ISWTDB Ch106

Chapter 106: Interstellar ABO (29, 30)

The hidden filth from the past was all dragged out, and even the Emperor of the Empire could not help them cover it up.

Even the fact that he, a lieutenant general, had once caused the sacrifice of an entire fleet of soldiers due to a command error on the battlefield was uncovered.

In an instant, many of the powerful figures in the Auston family were imprisoned for their past crimes, and the top family of the Empire collapsed overnight.

As for Bella, who had always tried to bully Ying Zhao, she could only live a life of destitution and homelessness. She had no money and was no longer the proud lady of a prestigious family.

Even worse, after fainting during a physical training class, her mental power dropped significantly. It went from A-level directly to C-level, making her unable to even produce the lowest-grade potions.

The Auston family had long been shattered. Bella wanted to seek help from Abner, but when she finally reached him through his communicator, he merely snorted coldly, saying that she deserved it and that he never loved her. Then he hung up on her.

Bella was shocked and wanted to curse at Abner, but he had already blocked her. Without money or mental power, she couldn’t continue her studies. For survival, Bella had to try doing some menial jobs. However, being overambitious and looking down on others, she couldn’t keep a job for more than a few days before being fired.

In the end, this once-arrogant young lady turned to morally questionable places to sell her body in exchange for money, trying to return to her former lavish life.

But, of course, that could never be a long-term solution. After a few years, Bella’s appearance rapidly deteriorated, and she had to lower her standards, serving low-end or particularly perverse clients for money.

Soon after, she died, covered in bruises and diseases in a dark alley. Her death went unnoticed, and no one cared. Of course, that’s a story for later.

As for now, the Auston family was no more. Although Ying Guohao was shocked, he completely abandoned the idea of forcing Ying Fei’ang into marriage with someone from the Ying family. After all, the Auston family had become something everyone avoided.

He thought it fortunate that he still had another son, who had married the Empire’s Marshal so successfully. Whether or not he had custody of his son didn’t matter; Ying Guohao was determined to exploit this connection.

Thus, Ying Guohao groomed himself carefully, prepared gifts, and went to the Marshal’s residence to visit Ernest. However, he was rudely thrown out by the staff at the Marshal’s residence.

Ying Guohao looked at the gifts thrown to the ground in his disheveled state, gritting his teeth in anger. He felt that Ying Zhao was an ingrate. The Ying family had raised him for so many years and even gave him the opportunity to attend the Imperial Academy. Otherwise, how could he have ever attracted the Marshal Ernest?

At that moment, Ying Guohao was filled with rage, thinking that Ying Zhao had become rebellious and dared to disrespect him as his father. He swore that he wouldn’t let him off so easily.

Out of humiliation and anger, Ying Guohao posted a message on the StarNet, accusing Ying Zhao of being unfilial. He also described his experience at the Marshal’s residence, insinuating that Ying Zhao was heartless and trying to abandon his family after rising to prominence.

People were already puzzled by Ernest’s decision to marry such an unknown Omega, and soon, some from the Imperial Academy revealed that Ying Zhao was a glandless, naturally defective freak.

Many of the public disapproved of their relationship, believing that Ying Zhao was unworthy of the great Marshal Ernest. They couldn’t understand what had possessed their national hero to choose such a young boy.

Now that Ying Zhao’s own father had accused him of being ungrateful, the public launched a wave of attacks against him online. Everyone opposed the idea of Ernest being with such an Omega, feeling that Ying Zhao was not fit for their Marshal.

Ernest, who had never cared about the StarNet, didn’t hear about these things immediately. But even if he didn’t care, his subordinates were always keeping an eye on things for him.

So, when Ernest saw a message from his adjutant early in the morning, urging him to check the StarNet, he discovered that netizens were slandering his beloved.

The Marshal, who remained composed even while killing enemies on the battlefield, was now furious; his eyes reddened with anger as he looked at his precious lover sleeping peacefully in his arms.

Ernest was filled with regret. His beloved was so wonderful; how could he allow anyone to slander him like this? He clenched his fists, the veins on his forehead throbbing.

Just then, he felt a small hand cover the back of his own. Ying Zhao lifted his head, ignoring Ernest’s attempt to evade his gaze, and forcibly took the communicator from his hand.

