ISWTDB Ch103

Chapter 103: Intersteller ABO (23, 24)

Alpha and Beta were still fine, but Omega’s physique was ultimately much weaker. So, even though there were still quite a few Alphas and a few Betas persisting, Ying Zhao remained the most eye-catching.

Everyone’s attention was focused on him, watching this boy, whom they usually looked down upon, performing the basic training moves ordered by the Marshal in a disciplined and precise manner.

Every move was extremely standard, without the slightest hint of cutting corners. His facial expression didn’t change at all, but the beads of sweat on his forehead let them know that he was actually struggling to keep going.

At this moment, those who hadn’t been able to persist looked at Ying Zhao with a tinge of shame in their eyes. They realized that this boy was beginning to shine more and more brightly.

A person with remarkable talent might provoke jealousy. But when someone has talent and is willing to put in ten or a hundred times more effort than others, what they gain is respect.

Seeing the hardworking Ying Zhao performing his physical training, everyone was reminded of how this boy had always excelled in pharmacology.

However, during countless days and nights, while they were out having fun or resting, he was buried in the library or the laboratory. It could be said that Ying Yan’s achievements were not only due to talent but also to his hard work.

By the time this training session ended, the course was already more than halfway through. Even most of the Alphas were exhausted, bent over and gasping for air. Only Ying Zhao remained standing upright from beginning to end.

In fact, Ernest felt a pang of heartache seeing Ying Zhao working so hard in training. But he also understood that proper physical training could improve the boy’s physique, which would truly benefit his partner.

The previous disappearance had frightened Ernest deeply, and even now, he still hadn’t found out the cause. So, even though Ying Zhao hadn’t come to harm last time, Ernest decided to start training this little one properly from now on.

He hoped that by improving Ying Zhao’s strength in this way, he could increase his safety, at least adding an extra layer of protection for the boy.

The Marshal naturally wished he could shield the boy under his wings with all his might, but he knew that Ying Zhao didn’t like to be confined. The boy was bound to achieve great things, so he had to be the strongest backing, working to help him accomplish everything.

And now, since his beloved had already used a potion to change his life, allowing him to appear in public, it was also time for him to repay his lover by doing something in return.

At the very least, he needed to let those superficial people know just how brilliant his treasure truly was.

With this thought, Ernest’s gaze toward Ying Zhao softened. He walked up to the boy, nodded, and asked, “What’s your name?”

Ying Zhao heard Ernest’s question and suppressed the urge to twitch his lips, answering earnestly, “My name is Ying Yan.”

Ernest gave him an official pat on the shoulder, his eyes full of appreciation as he said, “You’re doing well.”

After saying this, he looked around at the students who had been staring at him intently on the training ground and said loudly, “If you want to enter the military, you should at least be like him.”

Then Ernest returned to the front of everyone, speaking in a cold tone, “The reason I came to the Imperial Academy today is because I’ve always heard that this is the best academy on the main star. Many outstanding talents have emerged from here, people who will become the backbone of the empire. I had high expectations, but today, seeing your performance, I am very disappointed.”

Ernest spoke these words expressionlessly, causing many students to lower their heads in shame.

However, Bella, seeing Ying Zhao showing off so much in front of Ernest, only felt indignant. She knew that man was the Marshal of the Empire, but so what? Why should he publicly give that scoundrel such face?

Bella thought maliciously to herself, it must be because Ying Yan was using his looks to seduce people. Not only did he seduce her Abner, but now he had set his sights on the Marshal.

And that so-called Marshal of the Empire was equally shallow. He must have been attracted to Ying Yan’s face, which is why he deliberately elevated him while belittling the rest of us.

Thinking of this, Bella pouted in dissatisfaction and said to Ernest, “Marshal, though you are the highest leader of the military, don’t forget that we are just pharmacy students. Our most important assessments are naturally in the field of pharmacology. We can’t be compared to the students in the mecha command department in terms of physical abilities. We are already doing well as it is!”

After hearing Bella’s words, the students all looked at Ernest, waiting for his reaction. In fact, a few of them shared the same sentiment as Bella.

