Interstellar: Return of the Villain
Chapter 281: Sharing Glory

Chapter 281: Sharing Glory

As the first to uncover the Empire’s conspiracy, Lyra not only stopped the enemy from destroying the flagship but also saved Admiral Dale yet again.

Lyra even captured the enemy Admiral Barrett alive. Her actions single-handedly thwarted the Empire’s plan to take Wyrmtrace, a crucial strategic star. Without her, the star’s fall would have been a matter of days.

Such a brilliant achievement spread like wildfire, and Lyra instantly became the most talked-about officer in the military. Since her stellar performance during the AMAT mission, she had gained another wave of admirers.

"I’ve been following her since AMAT! She’s incredible, my idol!"

"This is what the military should represent—strength and charisma in one package."

"With Lyra around, why fear Stellar Devourers?"

Initially, the revelation about the Stellar Devourers had thrown the entire Alliance into panic. But Lyra’s dominance and her overwhelming victories restored the people’s confidence. Her rise was so impactful that the government didn’t even need to push propaganda—the public’s faith was already rekindled.

Back at the Wyrmtrace base, even the previously skeptical captains of the mecha and fighter squadrons had changed their tune. Once dismissive of her, they now greeted her with utmost respect, addressing her as "Commander" without hesitation.

Lyra nodded slightly in acknowledgment and proceeded directly to Orson’s office.

"Reporting in."

"Come on in."

Orson studied Lyra with a conflicted expression. Initially, he had only acknowledged her as a beautiful woman, considering her abilities secondary and hardly worth noting in the presence of someone of his rank. But when she revealed herself as a level-nine Peculiar, Orson had to admit he was shaken.

After all, in the current Alliance, even the admirals were typically no higher than level-nine Peculiars.

"Admiral Frederick has summoned you. Follow me," Orson said, suppressing his emotions as he led her to Admiral Frederick’s office.

On the way, Orson couldn’t help but speculate about the reason for Lyra’s summons. ’Is it to reward her achievements?’ If so, he felt a sting of jealousy. ’Or is it to investigate the delayed operations she’s been involved in earlier?’ That filled him with dread.

But when they arrived, Admiral Frederick’s first question caught him completely off guard.

"When did you ascend to level-nine, and why didn’t you report it?"

According to regulations, any Peculiar who ascends to level-nine must register with the Peculiar Management Office on their assigned planet.

Level-nine Peculiars have the potential to become Supreme Peculiars, and the government monitors such individuals closely.

Given Lyra’s youth, her potential to become a Supreme was undeniable, as long as she didn’t meet an untimely end and had the insight to continue advancing. But it was precisely for this reason that Lyra didn’t want to report her promotion.

As a level-eight, she was already facing hostility from certain individuals in the military. Advancing to level-nine would undoubtedly escalate their animosity, causing her to be viewed as a significant threat.

And indeed, sitting in the room were Admiral Dale and several vice admirals, all staring at Lyra. Their expressions were a mixture of shock and fear.

Their surprise was understandable. The Alliance’s most gifted Peculiar, Cohen, was still only a level-eight, despite being the same age as Lyra. Lyra had even "died" for seven years and still managed to surpass him. Her rapid ascent was nothing short of unprecedented.

"I advanced before the mission and hadn’t had the chance to report yet," Lyra replied calmly.

Her explanation was reasonable, as there was no evidence suggesting she had deliberately concealed her abilities.

Frederick didn’t dwell on the timing and pressed further. "Have both of your superpower types reached level-nine?"

"Only the healing ability," Lyra answered.

Superpower levels are determined by the scale of particles a Peculiar can manipulate. Dual-type Peculiars often find it challenging to advance both abilities simultaneously. When Lyra reached level-eight, she had defied the odds by advancing both powers at once. This time, however, only her healing ability had broken through.

The others in the room weren’t surprised. Lyra had clearly relied more heavily on her healing powers recently, so it made sense for that ability to advance first.

"You’ve Earned Great Merit This Time"

"You’ve earned great merit this time," Frederick said, his tone calm but firm. "I’ve already submitted a recommendation to the Alliance Military Council for your commendation. Wait for their response."