The young man blinked, glanced at the information on the StarNet, then turned to look at his clearly fuming lover. He kissed Ernest on the lips and softly said, “I’ve already told you, don’t waste your anger on people who aren’t worth it. Since Ying Guohao doesn’t know how to appreciate kindness, let’s show everyone what kind of person the head of the Ying family really is.”

After speaking, Ying Zhao opened his communicator and revealed how he and his mother had lived on a backward planet for years, working hard to earn enough food.

It was only because his talent for potion-making was discovered that he was brought to the capital star to study at the Imperial Academy. Even while studying, he had to produce large amounts of high-level potions for the Ying family each month just to be able to attend school.

Ying Zhao also showed the StarNet the transfer records of the living expenses he received during his two years at the Imperial Academy.

It was obvious from his communicator that before coming to the capital star, Ying Zhao hadn’t received a single penny from the Ying family.

Later, when he started studying at the Imperial Academy, he received two monthly payments. One was for purchasing potion-making materials, while the living allowance he received was meager.

Almost every time Ying Zhao received his living expenses, a large portion was transferred out, leaving him with barely enough money to buy nutrient solution.

Everyone knew how expensive potion-making materials were, and it was revealed that the living expenses were being transferred to Ying Fei’ang, Ying Guohao’s other Omega son.

Seeing that the family had exploited such a small Omega to this extent while shamelessly claiming to have supported him, people were left wondering how Ying Guohao could have such audacity.

After seeing the concrete transfer records and hearing about Ying Zhao’s hard life, those who had attacked him online fell silent.

The public was in an uproar, completely shocked by the hardships he had endured. People tend to sympathize with the weak, and in an instant, many expressed their sorrow for the young Omega’s suffering.

Soon after, several students and teachers from the Imperial Academy stepped forward, testifying that Ying Zhao was an exemplary student in both character and academics.

Although he was quiet and somewhat withdrawn at school, everyone recognized his efforts. Some students even confirmed that Ying Zhao was indeed very poor, only able to afford the cheapest nutrient solution. Even his clothes remained the same two or three sets throughout the year.

Despite living in such difficult conditions, Ying Zhao consistently ranked first in his department. Even in terms of physical ability, he excelled among Omegas.

Following this, Ying Zhao dropped another bombshell on the StarNet: he had developed a potion that could permanently enhance a person’s mental power with no side effects.

However, this drug cannot achieve immediate results. One needs to train their mental power through their own efforts, and with the assistance of the drug, they can elevate their mental strength to a certain level.

Moreover, the reason he was able to create this potion was entirely due to his partner. Marshal Ernest had always supported him from behind, serving as his strong backing.

This news was undoubtedly significant for those with congenital mental deficiencies. Although rigorous training was required, in the face of true power advancement, that hardship seemed negligible.

Additionally, Ying Zhao mentioned that he was continuously improving the materials of the drug, striving to lower the cost so that all citizens could enjoy it.

His wish was for all the people to be able to afford and benefit from this potion, enhancing their mental strength.

However, the mental strength boost provided by this drug had an upper limit, with the highest achievable level being 3S.

Yet, for the general public, 3S mental strength was already astonishing. Although it could not compare to Marshal Ernest’s 4S, in this era, possessing mental strength beyond S-level already qualified someone as a powerful individual.

If they could raise their mental strength to 3S, they were willing to endure any amount of hardship. In an instant, Ying Zhao transformed from a pitiful, unfortunate Omega into a master potion maker, someone capable of changing the entire interstellar era.

Everyone knew how valuable the potion Ying Zhao mentioned was. What shocked people even more was his willingness to share it selflessly.

When the public thought about how such a kind genius had once been so exploited by his own family and lived in such extreme poverty, they felt that the Ying family was utterly evil.

Some conspiracy theorists even suggested that perhaps Yingyan had already developed the potion long ago. But, seeing his family’s greed, he did not dare reveal it.

It wasn’t until he met Ernest, the selfless hero of the empire, that the young Omega could fulfill his dreams and ambitions, backed by his strong support.

Such a selfless and great young man, with such a tragic childhood, made those whose fates had been changed by his potion even more indignant on his behalf.