But when Ernest heard Bella’s words, his expression remained unchanged. He simply glanced at her coldly. He naturally recognized that this was the woman who had once harmed his beloved, and without hesitation, he released his mental pressure on Bella.

Since Ernest had already taken a potion, there was no more Alpha-level suppression, so the Alphas and Omegas around him were unaffected by his pheromones.

However, the mental pressure was targeted. Apart from Bella, no one else could feel it. So they were puzzled to see Bella, who had just spoken so confidently, suddenly turn pale and start trembling. Cold sweat appeared on her forehead, and she looked at Ernest with obvious fear and guilt.

Those who didn’t know might have thought that Bella was just too timid, pretending to provoke despite her fear, yet unable to even withstand one glance from Marshal Ernest, making her look utterly disgraceful.

It wasn’t until Bella, who was not far away, was about to faint that Ernest reluctantly spoke, “Do you think the military is some kind of playground for little girls like you? Becoming a military pharmacist requires training intensity at least on par with what Ying Yan has been doing. Even if we ignore the intensity of the training and focus solely on the field of pharmaceutics, since you were so confident in telling me that the most important thing for pharmacy students is their academic performance, is your performance better than Ying Yan’s?”

Upon hearing Ernest’s words, Bella opened her mouth, her face flushed with resentment. Her performance, of course, could not compare to Ying Yan’s; it was only considered above average at best, and she couldn’t even produce any high-level potions.

Seeing Bella’s expression, Ernest raised an eyebrow and then scanned the other pharmacy students around, asking, “After hearing that student’s remarks just now, I’m curious, who is the top-performing student in your pharmacy department?”

After a while, several students pointed toward Ying Zhao, who was standing in the corner. Ernest turned his head to look at the young man, nodded at him, and said, “Kid, you’ve surprised me. With your current qualifications, you’re fully capable of entering the military.”

Marshal Ernest’s words exploded in everyone’s ears like a thunderclap, and all eyes were fixed on Ying Zhao in shock.

To put it into perspective, in the Imperial Academy, only the most outstanding students had the chance to join the military. And for Ernest, the Marshal of the Empire, to personally declare in front of everyone that Ying Zhao was qualified meant that Ying Zhao’s level of excellence was among the top in the academy.

Anyone chosen by the military during their time at the academy was destined to become an exceptional talent and achieve great success in their field. Thinking about this, everyone’s view of Ying Zhao changed.

However, the most surprised person had to be Abner. Abner naturally knew just how rigorous Ernest’s special training was, and it indeed met the standards for a military civil officer.

What he hadn’t expected was that Ying Zhao had truly managed to endure it. Most importantly, it was clear that Ying Zhao had gained the favor of the Marshal.

Reflecting on Ying Yan’s feelings for him, Abner suddenly felt a surge of joy. Perhaps he could use Ying Yan to gain the attention of Marshal Ernest. That way, he wouldn’t have to continue playing along with Bella any longer. 

Thinking this, Abner desperately signaled to Ying Zhao, hoping he would try to win favor with the Marshal.

However, Ying Zhao ignored Abner’s signals entirely, not even sparing the Imperial Marshal another glance.

Seeing this, Abner grew even more anxious, but when he remembered that Ernest wouldn’t just stay at the Imperial Academy for one day—since he had mentioned he’d be inspecting the academy for a period—Abner felt slightly relieved.

Though Abner hadn’t expected the Marshal to suddenly take an interest in the empire’s future and randomly select a department to visit—and it just so happened to be the pharmacy department where Ying Zhao was—a part of him still found it a bit odd. Yet, as it was the Marshal’s decision, he had no authority to question it.

At this point, Ernest had unknowingly walked over to Ying Zhao’s side again. Even with his back turned to Abner, he could sense that Abner had been staring in the direction of his companion the entire time.

As the Marshal, Ernest’s senses were extraordinarily keen, and the intense gaze infuriated him. Who did this guy think he was? How dare he shamelessly fix his gaze on someone else’s partner!

Seeing Abner’s clear attempt to catch Ying Zhao’s attention, Ernest felt a wave of anger. Not even he could always get his little one to fully listen to him, so where did Abner get the audacity to try?

