Interstellar: Return of the Villain
Chapter 48: Jorath’s Revenge

Chapter 48: Jorath’s Revenge

The announcement of the competition results caused quite a buzz. Even the usually disciplined students couldn’t help but whisper amongst themselves.

"Who’s in Group 5, Class 1?"

"Group 5, Class 1? Oh, you mean the healer? That buzz-cut girl the head instructor just called up?"

"Yeah, I remember her. She got her head shaved on the first day of pre-training. She’s really pretty."

"Isn’t she a healer? How’d she snag first place?"

"More than ten teams finished the course, and some even wrecked enemy outposts. So why is there only one first place?"

"Maybe her teammate was super strong? But if that’s the case, why did the instructor only call her up?"

While everyone looked on in astonishment, Mandy twisted her fingers nervously. She had never been the center of attention before and felt like she was dreaming. It was hard to tell if she was more happy or terrified.

Vivian felt just as conflicted. Seeing her usually unnoticed friend suddenly in the spotlight was a shock.

"Mandy, I can’t believe you got first place. Is Thierry really that strong?"

Vivian knew Mandy’s skills well. She was decent but definitely not top-tier at NMA. Clearly, she had relied on someone else for this win.

Vivian deliberately left Lyra out of her comments.

Mandy caught the hint of sarcasm and jealousy, her face turning red as she softly replied, "It wasn’t just Thierry. Lyra was also very strong, and I... I helped too."

The last part came out a bit uncertain, but thinking back, she had done her best to follow Lyra’s strategy and contribute.

Vivian didn’t expect Mandy to speak up, but as her friend, she still offered her congratulations.

"Anyway, congrats on getting first place. Unlike me, my teammate Claude was too impulsive and got caught just before the finish line."

Mandy smiled genuinely, "Thanks!"

Yes, she had earned first place and the Purpgecko materials. Selling them could help her family financially. That was a relief.

The helicopter arrived to pick them up, its hum filling the air.

While not everyone was thrilled with their results, at least the field training was over. The students grouped up, chatting and laughing as they boarded the helicopter.

Except for Jorath. He was carried onto the helicopter.

After getting beaten up on the first night, his teammate Gillia abandoned him and joined another team, at least earning some credits.

Jorath wasn’t rescued until the third day, by which time he was delirious from fractures and bruises.

Feeling his fierce gaze, Lyra only glanced sideways before boarding the helicopter.

Toying with small fry like him was boring.

She leaned against the wall, watching those boys and girls, and couldn’t help touching her prickly head. If she hadn’t faked her death for those seven years, she wouldn’t be in such a passive position now.

But that was a pointless "what if," just like expecting mercy from the Shedd family.

The final scorecard and news of a one-day break were released, along with an announcement about a school competition after the break.

The group of young students was initially happy, but their joy turned to shock when they saw the scorecard.

"Whoa, four enemy outposts! Group 5 is that strong?"

"Does that mean Instructor Anton’s team was beaten by Group 5 and the head student?"

Four outposts might not seem like much, but not even ten teams managed to earn points for capturing outposts. Most groups only took one outpost, and even the second-place team from Group 1, Class 2 only captured two.

Group 5, Class 1’s results topped the chart, drawing a lot of attention.

Everyone looked at the two slender girls and came to the same conclusion. "It must be because they teamed up with the head student."

"Definitely."

Even though the mechanical hum of the helicopter wasn’t loud, everyone kept saying the same thing, making it impossible not to hear.

No one believed Thierry’s explanations. Everyone knew Lyra struggled even with a weighted run.

But Mandy felt uncomfortable with the way people looked at her, as if she was just taking advantage of Thierry. Though, in reality, that was true.

Sitting next to Lyra, Mandy asked sadly, "Lyra, how can I become as strong as you?"

This question troubled her even more after seeing Lyra’s strength. She wanted to become strong and give her family a better life, which was why she joined the military in the first place.

"It’s simple," Lyra said, turning her head slightly to gaze at the clouds outside the window. "Don’t compare yourself to others, recognize your own weaknesses, and never be satisfied with your current state."

For a moment, a dark glint flashed in her calm eyes, so fast that Mandy didn’t catch it. At that moment, she realized that Lyra wasn’t as indifferent as she seemed.

"I... I understand." Mandy nodded, taking the words to heart with the dedication of a good student.

After getting off the helicopter, Mandy tried to talk to Vivian, but Vivian shook her hand off. "You know I don’t get along with Lyra, so why are you talking to her?"

Vivian glared at her with a betrayed look.

Mandy felt wronged. "We got teamed up by drawing lots. I couldn’t do anything about it."

Though it was true, it didn’t calm Vivian’s anger. "Hmph, if I see you laughing and chatting with her again, we won’t be friends anymore!"

Vivian said this and walked away, heading home.

Mandy felt a mix of frustration and helplessness.

Just then, Lyra walked by, seemingly talking to Zinnia. Mandy suddenly felt nervous, wondering how much Lyra might have overheard.

But Lyra didn’t look at her at all.

...

The one-day break allowed the freshmen to relax. Those who lived nearby headed straight to the bus stop to go home.

Jorath was an exception. He was carried home by his butler and a medical team.

He was filled with thoughts of revenge against Lyra. As soon as he got in the car, he asked, "By the way, has Raymond from the guard team returned from his break?"

He didn’t tell the butler about this because he didn’t want his grandfather to find out.

The butler sat next to the stretcher with a complex expression. "He exposed his identity, got caught by someone on Voidstar, and they cut off his hands and feet."

"What?" Jorath jolted in shock. "I just asked him to get some information!"

"Sir, you don’t understand how these things work."

The butler clenched his fists on his knees, frustration evident. He wished he could open Jorath’s head to see what junk was inside. If Jorath had just asked him beforehand, Raymond wouldn’t have ended up like this.

"Anyway, when we get back, Rear Admiral Shedd needs to talk to you."

Jorath’s already aching bones seemed to hurt even more. "Grandpa knows already?"

The butler gave him a sidelong glance. "Voidstar’s Number Two, Snakehead, went directly to him. If it weren’t for your grandfather’s influence, they would have come after you directly."

Remembering what Lyra had told him, Jorath shivered, realizing the severity of his mistake.