In an instant, everyone turned their anger toward the Ying family. Ying Zhao’s so-called relatives became the target of public criticism, despised by all.

Later, the older head of the Ying family, in order to protect the main branch of the family, joined forces with others to depose Ying Guohao from the family head position and exiled their entire family.

Meanwhile, back on the main star, events continued to unfold one after another, but far away on the battlefield, Abner remained unaware of the many things that had happened.

Though his mental strength had surged, allowing him to thrive on the battlefield and accumulate many military merits, which would likely earn him a promotion to Major General after this war, Ying Zhao had not responded to any of his messages, leaving him feeling uneasy. As he contemplated sending another message to inquire, he suddenly heard a frontline report that a Zerg mothership had arrived with reinforcements, launching a massive attack on their fleet.

Suddenly, the situation became extremely dire. Abner, seeing the people around him scrambling, was momentarily stunned and unsure of what to do.

At that moment, Brigadier General Borg, who had always been supportive of him due to his own mental strength limitations, suggested that Abner accompany him in piloting a mech to flank the Zerg from behind for an ambush, potentially creating an opportunity for their fleet to win.

Brigadier General Borg’s mental strength and physical condition were both only S-level, but he had always been adept at military strategy. The proposal indeed had merit, and Abner naturally agreed to go with him.

Subsequent events unfolded just as the Brigadier General had predicted. Their ambush was successful, and with the Zerg being attacked from both the front and back, they began to show signs of defeat.

Judging by the current situation, they would definitely win the war, and Abner and the Brigadier General would be the greatest heroes.

As Abner fought the enemy, he thought to himself that if he could be credited as the leader and sole beneficiary of this event, he might even be promoted directly to Lieutenant General.

With this thought, a flicker of calculation passed through Abner’s eyes. So when a swarm of Zerg launched an attack in his direction, he deliberately turned his mech to redirect the enemy’s firepower toward Brigadier General Borg.

Watching Borg become surrounded by countless Zerg, Abner suddenly raised his weapon and fired a shot at Borg’s mech.

A series of explosions followed, and Abner, his eyes cold, watched Borg’s mech shatter. He let out a long sigh of relief. He knew that this time, all the credit would belong to him alone.

Afterward, he wiped out the remaining Zerg around him, completely ignoring the now powerless mech drifting in space, and returned to the fleet alone.

Upon exiting his mech, Abner put on a grief-stricken expression and sorrowfully said to the others, “I’m sorry, I couldn’t protect Brigadier General Borg! I had thought that if just the two of us piloted mechs and flanked the Zerg from behind, we might give our fleet a chance to catch a breather and win the battle. But I didn’t expect that although our plan succeeded, the Brigadier General was surrounded by Zerg. I did everything I could to save him, but in the end… Brigadier General Borg chose to self-destruct and take the Zerg down with him!”

At this point, Abner covered his face and kneeled on the ground, as if overwhelmed by grief, leaving others unable to blame him. Instead, everyone considered Abner the strategist behind this victory, praising and comforting him.

Everyone believed that without Abner, they would all have died. Hearing their sighs of regret, and seeing many people come to comfort him, Abner pretended to be dejected and nodded to them.

Only after he returned to his room did Abner allow a smirk to cross his lips. He knew that he had succeeded once again in stealing a comrade’s merit, and a dead man would never come forward to clear their name.

Suppressing his inner excitement, Abner followed the team back to the main star, waiting for the announcement of his promotion and reward.

But unexpectedly, as soon as Abner disembarked from the warship, a group of soldiers rushed out and restrained his limbs.

Faced with this sudden turn of events, Abner was bewildered. Sensing that something was wrong, he tried to break free, but the soldiers who had captured him were clearly superior in strength, even outmatching him.

At that moment, Abner realized that they had come prepared, and he saw Marshal Ernest himself standing before him. His comrades looked around in confusion, not understanding why, after winning the war, they were being treated like this the moment they disembarked.

Then, the adjutant beside Marshal Ernest spoke to them: “Lieutenant Abner, you are under arrest for framing your comrade and stealing military merit on the battlefield.”

Upon hearing this, Abner struggled desperately, shouting in denial, “What are you talking about? I never did such a thing! It was my plan that held off the Zerg. Without me, everyone on that ship would be dead! How dare you falsely accuse me?!”