Turning toward Abner, Ernest coldly commanded, “I’ll be taking over the pharmacy department’s physical training classes for the time being. Go inform the principal.”

Abner was taken aback for a moment but quickly nodded in submission. Although he could have delivered the message after class, there was no way he could disobey the Marshal’s direct order.

Before leaving, Abner cast one last deep glance at Ying Zhao before hurrying off to the principal’s office. The process went smoothly, and the principal, upon hearing the news, was so thrilled that his face beamed with joy.

Hosting the Imperial Marshal, a national icon, to teach at the academy—even for just a few days—was a special honor, elevating the Imperial Academy above all others.

After Abner left, training resumed. Though the format had changed slightly, it was still basic training. The Omegas quickly exhausted their stamina, and almost all of the Betas rested. Only Ying Zhao and a few more determined Alphas kept pushing on.

All the while, Ernest was not only leading the physical training but also subtly keeping his mental suppression focused on Bella. 

As expected, it wasn’t long before Bella, who had been sitting to rest, turned pale and fainted.

Looking at the unconscious Bella, Ernest showed no sympathy at all. In fact, he frowned in dissatisfaction, saying, “I never imagined the Auston family’s latest generation would be so weak. Before I came, I reviewed your evaluations on physical and mental strength. If I recall, this student should have an A-grade constitution. How can she be worse than a B-grade Omega? Have someone take her to the infirmary.”

After speaking, Ernest turned away from Bella without a second glance. However, his words contained a clear implication: if a B-grade Omega hadn’t fainted, why would an A-grade Bella collapse? 

Everyone was reminded of the time Bella had feigned abdominal pain to frame Ying Zhao by pretending he had attacked her. Perhaps this time, too, she was faking it to avoid hardship.

Marshal Ernest’s words indirectly criticized the Auston family’s upbringing. If Bella were conscious, she would have jumped up to defend herself.

Unfortunately, she had already lost consciousness and was unaware that she had once again made a fool of herself, even tarnishing the Auston family’s reputation.

Perhaps it was because the Imperial Academy’s principal was so excited about Marshal Ernest’s temporary teaching stint that he kept chatting endlessly with Abner, even imagining the bright future of the school.

Though Abner felt impatient, he had no choice but to endure the long conversation, given the principal’s esteemed status and influence within the military.

After finally hearing the principal out, Abner hurried back to the training grounds, but the class had long since ended. The pharmacy students had already dispersed, and there was no trace of Ernest.

Frowning, Abner suppressed his frustration and turned to leave. But just as he started walking toward his dormitory, he heard strange noises coming from nearby.

Curiosity piqued, Abner quietly approached, knowing that few people passed through this area, especially since it was along the path to the special dormitories.

When Abner saw the scene in the corner, his eyes widened in shock. There, in the corner, were Ying Zhao and Ernest.

Ernest had his arms wrapped around Ying Zhao, pinning him firmly against the wall, while Ying Zhao was clearly struggling, trying to resist the Marshal’s approach.

Abner’s breath hitched for a moment from the tension, but he quickly steadied it and continued to observe quietly, unaware that Ernest had noticed his presence the moment he arrived.

Then, Abner heard the Marshal’s voice, teasing as he hugged the boy, “Missed me, little one? I’ve been thinking about you all night!”

Ying Zhao’s face filled with anger as he suppressed his voice, saying, “Why are you here? How is it possible for you to be teaching at the Imperial Academy?”

Ernest gripped Ying Zhao’s chin, a slight smile on his face, and whispered, “Don’t you already know why I’m here?”

As he spoke, he blew a breath into the boy’s ear. Ying Zhao’s body went limp due to his man’s unexpected teasing. But he knew exactly why Ernest was acting out—he had sensed that Abner was present and was now trying to assert his dominance. 

However, Ying Zhao thought this might be a situation he could use to his advantage, so he subtly winked at his man.

In their bones, Ernest and Ying Zhao seemed to share a natural understanding. Ernest instantly realized that the boy was asking him to play along, though he wasn’t sure why. At crucial moments like these, he would always follow his partner’s lead. Nodding slightly at Ying Zhao, Ernest then heard the boy grit his teeth and shout, “You said that if I made the suppressant to cover your pheromones, you’d give me two Yuteng grass! How can you go back on your word?”

