Canel's POV
This whole situation left me speechless... The possibility of pirate attacks was always considered, but it was rare. First, they hardly ever attacked the army directly. Second, the General was on board—so it was a bold move. But it seems that whatever internal conflict exists within the Federation is escalating to another level. Honestly, I would have found it more likely for cosmic beasts or Zerg to be responsible for this kind of assault.
Of course, as if the situation weren't already strange enough… that sub-orc named Alex not only killed all the enemies with apparent ease, but did so in a shocking manner—using energy powers that are often underestimated, despite their rarity. He eliminated his opponents in various ways and showed no real disadvantage. What little I saw was already impressive: golden arrows raining from the sky with devastating impact... He also appears to possess a strong and unique spatial ability, and earlier, the overwhelming mental power he unleashed with a suffocating aura was shocking.
Especially for a sub-orc.
Compared to centuries ago, sub-orcs have become stronger and more capable, especially when it comes to using technology or holding intellectual or technical roles. But this level of power… it's truly impressive. He shouldn't be weaker than Colonel Pedro—perhaps not even compared to other high-ranking orcs. And I can't shake the feeling that he's hiding something. He always seems so calm, so relaxed...
"I wonder what his animal form is… he must be a predator, like the Colonel…" I muttered, not knowing the most shocking part—this extremely powerful sub-orc's base animal form is a squirrel… A rare case, considering that among orcs and sub-orcs alike, larger and especially predatory animals tend to be stronger and better suited for combat. That's one of the reasons Colonel Pedro is so powerful.
Regardless, we managed to take control of the room. The doors were locked, and within a short time, communication was restored.
"Engineering room to Communication Control."
"Engineering room to Communication Control."
Soon, a voice came through:
"This is Colonel Pedro. Is that you?"
I exhaled in relief upon hearing his voice.
"Yes, it's me."
"Excellent! How are things over there?"
"Everything is peaceful now."
"Ahh..."
I heard Pedro's voice as if he had just remembered something very important.
"Well—cough cough—is Alex there? Is he okay? Safe?"
The specificity of the question struck me as odd. But considering they were special guests, it was still a plausible inquiry. And honestly, given that he was the one who took out all the invaders, it was obvious he was fine. The dead body beside him, the nearly dead one nearby, and the three prisoners bound in golden chains were clear proof of that.
"He's great," I answered plainly.
I heard a faint sigh on the other end… and then a soft whisper:
"Well… I told the General he'd be fine. It's not like he's weak."
I couldn't quite hear, so I asked:
"Colonel?"
"Yes, Professor? The room wasn't invaded?"
"No, it was. But the situation was handled."
"Handled…?"
Hearing his tone of disbelief, I turned and looked back at the individual still sitting there—radiating a mystical, almost divine aura, eyes closed, meditating in perfect stillness.
As if responding to my gaze, he turned his head toward me slightly.
"Well… that's what happened," I replied.
I explained everything as it had unfolded. When I finished, there was a brief pause before Pedro responded again.
"You mean to say… that Alex defeated three orcs—actually, immobilized four or five enemies completely—with those powers and that level of skill… and seemed relaxed the whole time?"
"Yes." I answered honestly. It was the truth.
"Well… I suppose it was possible. But I didn't expect proof like that so soon. Anyway, don't worry, Professor. The enemies are being tracked. As for the suspicions… sigh… the army will investigate thoroughly and ensure justice."
His voice, which had begun with surprise and doubt, ended with resolve and certainty.
I gave a formal military salute.
"Understood, sir."
"Ending the call."
After that, I allowed myself to rest for a moment, observing the guest that clearly both the Colonel and likely even the General had taken a special interest in. It probably wasn't just because of some rumored crush or personal affection from the General, as some had speculated…
MC's POV
I was seated, meditating using an elven technique that was both peaceful and invigorating. My life as an elf had definitely been one of my favorites… though to be fair, I liked all my lives in their own way. Especially the ones with less politics and fewer betrayals.