Abner shouted loudly, as if he were truly wronged, his face flushed red. The other comrades in the squad also stepped forward to speak for him, thinking that perhaps there had been a mistake.

At that moment, Brigadier General Borg, who had been reported dead on the battlefield, was unexpectedly helped out by someone. Though Borg appeared severely injured and in poor condition, he was clearly still alive.

As soon as Abner saw Borg, his expression immediately changed. Then, they all heard Brigadier General Borg recount the real situation on the battlefield.

It was under helpless circumstances that he had chosen Abner to accompany him in piloting the mechs to flank the Zerg from behind because, among the team, Abner had the best mental strength and physical condition.

But at the critical moment, just when their plan had succeeded and the war was about to be won, Abner deliberately led the Zerg to his side and secretly attacked him. This caused him to be unable to fend off the Zerg, and he passed out in his shattered mech.

At the time, Brigadier General Borg was indeed on the verge of death, but after the main force left, a small patrol team sent by the Marshal happened to pass by and rescued him.

Hearing this, everyone turned to Abner in shock, unable to believe that he had done such a despicable thing, pushing a comrade-in-arms who had fought side by side with him into the hands of the Zerg.

Brigadier General Borg had been with this unit for many years, leading the soldiers through countless battles. He was known for his integrity and his adeptness at various tactics, earning a stellar reputation in the military.

Naturally, they all believed Brigadier General Borg’s words. Yet Abner, still unwilling to give up, continued to deny the accusations. Marshal Ernest, seeing Abner’s stubborn refusal to admit guilt, suppressed his dark expression.

Turning to his adjutant, he gave a subtle signal. The adjutant immediately understood and brought out the recorder that had been retrieved from Brigadier General Borg’s broken mech.

After extensive repair efforts by the technical department, they had managed to fully restore the combat footage, which was now projected on the holo-brain for public viewing.

This time, everything that had happened to Brigadier General Borg while piloting his mech was revealed. Abner’s lies were completely exposed. Faced with the accusing gazes of the others, Abner finally lowered his head.

He knew there was no point in denying it any longer. All the facts were laid bare before him. From this moment on, he was finished.

All the hard work he had done in the past would now be in vain. From now on, he was no longer a lieutenant, no longer a hero who fought the Zerg, but a criminal who had stolen another’s military merit.

Thus, Abner was taken away and sentenced to severe punishment. According to the empire’s laws, his mental sea was destroyed, leaving him a complete cripple without any mental power. Moreover, he was sentenced to fifty years of hard labor in prison to atone for his crimes.

It was in prison that Abner heard that the boy he had once loved had truly ended up with Ernest, and the two had even held a grand wedding. Furthermore, Ying Zhao had not kept the mental-enhancing potion to himself but had made it publicly available.

Now, that boy had become the idol of the entire empire, his popularity rivaling that of the Marshal.

Previously, the imperial family had suffered a series of blows, and the emperor finally knew his place, no longer daring to challenge Venice Ernest’s authority.

When Abner first arrived in prison, Ying Zhao had visited him once. Seeing how Abner had become so haggard and thin in just a few days, looking nothing like the once proud and high-spirited man, Ying Zhao was momentarily stunned.

Abner, upon seeing Ying Zhao, became extremely emotional. He rushed forward, wanting to embrace him, but was blocked by the glass in front of him.

He pressed against the glass, staring at Ying Zhao as if trying to etch his image into his memory, shouting loudly at him, “Xiao Yan, why haven’t you replied to my messages?! Xiao Yan, I love you, do you know? I love you!”

Ying Zhao merely looked at him coldly, seemingly confused as he asked, “You love me?”

Abner nodded vigorously, his eyes red as he gazed at Ying Zhao. He had lost everything, and now the only thing left supporting him was his remaining feelings for the boy.

However, Ying Zhao expressionlessly shook his head at Abner, speaking softly, “Your love for me… was that when you handed me over to that Major General from the Auston family in exchange for your position in the military? Or was it when, after realizing I might help you gain more leverage with the Marshal, you treated me like a useful bargaining chip and pushed me to someone else? Your love is truly terrifying!”