Chapter 376: Cults On The Rise
"B—But how is this possible?!" Ruby stuttered. "Sure, we might look a bit different, but I thought it was made public knowledge how we came into existence! People will certainly accept us with time!"
Robert shook his head dejectedly.
"In times of war, anything that strays from the norm is met with suspicion and hostility. Cults preaching that you are all a new breed of aliens that need to be exterminated are on the rise. The warning signs were always there. The only reason things never escalated and you were spared from the worst... was because Michael stood beside you."
Ruby’s eyes drifted to Michael. Has she really been this blind? Despite the hardships, she had cherished the freedom she found with the crew after they rescued her from the dark tunnels.
Ruby’s original goal had been to become the strongest of the feline people, to embody the hope for a brighter future for her kin. But if her people were to go extinct... Wouldn’t that make all of her efforts meaningless?
"I am going!" She declared with determination, eyes bearing the same intensity of a tiger.
"These are my people! I won’t abandon them. Anyone who hurts them will pay!"
Michael gently patted her on the head.
"No need to be anxious. Of course, we’ll aid them. If Livia herself has reached out for help, things must be pretty desperate."
Hearing Michael’s reassuring words made her realize just how frightened she would have been without his presence. Instinctively, she wrapped herself around him, pressing her face against his, mixing their scents together.
"Thank you immensely!" Robert bowed deeply. "I know how much this trouble may cause."
In response, Michael shook his head.
"On the contrary, I was actually planning to return and examine their souls closer. It might give me better insight on the condition of my father. Plus, it’s never a problem to help a friend."
Last time, going to Venus had proved a rather lengthy journey. With the breach of the asteroid belt, they had been forced to move in stealth mode.
However, now being able to move at top speed, the journey shouldn’t prove that time-consuming.
Still in discussion, another voice echoed in.
"Great, when are we departing?"
Turning, Michael glanced at Claire.
"Come on, don’t look at me like that." She giggled, noticing his raised eyebrow. "Did you really think you could ditch us here while you two enjoy a trip?"
Michael cleared his throat. "I assumed it would be more beneficial for all of you to remain here. With the increased output from the golden tree, few places can rival the blessed lands as prime cultivation spots."
Claire heaved a sigh. Drawing closer, she whispered into his ear.
"Even if that is the case, we would prefer going with you."
Since Michael was fully aware that there was no changing her mind, he didn’t bother.
Once the rest of the crew heard the news, all were eager to depart at a moment’s notice.
With over a thousand members, the Indomitable Alliance could have easily endured without their leader. Cayson, Astra, Sirius, Zagar, and Katherine were more than capable of maintaining the troops’ training regimens while also protecting Michael’s family from any potential harm.
Boarding the fastest shuttle, everyone departed.
"I have to admit, it’s kind of nice for the whole crew to gather again, like the old times." Enzo nodded thoughtfully.
Amelia arched her brow. "Why are you acting so sentimental? It hasn’t been that long since we were on Venus, a few months at best."
Bryce laughed. "Perhaps it’s the effect of aging? Or love, maybe? Either way, both can twist people’s perception of time."
Richard scowled, his gaze fixed on Enzo and Amelia. "Don’t get all lovey-dovey in here! At least save it for when we’re not forced to be in such close proximity!"
In protest, Ava rose and settled herself on Michael’s lap. "Who do you think you are to command people?!"
Leo tried to calm Richard down before the tension reached boiling temperatures.
Finding itself in a cramped space for its colossal size, Cyberfang didn’t bother voicing any opinions.
Meanwhile, Victoria and Claire exchanged rival glances at Ava, both secretly annoyed that the petite woman had been the first to make a move. Her frame seemed to fit so adorably on Michael’s lap that they couldn’t find it in themselves to complain.
Understandably, Ruby remained in a sour mood throughout the journey, hardly speaking and keeping to herself. Lost in her thoughts, she clung to Michael’s side.
As for Robert, he wrestled with conflicting emotions. Despite the disastrous turn of events at Magmorious, which had forced him to bring Michael and the crew along, he was still looking forward to being reunited with Livia. Each day he had spent apart from his girlfriend had proven more difficult than the last.
Eventually, they entered Venus’ atmosphere, its vast capital coming into view.
Months had passed since the devastating AI rampage, but the scars of destruction still lingered, with damaged areas awaiting restoration. The tragedy had made such an impact that a day was now set aside each year for mourning and remembrance.
Coming out of the shuttle, the crew stretched their legs. Thankfully, the dome around the capital had been repaired long ago. At least they wouldn’t have to endure the unbearable heat from the nearby lava lake, which had once caused temperatures to soar to extreme levels.
"Where are my people? They’re safe, right? We need to see them right now!" Ruby bombarded Robert with questions, her anxiety clear.
Slightly flustered, the Lord tried to reassure her.
"Before we go, I must warn you... if you don’t conceal your feline traits, you won’t like what you will hear next."
Ruby shook her head stubbornly. "I’m meant to guide my people! If I don’t show bravery, how can I expect them to?"
Unable to argue with her perspective, Robert led the crew toward the district housing the feline populace.
Along the way, Ruby’s ears suddenly twitched, picking up the whisper of a man bearing a tattoo of a severed tail on his palm.
"Feral Halfbreed." The man sneered, his voice laced with hatred.