Ernest chuckled and kissed Ying Zhao’s earlobe gently. “I only said I’d consider it. How is that going back on my word? But, little one, you really did help me a lot. Still, if you truly want those Yuteng grass, you’ll have to trade yourself for them.”

Ying Zhao mentally rolled his eyes—of course, his rogue always had just two lines for every situation. Though inwardly amused, he put on a look of humiliation and shouted angrily at the marshal, “You’re going too far! A dignified Imperial marshal, threatening someone who’s helped him—don’t you find that shameful?”

Ernest lowered his head and gazed at the proud boy in his arms. Though he knew this was all an act, the thought that Ying Zhao had gone to such lengths for another man filled him with silent rage. He lowered his head and fiercely captured the boy’s lips, biting down on his tongue in punishment. Even after hearing the boy’s painful cry, he didn’t relent, sucking on Ying Zhao’s lips until they were swollen before finally letting go.

Looking into Ying Zhao’s eyes, his gaze deepened as he said, “I don’t care how despicable it is, as long as I get you. My offer still stands: if you want the Yuteng grass, trade yourself.”

With that, the boy suddenly shoved him away, but Ernest didn’t pursue him because as Ying Zhao pushed him, he quietly whispered that he would come find him later that night.

Ernest smirked. Was the boy saying he would make it up to him later? If that was the case, he’d let it slide for now. But his little one better be prepared—he wouldn’t go easy on him tonight.

Straightening his collar, Ernest watched as Ying Zhao dashed off, and only when his beloved’s figure completely disappeared from sight did he finally turn and leave.

Once the coast was clear, Abner let out a sigh of relief and stepped out of his hiding place. His head hung low as he replayed the conversation between Ying Zhao and Ernest in his mind, his expression torn with inner conflict.

Abner had never imagined that the marshal and Ying Zhao knew each other. But how had they met?

No matter how much he thought about it, Abner couldn’t fathom how the two could have any connection. However, based on their conversation, he was certain that the marshal had taken a liking to Ying Zhao and wanted him for himself.

Yet, Ying Zhao clearly didn’t want this. He had only approached Ernest in order to obtain the Yuteng grass, even revealing his talent for alchemy to make a suppressant for Ernest’s pheromones.

But who could have predicted that this Imperial marshal would be so despicable as to demand that Ying Zhao trade himself for the herbs?

Seeing how forcefully Ernest kissed Ying Zhao made Abner clench his fists in anger. He wanted to rush up and pummel the marshal.

But he couldn’t. He wasn’t capable of going up against such immense power for the sake of one person.

Abner wanted to become stronger, to gain power and prestige. Ever since he was a little child, watching the glamorous elites on the capital star in the news, he had felt envy burning in his heart.

Back then, he had sworn to himself that he would strive to stand out, believing that one day he would rise to fame and glory. To Abner, nothing could stand in the way of his ambition.

Yet, just now, the pain in his heart when he saw the boy being humiliated was overwhelming. He had always thought that he was simply using Ying Zhao, but now, he realized he had been fooling himself all along.

Memories of his time with the boy flashed through his mind. Ying Zhao was so pure, so understanding. He had the warmest, most tender smile, and the most adorable face. He cooked delicious meals and took every task seriously. Ying Zhao had been so good to him—how could he not fall for him?

It wasn’t until this moment that Abner finally faced the truth in his heart. He had unknowingly fallen in love with Ying Zhao. But now, he found himself in a difficult position.

If he wanted the potion that could enhance his physical abilities, Ying Zhao would have to give himself to Ernest. Abner felt torn and lost, unsure of what to do.

Instead of returning to his dorm, he wandered aimlessly around the academy. It wasn’t until he saw Ernest’s adjutant hurrying by in the distance that he snapped back to reality, recognizing his superior.

Abner nodded, intending to greet him, but the adjutant seemed so busy that he didn’t even glance his way. Watching the adjutant’s figure disappear into the distance, Abner clenched his fists.

He was just a mere adjutant, but working alongside Ernest, he received endless attention and flattery from people eager to curry favor.