Flustered and in a panic, Feeney almost carried Little Chu Zao, whose wings were stiff, to the medical bay.
He successfully stirred up the originally calm medical center all over again.
Even Amos, who was still on Holy Cas Mining Planet No. 78 observing the traces left by Storm, received the relevant communication and rushed back.
But when all the test results came out—they were basically the same as last time.
Little Chu Zao’s body had no issues, the little wings were fine, too. The medical center had never seen such a case before. After much deliberation, they quietly asked, “Could it be… the wings just went numb because of sleep?”
Of the Crown Clan, only Zao Zao liked to keep his wings out while sleeping—or rather, only Zao Zao habitually kept out his little crown halo and wings at all times.
Since nothing could be found, all they could do was keep observing and see if there would be any other issues with the wings later.
In the end, Feeney stood outside the medical bay with Little Chu Zao, who was still feverish and would likely continue to have a high fever for a few more days. He looked down at the little cub who had finally managed to retract his wings, folding them behind his back.
Little Chu Zao wasn’t very reasonable at this moment.
He simply raised his pair of moist, honey-colored eyes and stared at Feeney.
After a long-acting antipyretic shot, the little cub’s temperature was controlled; he’d still have a fever and dizziness, but not so bad that he could only lie groggy in bed. Even fierce-looking Ayala, who usually scared the cub, had successfully made it onto the cub’s blacklist.
His little face puffed up slightly.
He turned to look at his little wings—still feeling terribly uncomfortable.
And Zao Zao had never had wings go numb from sleeping before—
Just like back in the Angel Realm, he was used to using his wings to block the wind and keep warm.
His tiny wings had only ever gotten stiff from the cold wind, never numb from pressure; he wasn’t a little fool.
Little Chu Zao thought this over and took a couple steps away, toddling along.
Suddenly, the cub heard bird calls.
He looked up, remembering those big birds that had made him slip up before.
“Oh, right, those two birds—the back office didn’t know how to deal with them, so they’re temporarily locked in the room next door.”
Feeney recalled, looking down at Little Chu Zao.
After all, this little fellow was dazed, and no one knew what he might ask for next. The big birds couldn’t just be let go or dealt with, so they’d been locked up separately.
After Feeney spoke—
he saw the little cub totter off toward that room.
So little, and without Amos to tidy him up, he was a fluffy, disheveled mess—
The cub tried to tidy himself but got annoyed pulling out uncooperative feathers, which was why Amos wouldn’t let him groom himself.
This disheveled little cub kept muttering under his breath.
Feeney listened carefully and heard the little guy mumbling, “You are what you eat, Zao Zao eats wings—”
Zao Zao needed to replenish his wings.
Innocently, he stared at the big birds inside the room.
That kind of adorable pressure made Feeney want to laugh and cry; he watched as the cub entered, scaring the two big birds into a frenzy.
The cub seemed to feel that his little wings were uncomfortable, so he retracted them behind him without any thought of using them, bouncing around to climb onto the table to reach.
If he fell, Feeney would be blamed for bad supervision.
Feeney released his mental power; the two big birds that had been clucking around suddenly froze as the gloating cub aimed for them.
They panicked and looked at the door, where an intimidating little guy stood beaming at them—
“Didn’t you see Zao Zao trying to catch you? Don’t move.”
The big birds: …
You’re totally unreasonable!!!
However, the two big birds were perched a bit high up.
The muddle-headed little cub reached up and tried hard but still couldn’t touch them.
Feeney had already come up behind Little Chu Zao, looking down at him.
The cub’s porcelain-white face was flushed with red from the fever; though weak, he was stubbornly persistent.
“Want Third Uncle to catch them for you?”
The cub thought for a bit.
“No.”
He was sulking.
“Zao Zao wants to catch them himself to replenish himself.”
Zao Zao had caught them himself before.
But he simply couldn’t reach.
Feeney sighed and squatted down in resignation.
“Alright, alright, do it yourself.”
After all, this was their cub.
Feeney enjoyed staying beside the little cub—he could calm the anger and darkness in his heart, bringing a deep sense of peace.
As he spoke, Feeney lifted the cub high up, letting him sit on his shoulder.
That still hardly brought him close enough to the perch.
Little Chu Zao paused, then reached out seriously with his little hand to try.
His wings behind him started fluttering unconsciously.
Feeney: …
Fine, he’d expected this—what was a little wing-slap on the head? He could take it!
But then the wings beat faster, some feathers shaking loose, and in that moment, the cub’s mental power seemed to shift subtly, though what Feeney actually felt was—
Feeney: “…Wait, wait, wait—”
Hit by wing after wing, he was stunned.
