I Married A Degraded Alpha

The level-nine insectoid queen was no more, marking the beginning of humanity’s counterstrike.

With the queen’s demise, the insectoids’ morale took a massive hit. Large numbers of them started to retreat.

The Alliance soldiers took advantage of their victory, pursuing the enemy for miles before finally returning to base.

Two charred mechs floated silently in space before they were eventually hauled onto a battleship. Along with them, several escape pods were also retrieved.

When the mechas were opened, Yuri and Tuss, unconscious, were extracted and transferred to the medical bay.

The escape pods were opened too, and as each one did, the people inside woke up.

"We...we survived?"

Expressions of relief washed over the faces of the survivors, joyous at having escaped a deadly encounter.

"But we’re missing one person," Officer Lyao scanned the group, a frown creasing his forehead.

"Yes, we’re one short. One of the escape pods was consumed by the level-nine insectoid queen. If Yuri and Tuss hadn’t shown up, none of you might’ve made it," Martin said, a chilling edge to his voice, casting a sidelong glance at Officer Lyao. "You were brave, sure, but bravery is no match for superior power."

Officer Lyao ignored Martin’s mocking tone, asking, "They both came to our aid? Where are they now?"

"They’re fine. The doctors said they’re just physically exhausted and need a few days of rest in the healing pods." Martin, too, was visibly tired, taking the opportunity to sit on a nearby chair.

On hearing this, Officer Lyao sighed in relief, "What about the level-nine insectoid queen?"

"She’s dead. Do you think we could be here, having this conversation, if it wasn’t?" Martin replied, his face lined with remorse. "I thought today would be my last. Even had my last words ready. Then these two showed up. But we can’t really ask them too many questions. There’s too much we don’t understand about them."

Officer Lyao shot Martin a look, "You’d dare to ask? Be careful or they might turn on you."

Martin immediately backed off, "I was just chatting with you. I wouldn’t dare ask them. So, what happens now? We’re supposed to head back to Planet Alpha, but what about them?"

"We’ll escort them to Planet 4581 first. Then we’ll return to Planet Alpha," Officer Lyao decided, not hesitating.

Outside the 458 Defense Line, a medium-sized battleship and a larger one were stationed.

"I’ve lent you my warships and weapons. If you can’t kill Tuss and Yuri’s child, don’t bother coming back," an arrogant voice echoed from the screen. If Yuri had been there, she would have been taken aback. The voice belonged to none other than the second prince of the Empire, Herbert.

A ruthless expression crossed Nick’s face, "I won’t just kill that little brat. I’ll make sure no one on Planet 4581 survives."

Herbert seemed pleased with Nick’s response, "Go on. The level-nine insectoid queen is dead, and they are on their way back. You only have three days."

"I won’t need three days. A few hours will do."

On Planet 4581...

"Sir, we’ve detected unknown battleships approaching," reported a soldier. Ever since Yuri left, the base had been on high alert, and they immediately spotted the two emerging battleships.

"What kind of battleships are they?"

"One large, one medium-sized, both are pitch black and lack any identifiable markings."

"It’s most likely the enemy. Send out the orders, all personnel to man the battleships and mechas, be prepared for combat. Simultaneously, instruct the citizens of 4581 to take shelter."

"Affirmative."

Commander Ho’s face darkened, turning to Xiva he said, "They’re likely after the child."

Xiva nodded in agreement, "Even if it costs my life, I will ensure the kid’s safety."

"Take the child to the shelter. If the enemy lands, immediately seal the shelter’s doors," commanded Ho.

Xiva responded firmly, "I’m on it."

"Take some additional men. We can’t be sure there are no enemy spies on Planet 4581. Don’t hand the child over to anyone but our own," Commander Ho cautioned.

"I know. I’m leaving now, you take care." Xiva quickly headed out.

News of an unknown battleship attacking Planet 4581 spread rapidly throughout the Alliance.

An attack on Planet 4581 is no trivial matter. Is this something to be discussed openly? And they are targeting Yuri and Tuss’s child? The citizens of the Alliance were enraged. Yuri and Tuss has just eliminated the level-nine insectoid queen, protecting the Alliance, even all the inhabitants of the star system. Who would stoop so low as to target their child?

Outraged, the citizens flooded the military’s official website with comments urging immediate rescue efforts.

Meanwhile, in the military headquarters, the first commander ordered with a stern face, "Mobilize all troops stationed near Planet 4581, we must protect Yuri and Tuss’s child."

Returning from the ore planet, Perseman and Boan quickly readied their mechas and told Officer Lyao, "We’re heading to Planet 4581 to provide support. You stay here in case of any surprise attacks."

Without waiting for Lyao’s response, they climbed into their mechas, flew out of the battleship, and headed towards the 458 Defense Line.

Officer Lyao watched their mechas growing smaller in the distance until they disappeared in space. He knew that sending them was the best move, considering his inferior skills. But he felt a pang of regret; he wanted to help, to see the child born from the artificial womb and apologize to him or her.

They were all indebted to this child because their lack of strength had forced his early departure from the womb.

Yuri and Tuss were still unconscious. This time, their Enova had been heavily drained. Their crystal core and the Sea of Consciousness were all damaged to varying degrees. It would take a long time to fully recover.

Their unconscious state was their body’s self-defense response.

Above Planet 4581, the enemy’s two battleships rained down level-ten artillery fire. Commander Ho urgently ordered, "All mecha pilots, retreat into the battleships, now."

The level-ten artillery fire bombarded Planet 4581’s protective shield, which instantly shattered under the onslaught. The shrill alarm echoed across the entire planet, and the mech pilots quickly retreated into the battleships or swiftly dodged the attack.

But it was still a step too late.

Thousands of mechas were instantly reduced by more than half, bombarded into scrap metal by the concentrated level-ten artillery fire.

"Sir, these two battleships are likely from the Empire. Pirates don’t possess such powerful artillery."

"It’s possible the Empire is collaborating with the Space-sparkle pirates, supplying them with weapons."

"Commander, what should we do now?"

"Hit them back, hard. We have what they have, let’s give them hell." Commander Ho’s eyes blazed with fury.

He had personally met each one of the deceased soldiers, recognized every face. They were all so young, their lives only just beginning. Their youthful innocence, their simple and sincere words still echoed in his ears—

"Commander Ho, you shouldn’t always keep such a stern face. You should smile more. After all, a smile a day keeps the aging away."

"Commander Ho, don’t worry. Once I get stronger, I will share your burdens and help you guard the 458 Defense Line."

"Commander Ho, I heard you’re not married. Don’t worry, when you get old, I’ll take care of you. You can live with me, and I’ll look after you like a father."

"....."

Now, they were gone, reduced to ashes in the barrage of artillery fire.

Space-sparkle, the Empire, you deserve nothing but death.