that has nothing to do with me joining the competition."

Her defiance made Andre chuckle in disbelief. "Then take it up with the principal."

The principal, the chubby man with a sly, knowing grin, welcomed Lyra into his office.

He wasn’t one to play fair, either. "Young miss, beyond your role as a student, you’ve seen how things work here through our partnership. We’ve got plenty of capable students, but we’ve been stuck in second place for years. Our budget, equipment—it all lags behind. This competition is crucial."

He took a leisurely sip of his tea, his smile friendly but laced with warning. "It’s just one event. It won’t interfere with anything else."

The underlying threat was clear: refuse to participate, and she could face expulsion—and their cooperation would be over.

Lyra picked up on it instantly. She had planned to use the summer break to return to Wyrmtrace. Now, the school was throwing this curveball at her?

But was this really about winning the competition? Or was there something deeper going on with the principal?

"Sir," she started, trying to feel him out. "Do you know Ansel Shedd from Elden Prime?" If this was a setup by Ansel to drag her back to Elden Prime, she needed to know.

The principal blinked in surprise. "Ansel? The Vice Admiral? I’ve been at NMA for over forty years and have only heard of him in passing. If you’re hoping to use me to reach him, that’s not going to happen."

Lyra couldn’t get a solid read on this guy, so she switched tactics. "I have a request. I want the training camp to take place on Wyrmtrace."

Before he could protest, she continued, "It’s important to me. If I can’t be at Wyrmtrace during the summer, I’ll drop out and end our agreement."

Lyra had other ways into the military, like enlisting directly. Her deal with the school was more for building her reputation. But if something went sideways at Wyrmtrace, it could undo all her hard work. That was a risk she couldn’t take.

The principal glanced at Andre, his co-workers. The man gave a slight nod. "The purpose of the training is to push the students to improve. Wyrmtrace can work, but we’ll need to arrange some extra paperwork."

The old man agreed quicker than she expected. "Fair enough. We haven’t locked down a location yet, so it’s doable."

Just like that, they found middle ground.

However, as Lyra left the office, her expression darkened. ’Why is the school, after years of being fine with second place, so desperate for first all of a sudden? And why did they agree to my condition so easily? It feels like they are determined to rope me into this no matter what.’

She had a strong suspicion that even at Wyrmtrace, things weren’t going to be as smooth as she hoped.

Meanwhile, back in the office, the principal turned to Andre. "Make sure the training camp is well-organized. We can’t afford any accidents."

"Yes, sir." Andre would never let anything happen to the students, especially not someone like Lyra, who was one of NMA’s brightest stars.

Once Andre had left, the principal’s smile faded. He activated his opticomputer and made a call.

"She agreed to go to Elden Prime, as you requested."

"Hmm," the voice on the other end replied. "Keep her under watch."

The principal’s face grew tense. "I still don’t understand why you’re all so focused on this young woman."

But the only answer was the abrupt click of the call ending, leaving the principal alone in his office, sighing heavily.