He looked dazedly to the side.
“Why do I feel like there are so many little wings flapping at my face??”
The cub, trying hard to grip the bird’s neck, paused and turned back, confused.
The room door opened again.
Amos was back, the gold decorations on his black uniform flashing in the eyes of the two inside. Amos looked up and paused before saying anything.
Feeney finally realized what the problem was—
At some point, the cub had sprouted another pair of wings.
Soft, white, and fluffy, they trembled gently.
Noticing he was being watched, the cub felt a bit self-conscious; both pairs of snowy wings folded slightly, wrapping around his little body even more perfectly than before.
“Zao Zao… you grew wings????”
Stunned by all the flapping, Feeney stared at Little Chu Zao.
Little Chu Zao let go, dazed, and plucked a bit at the new pair of wings.
“It doesn’t hurt anymore.”
His slow little mind processed for a bit, looking at the two shivering big birds.
“So—Zao Zao doesn’t need to replenish his wings?”
Zao Zao just needed to grow wings.
Uh… huh? Zao Zao grew wings again??
The next second, Amos swiftly plucked the cub from Feeney’s shoulders and turned briskly back to the medical bay.
They had just declared His Highness fine, and then here came His Majesty carrying His Highness with four wings—the medical bay exploded.
Had they really missed all signs of this????
Luckily, this time they were well-prepared.
A thorough examination was conducted.
Growing new wings had no negative impact on Little Chu Zao.
Even his mental power had grown significantly and was quite stable—his physical qualities had leapt, too, likely allowing him to unleash even more power with the Black Flame Arrows.
And, same as the Crown Clan, now that he finally had that second pair of wings, all discomfort was gone; he could choose to retract one pair or keep things as always.
“We suspect His Highness’s persistent fever stemmed from his body and power being mismatched. Now that it’s aligning, the fever is receding. He should adapt in a few days, and future fevers will be less likely.”
The medical center staff reported to Amos.
“However, Your Majesty, please wait a moment; we’d like to repeat some mental power tests to further evaluate His Highness’s current condition.”
Amos nodded.
There seemed to be no negative effects—for Little Chu Zao, it just meant he could see farther, his senses sharper, and his command of power smoother.
The cub tugged suspiciously at his new wings, clinging to the edge of the medical pod, blinking big eyes at Amos.
So long as he was fine.
Amos’s worried heart finally settled.
But at that moment, Amos stood quietly by, appearing calm and reliable, which soothed the agitated cub further.
Only Feeney knew better.
Amos had his fists clenched, blue veins bulging faintly; he was skillfully controlling his emotions.
For Amos, every time his cub wasn’t by his side, something unpredictable happened to Little Chu Zao—danger, or things like this.
That lack of control didn’t sit well with Amos.
But he reined it in quickly.
“It should be alright. Zao Zao isn’t like an ordinary Crown Clan member.”
Feeney scratched the back of his head, saying to Amos.
“I see things here are cleaned up. The research team reports repairs are complete—should we continue investigating the pollution?”
For them, pollution was still unfamiliar.
Only recently had starships been improved enough to fend off pollution. Before Little Chu Zao brought changes, the Crown Clan suffered crown fractures or even lost control from the pain of contamination.
Most times, they’d forcibly suppress mutant beasts from pollution but avoided direct contact.
“Let them advance.”
Amos responded.
“Strengthen defenses—such mutant beast commanders might appear again.”
“Yes.”
Feeney replied.
“Zao Zao is turning six soon. Should he spend more time with peers at the First Military Academy?”
“Mm, but there’s no rush.”
Amos drummed his fingers on the desk, tapping a few times casually.
When he looked up, half his face shrouded in shadow, he radiated an overwhelming pressure.
Here we go again, Feeney muttered softly to himself.
“The Holy Chalice Clan is still receiving treatment, but Second Brother, what exactly did you see?”
Amos turned to Feeney: “Is it that obvious?”
Feeney shrugged, giving Amos a “what do you think?” look.
These past days, Amos gave him the chills.
Amos considered, then patted Feeney’s shoulder.
“Bear with it until I catch you making another mistake.”
Feeney: …?
Huh?
Meanwhile, the fully checked-up cub had climbed out of the medical pod, two pairs of fluffy wings on his back, soft curls framing big, blinking eyes as he gazed at Amos.
“Baba.”
He wanted a hug.
Amos came up and picked up his cub.
He looked at the messy little bundle in his arms.
With a long sigh.
It did have some impact—at least for parents.