As for the Colonel's question—it was perfectly reasonable. I never intended to hide anything. Not with all the cameras around here. I may be quiet by nature, but I'm not afraid to act or speak when needed—especially in situations involving danger or the safety of others.
So, I waited calmly. This time, I pulled out some sweet dried fruits—small apricots and plums—for Tiago and me to share. I also tossed a small package toward the others. They were surprised but quickly thanked me.
The orc I had scared earlier now looked both embarrassed and afraid.
"Thanks!" he said a bit too loudly, clearly nervous.
I just gave him a gentle smile.
"It's okay."
I'm very good at taking revenge, but I also know how to choose my battles. After so many lives, I've learned when to overlook things.
He blushed and didn't say anything else, occasionally sneaking glances in my direction. It wasn't long before the doors of the room opened—and then I saw them:
Colonel Daniel, some soldiers, and even Leonardo entered quickly, surveying the space.
"Gener—"
Everyone in the room seemed ready to salute or greet the General, but he didn't give them the chance.
He moved in a flash, crossing the room instantly and appearing beside me. He pulled me into a hug, scanning my body as if checking for wounds or anything out of the ordinary. Of course, if there had been any, I'd already healed them using my life/nature powers—there would've been no trace left.
"G-Leonardo?"
I asked, surprised.
"Are you okay, Alex? Any injuries?"
"Wh…" I blinked.
"Yes, I'm fine. I'm strong," I replied honestly, a bit embarrassed. Despite all my lives, he was always the most capable and powerful among us… so it was rare to see someone worry about me. Even though Tiago had been worried, this felt… different.
Leonardo sighed in relief.
"Good. Now—how's the room?"
Still standing at my side, he turned toward Daniel and the other soldiers. After seeing the General nearly fly across the room, they quickly began assessing the situation—inspecting the room, the enemy bodies, and checking in with the other engineers for possible injuries.
MC POV
I was sitting and meditating on an elven technique that was very relaxing. My life as an elf was definitely one of the ones I liked the most… well, I've always liked them all in general… especially the ones with fewer politics and stabbings.
Regarding his and the colonel's question, it was logical for them to ask. I didn't plan on hiding the fact that there were cameras here. I may prefer to keep quiet, but I'm not afraid to speak out, nor would I hesitate to reveal something if it were necessary for self-defense or to protect others.
So, I just had to wait. This time, though, I took out some sweet dried fruits, like small apricots and plums, for Tiago and me to eat. I also tossed a small package to the others, who were surprised but thanked me.
The Orc I had startled seemed even more scared and embarrassed.
"Thanks!!!" he exclaimed, speaking out loud.
I just smiled gently at him.
"Okay," I said. "I'm good at taking revenge, but I know how to choose my fights. Many lives have taught me to overlook certain things."
He blushed, remaining silent, occasionally stealing glances at me, clearly embarrassed. It wasn't long before the doors to the room opened, and I saw Colonel Daniel and some soldiers, with Leonardo leading the group, quickly entering and surveying the room.
"Gener-"
Before anyone in the room could greet the general and the others, the General didn't waste any time. He moved quickly, appearing beside me, pulling me into a hug, and then checking my body, as if inspecting for any injuries. Well, even if there were any, I had already used my life/nature power, so there would have been nothing left.
"G- Leonardo?" I asked.
"Are you okay, Alex? Any injuries?"
"Wh..." That really was the question.
"Yes, I'm fine. I'm strong," I replied honestly, a bit embarrassed by all the attention. He had always been the most capable and powerful, so it was rare for someone to worry like that… even though Tiago was concerned, for some reason, it felt different.
Leonardo sighed, looking relieved.
"Great. Then, how's the room?"
Not leaving my side, he looked at Daniel and the other soldiers, who, after witnessing their general almost fly across the room, began to assess the condition of the space and the bodies of the enemies. Some moved closer to the other engineers to check if anyone was injured.