Interstellar: Return of the Villain
Chapter 165: Level-nine Plants

Chapter 165: Level-nine Plants

"Mandy, you did a great job." Lyra didn’t hold back her praise, offering it with sincerity.

Mandy smiled, a little bashful. She felt her heart race with excitement as she disconnected the call.

For the first time, she saw endless possibilities in her future.

When Alon came looking for her again, this time, she was much calmer.

"Mandy, I never thought you could be so heartless," he said, clearly wounded. "My grandfather has always been kind to you. How can you stand by and watch him suffer from illness?"

His sudden accusation didn’t sting like it once might have. Instead, Mandy’s face filled with cold amusement.

"Lyra once told me," she began, "everyone is driven by self-interest. Whether you really want to save your grandfather or you’re after the profits from Aesculapius’ Grace, you know the answer better than anyone."

Alon was taken aback, clearly unprepared for her sharp words.

"Do you not care about me anymore?" he asked, his voice tinged with desperation.

"I do," Mandy replied, looking him straight in the eyes, her honesty disarming. "But I won’t let my feelings get in the way of my future."

Of course she had liked him—how could she not? He had been her first love. But from watching the rise of people like Morrison and Debbie, she had learned something far more intoxicating: the thrill of climbing the ladder of success. And she was on her way up.

As Mandy turned and left Alon behind, she pressed her lips together, feeling a chill run through her.

She had almost fallen into his trap again. Thankfully, she had made the right choice this time, avoiding a fate like Tammy’s.

...

On Elden Prime, Morrison had just finished hearing the whole story. He smiled, "It seems HER judgment was spot on."

Two years ago, even he had thought Mandy was a bit soft—too naive, mistaking false love for emotional sustenance.

Time had a way of proving that poverty and the drive for power were the true catalysts for growth.

Lyra didn’t comment on Morrison’s remark. Instead, she shifted the conversation. "What about that matter I asked you to investigate?"

Morrison immediately grew serious. "I’ve confirmed it. It’s the Sholok family that’s making a move. They’ve let it be known that they’re willing to trade, but the terms are bartering."

"The Sholok family?" Lyra’s brow furrowed. This wasn’t good news. There was an old grudge between her and the Sholok family over the development of Wyrmtrace.

If they had known the real reason the Seething Fires had landed on the planet, they would have banded together long ago to take her down.

"It seems old Mrs. Sholok was injured on Wyrmtrace a while ago. When she was advancing, her Crystal Core was damaged. She’s in desperate need of level-nine energy plants to repair her superpower."

Lyra frowned deeply. This wasn’t something she could provide. "It seems we can’t meet their trading terms."

Morrison nodded in agreement. "Even if we could, they likely wouldn’t be willing to trade, given how much they lost to you on Wyrmtrace."

Lyra thought for a moment. "There’s no need to trade with the Sholok family." She decided. "Invite Caspian over. Tell him it’s been two years, and I’d like to have dinner and discuss future collaboration."

...

Truthfully, if she hadn’t mentioned the word "collaboration," Caspian probably wouldn’t have wanted to come at all. But like it or not, business relationships had to continue.

When he arrived, Caspian greeted her with a careful smile. "It’s been two years, Miss Shedd... you seem... different."

He had wanted to say "prettier," but the young woman in front of him looked pale and frail, her breathing barely audible.

Anyone who didn’t know better might think she was gravely ill, making it impossible to compliment her.

It was odd, especially considering Lyra was a renowned healer capable of curing serious illnesses.

Caspian masked his curiosity and proceeded cautiously.

"Thank you for the compliment," Lyra said flatly, pretending not to notice his scrutinizing gaze. She took a sip of water before continuing, "Here’s the thing—my team has developed something valuable. And I thought, instead of letting outsiders benefit, it would be better to discuss it with you first."

Caspian’s interest spiked instantly. "Oh? What is it?" He knew anything Lyra deemed "valuable" would be worth a fortune, but he also knew it wouldn’t come without some hefty strings attached.