Amos held the little fellow, looking at the four plump, soft wings, and reached out—great, the workload of tidying up the cub had just doubled.
*
Holy Cas’s research team, now reassembled, set out quickly under military escort.
They plunged once more into the pollution, to explore the unknown.
Whether it took months or years, as long as they kept going, they’d eventually learn what was in the pollution and where the howls they had heard came from.
In the training chamber of another starship.
The hatch opened.
A uniformed instructor leaned against the doorway, reading data.
He clicked his tongue and looked up.
What kind of monstrous physical prowess was this?
Chao Huangmu, steaming with heat, dragged out Yun Songquan and Peng Liang, who were too exhausted to move.
“Alright, take a break. Ah Huang, don’t rush it—you’re in your growth phase anyway. To be honest, you’re already stronger than some regiment commanders—”
And this physical strength—was it from immortal bloodlines?
Really didn’t seem like an ordinary human.
Chao Huangmu grunted acknowledgment, unusually unsmiling and, on his usually handsome, fresh face, a bit downcast.
Like a wilted, drooping sunflower.
“No, I’m still way too weak—”
So weak—
How could he protect Zao Zao? How could he stand beside Zao Zao with any dignity?
Peng Liang finally caught his breath and struggled to reach out.
“Even though—even though—we didn’t help much this time, Ah Huang, our job wasn’t to guard His Highness. Get a grip—this is war, a real battlefield!!”
“Right.”
Yun Songquan wiped his sweat, gulping down a nutrient solution, then handed the cup to Peng Liang.
“It’s not something you can achieve overnight.”
Chao Huangmu thought for a moment.
Then his bright smile returned.
“You’re right, it’s not something you achieve overnight—but it’s exactly because of the daily grind. The little prince is the next ruler of Holy Cas. I’ve got to crush the competition just to stand at his side with a clear conscience.”
He spoke with a grin, his earring glinting in the light. He patted his chest, then looked down and met the muddled eyes of Yun Songquan and Peng Liang.
“Song-zi, A-Liang, are you rested?”
Yun Songquan and Peng Liang: …?
Chao Huangmu grinned and grabbed their collars again: “Let’s keep at it!”
Yun Songquan, Peng Liang: …
What kind of demon are you?!
“You beast—Coach, save us!!!”
*
On a distant planet.
“Exploring the other side of pollution?”
Shenghua looked over the latest request from the Hymn Organization brought by Xi. Dressed in loose army-green short sleeves, a camo cap shading her head, a few strands of black hair sticking out, she had just quietly monitored the mutant beast situation. The orders left her a little stunned; pollution was, after all, terrifying for humanity—but—
“The other side of pollution, has Hymn known all along there’s something over there? We have forces there too?”
Thanks to her excellent performance and expert ability to ‘draw big cakes’—
Shenghua had gotten plenty of info from the Hymn Organization.
She hesitated, then looked at Xi, who stood slouched against the wall, hands in pockets, even darker circles under his eyes.
“Who knows.”
Xi was chewing a grass blade then spat it out, pale face full of impatience.
He sneered.
“Do I look like I’d know any of that?”
Shenghua: …
Hmm—he did look illiterate enough to not know anything.
Shenghua looked down, studying him carefully.
“Aren’t you going to the branch base soon? Could you do me a favor and check what’s really going on? Pollution is no joke; we shouldn’t have to risk our lives blindly, right?”
“Hah? You talking to me?”
Xi bounced up off the wall, took a few steps toward Shenghua, hooded eyes sullen and nasty as he stared at her.
“You really don’t know why I’m here? Don’t tell me you’re clueless.”
Shenghua looked up again.
“Of course I know.”
She raised a hand and patted Xi on the shoulder.
The pat sent Xi hopping in place; Shenghua went on.
“We’re comrades on the same front line. After all this time, you’re the one I trust most. You handle things—I’m confident.”
Xi: …?
Xi was momentarily stunned.
“What? Don’t think I’m easy to deal with.”
Shenghua withdrew her hand: “If that’s what you think, nothing I can do. I’m just offering a little advice for our future. You’re strong, so of course I value you—different from those upstairs.”
Xi: …
He just clicked his tongue and, without hesitation, strode off.
No idea if that was ‘yes’ or not.
But given Boss’s persuasion methods, this probably counted as a yes?
The little underling behind Shenghua wanted to say something.
Boss, just how many ‘most trusted’ people do you have?
*
A few days later.
A special day.
On Holy Cas Imperial Star, Holy Cas First Military Academy, the principal’s office received a letter from the Royal Court.
The principal, vice principal, and several senior teachers sat together.
“His Highness will only join us for some courses and practicals. Which grade would be suitable, do you think?”