The room fell silent, the mood charged with awe. All eyes turned toward Lyra, their gazes filled with admiration. For someone with level-nine strength, such a feat wasn’t surprising—but it was no less extraordinary.

Suddenly, Orson stepped forward. His jaw tightened as he addressed the room. "I have something to say."

The air shifted. Orson held up a recording, and everyone’s focus moved to the projection that played above his hand. The footage was from the eve of the battle, showing Orson sternly ordering Lyra to remain stationed on the flagship.

"It wasn’t her achievement alone!" Orson declared.

Shameless.

The accusation rang clear in the minds of everyone present. It was obvious that Orson’s original words had been little more than an outburst of frustration. How could anyone but Lyra have neutralized Stellar Devourers?

Yet Orson didn’t flinch, pressing on with conviction.

"I foresaw the enemy’s attack on our flagship," he claimed. "That’s why I specifically ordered her to stay and defend it."

Frederick’s sharp gaze bore into Orson.

Orson stood rigid, his heart pounding, but he didn’t back down. If Orson could attach himself to Lyra’s success, he might have the leverage to petition the Alliance Military Council for an independent command—a rare opportunity for someone of his rank.

Frederick finally turned to Lyra. "Lieutenant Commander Shedd, is this true?"

Lyra’s face betrayed no emotion. "It is."

Frederick nodded and addressed the clerk seated nearby. "Amend the battle report. Change the wording from ’Lyra single-handedly captured enemy Admiral Barrett’ to ’Captured enemy Admiral Barrett under orders.’"

This simple amendment was significant. Orson, shameless as he was, had managed to latch onto Lyra’s success.

While Lyra’s commendation would still stand as special merit, Orson’s name would now share the limelight.

Lyra’s lips pressed into a thin line as she stood at attention. "Admiral—"

"Enough. Dismissed," Frederick interrupted with a wave.

Lyra saluted and left the room without another word. Once the door slid shut, Admiral Dale spoke up, his tone biting. "Orson’s a coward. Now he’s hitching a ride on Lyra’s accomplishments for a special commendation? Admiral, this decision—"

Frederick’s face remained unreadable. His response was curt. "There’s another matter that requires a military meeting."

News Spreads at Wyrmtrace Base

The news of Admiral Barrett’s capture spread like wildfire through Wyrmtrace Base.

Ian burst into the dormitory with a wide grin. "Skylight! Did you hear? That bastard Barrett got caught!"

Ian was known for his grudges. He could remember every insult and repay every slight, no matter how small. Hearing about Barrett’s capture was the highlight of his day—suddenly, even the tasteless cafeteria fish sticks seemed palatable.

"I heard," Skylight replied, his tone softer, his smile faint and melancholy.

Ian frowned. His cheer dimmed as he took in Skylight’s expression. "You’re still thinking about the Empire, aren’t you?" he accused. "You keep telling me you want to start a new life with me, but it’s all lies!"

His voice cracked with irritation. Realizing how petty he sounded, Ian sighed and slumped into a chair, pouting.

"I’m just worried," Skylight said, his gaze distant as he stared out the window at the endless sky. "Admiral Barrett’s capture... knowing the Empire, they won’t try to ransom him back."

"And so what?" Ian snapped, his voice sharp and defensive.

Before Skylight could respond, a spatial rift shimmered open in the center of the room. Both men jumped to their feet, their hands instinctively reaching for weapons that weren’t there.

A Stellar Devourer emerged, his eyes gleaming. He barely glanced at Skylight before speaking. "You’re here, No. 19," he said. Without waiting for a reply, he continued, "Lord Westros has ordered you to assist in rescuing Admiral Barrett."

Ian’s expression turned ice-cold. He crossed his arms and leaned back against the wall, his posture mocking. "Oh, so now I’m needed, huh? When it’s convenient, I’m a dog to fetch frisbee for you. But when I’m not, I’m nothing. The Empire Admiral’s life or death—what does that have to do with me?"

His tone was dripping with disdain, his contempt unmistakable. Ian had no intention of making this easy for anyone.