"The improved Aesculapius’ Grace, level-seven," she said smoothly, her eyes never leaving his face.

At first, Caspian wasn’t impressed. His own team had made modifications to the Aesculapius’ Grace before. But when the words level-seven registered, his body froze mid-motion.

"Did I hear that right?"

Lyra’s smile was knowing, mysterious, her face partly obscured by the rising steam from her water glass. "Other than being unable to kill anyone, it’s practically like having another version of me at your disposal."

Caspian was suddenly aware of his clammy hands. He reached for his tea but almost knocked it over in his haste. He composed himself quickly, wiping his palms on his pants. "What are your terms?"

"I need the Sholok family’s level-nine strength-enhancing plants. However, I don’t have any level-nine energy plants to trade. I was hoping you could help with that."

Caspian mentally sighed. I knew there’d be a catch.

While casually drying his hands, he offered, "Why not trade the level-seven Aesculapius’ Grace for it yourself? Put the word out, and someone’s bound to offer you an exchange."

Lyra’s eyes gleamed, catching his underlying thought. "So, you agree that the level-seven Aesculapius’ Grace is worth that much?"

Caspian’s smile tightened. He didn’t like being so transparent.

The truth was, this device—though technically level-seven—was worth far more. Its healing efficiency, from what Lyra described, rivaled that of level-eight plants.

Plus, it wasn’t a one-time-use item; it could cure even severe cases like radiation and genetic diseases. For someone in need, it was priceless.

And unfortunately for Caspian, he was exactly that type of someone.

"Why don’t you just handle the trade yourself?" he pressed, testing for a weakness. "Is it because of your conflict with the Sholok family, or are you afraid the Shedd family will interfere?"

Lyra didn’t flinch. "Both. That’s why I’m coming to you, Mr. East. I trust you to get the job done."

Her cold, calculating eyes sent a clear message: Don’t try anything funny.

After a tense moment of silence, Caspian chuckled. "I assume you’ve got more than one of these Aesculapius’ Grace units, right? I want them all. Aside from the one we’ll trade, I’ll buy the rest at full price."

The chance to monopolize such a valuable asset was too tempting to resist.

"Sure," Lyra replied without hesitation, catching him off guard. His guard shot back up—why was she agreeing so easily?

His suspicion was obvious, and Lyra raised an eyebrow at him. "No need to look at me like I’m scheming. I don’t care who I sell them to."

It was true. The demand for such a device was sky-high, and if Caspian was willing to take them off her hands, she’d happily make the deal.

Caspian finally relaxed, realizing he might be overthinking it. But just as he settled back into his chair, Lyra dropped her next condition.

"However, I don’t want money. I want a ship—military grade."

"Pfft!" Caspian nearly choked on his tea, spluttering and coughing as he wiped his mouth. He stared at her in disbelief. This woman is impossible!

"Do you even know how much a military-grade ship costs?" he muttered, exasperated. "And you’re asking for a military ship, no less!"

Still catching his breath, he shot her a curious look. "Why do you need something like that?"

Military vessels were heavily regulated. While Caspian had military contracts, selling one to a private individual would be a first for him, and he couldn’t help but wonder what she was planning.

"Planning to get yourself killed? Don’t drag me down with you," he joked bitterly, though a part of him was serious.

Lyra remained calm. "It’s just the build standard. I don’t need the weapons, so there’s no legal trouble involved. You know my long-term goal is to join the military, but the road there won’t be easy. I need a backup plan."

Caspian found himself at a loss for words. ’Who spends their own fortune to set up a backup plan for joining the military?’

He was just about to toss a sarcastic comment her way when she continued, "I have three level-seven units in total, plus a level-six one. You can have them all."

Caspian’s snark died in his throat. Three level-seven units and a level-six? He quickly wiped his hands again, this time extending one to her with a grin.

"Deal!"