“Well… did His Majesty say anything?”
“No details given.”
“Not surprising, considering the Dwight family has the strongest imperial tutors. Our Academy is less important.”
“We don’t actually know His Highness’s abilities. There’s barely any public info—last time, his arrow in that video looked strong, but with other princes and His Majesty arriving, it’s hard to judge.”
“Didn’t the Royal Court pick the strongest team from the top class? Maybe have His Highness join them—”
“I just worry about his real ability—but honestly, the Crown Clan doesn’t need us worrying. Besides, His Highness doesn’t seem like a ‘typical’ Crown Clan… Let’s just go with that.”
“If there’s no objection, I’ll arrange it.”
The principal echoed, jotting down notes in a thick ledger.
“We’ll report to His Majesty in due course.”
Meanwhile, on Holy Cas Mining Planet No. 78.
The little guy was much more alert these days.
With Holy Cas fully counterattacking, most Crown Clan off-worlders had returned.
The cub had visited the injured Wen siblings.
He’d spent this whole period recovering, so the starship wasn’t headed home just yet.
His fever hadn’t fully broken, still running a bit hot.
But at least he didn’t feel bad, just a little woozy from these days’ buildup.
He was still adjusting to the extra wings, mostly keeping them retracted except for one pair, but Amos did have twice the wings to tidy.
He still needed extra cub milk these days.
The cub milk was delivered directly to his quarters on the ship.
One morning, when he woke, Amos was already out.
He was used to this now.
Amos had been busy lately—everyone had.
Wings lightly fluttering and halo fully lit, the well-behaved little one took the warm cub milk from his desk and toddled out.
No one was in the corridor, all was quiet.
The cub looked around blankly, still a little feverish, slow to react, then cautiously stepped outside.
He took a sip of cub milk—
Why was no one out here today?
So quiet.
Heading for the war room—he usually found Amos there.
But he’d peek his head around every corner before turning—like he was wary of running into someone.
As for who?
Standing not far from the war room, Ayala wore his usual cold look, just as the cub peered out.
Little Chu Zao froze, then quickly pulled back—
Ayala: …
Zao Zao: Road blocked.
The cub took a few steps back, planning to detour.
Before he could, a familiar voice sounded.
“Zao Zao, Auntie’s back, did you miss your aunt?”
From around the corner, Feiman appeared and blocked the way.
Did you miss Auntie? Want a kiss?
Little Chu Zao stared, clutching his milk.
“Auntie, you’re back.”
He replied in soft, babyish voice, but immediately turned and ran—
Feiman chased after him at a leisurely pace as the cub dashed into a big room on the ship he’d never visited—the door was open today, and he pushed his way in.
There was a sound inside.
Lights flashed on in an instant.
Golden ribbons and streamers floated down from above, reflected in the eyes of the cub holding his milk.
“Having Feiman and Ayala block the way was underhanded, Third Brother, look how you scared Zao Zao.”
Anya laughed from inside.
Feeney shrugged and patted Meilun on the shoulder.
“Uncle Meilun and Uncle Kaman were all for it.”
Ayala’s dead-fish eyes drifted in from behind the cub.
Feiman, still calm and reliable, squatted down and planted a big kiss on the cub from behind.
Amos knelt in front, pressing a tiny, golden little crown onto the cub’s fluffy hair.
Amos commented quickly,
“Not as nice as Zao Zao’s own halo.”
Little Chu Zao, clutching his cub milk, was still dazed, looking around in confusion—
Family, fireworks, a little crown, cake in the distance with the number six, and piles of brightly wrapped gifts.
“Baba… why… did you know…”
Birthday? Is this what a birthday is?
Zao Zao never had one.
He didn’t know birthdays could have all this—was all of it just for Zao Zao?
Looking at what was before him, his breathing grew ragged, and tears fell, one two three, still sick and tearful, looking at Amos with a red face, trying to hold back.
“Made him cry, made him cry—”
“Amos thought it was too plain, Zao Zao, don’t cry, next year we’ll make it even bigger.”
On the battlefield, Little Chu Zao’s sixth birthday.
Amos ignored the others behind him and spoke to Little Chu Zao: “Zao Zao, happy birthday.”
“Wuuu… Baba—”
Finally, the cub couldn’t hold it in, cuddling into Amos’s arms, sobbing; he raised his little bottle high—
There was nothing the cub could offer.
So… “Baba, drink milk, Zao Zao’s cub milk is for Baba—”
All of a sudden, the bottle was shoved at his mouth. Amos leaned back: …
Thank you, Daddy won’t drink.