Chapter 471 Shattered Light 1 (2/2)
”Oh.”
Herlous always had a problem with Feidin. He snorted, looked at Han Xiao, and asked, ”Are we going to Noriosse next?”
Han Xiao nodded. ”Yes. I've completed what I wanted to do. Ames asked me to go to Noriosse and find her teacher.”
He was much stronger, but it would still take a very long time for him to reach Ames' level. Before then, Han Xiao did not mind having someone to rely on. After all, Galaxy was so enormous; there were too many strong individuals and organizations. Furthermore, Ames had saved him once, so it was only right that he helped her do small things like this as much as he could. Having a good relationship with a Beyond Grade A was definitely beneficial, not to mention that he was under the Dragon Emperor's command.
This time, Herlous intercepted Han Xiao and said, ”Before going to Noriosse, I want to return to Planet Sunil and retrieve my armor, [Shattered Light]. Planet Sunil is nearby anyway, so it won't take long.”
Han Xiao's eyes sparkled.
He had been interested in the Commander Class armor for a very long time. Back then, he did not have the ability to work on it, but now, he satisfied the requirements.
”No problem, we will go together.”
…
The spaceship slowly landed on the plains outside the Forest City. This had once been the battlefield to fight against the Catastrophe, a place where blood spilled formed rivers. Now, it had been cleaned up and was an empty, burnt ground.
The six layers of defenses outside Forest City were already built. Pairs of armored guards patrolled the area, and vehicles drove into the forest to hunt from time to time.
As soon as they landed, many guards surrounded them and lined up to welcome them. Herlous had contacted the Sunil government before they arrived. When they disembarked the spaceship, those guards loudly yelled a phrase in the Sunil language, expressing their admiration to Herlous.
”Let's go, I have already contacted the officials, so we will be heading to the research lab to retrieve my armor.” Herlous smiled.
They followed the soldiers and entered Forest City. Compared to a year earlier, there were not many changes other than the fact that there were even fewer people on the streets. It was probably because more youngster had joined the military forces.
”Are you Herlous? Oh my god, my hero!”
This time, the pedestrians around them noticed Herlous. They surrounded him excitedly, and even Han Xiao and the others were pushed aside.
Herlous hastily put up a friendly smile and chatted with them for a while. As more and more people joined in, he could not handle their passion anymore, so he hurriedly squeezed out of the crowd. The few of them took a few turns and finally escaped from the crowd.
”You're very popular, I see.” Han Xiao laughed.
Herlous was embarrassed. ”The officials need a role model to boost the residents' confidence, so they replayed my stories every day on television and radio to praise me. Everyone in this city knows me.”
”National hero, so cool.” Sylvia's eyes were shining.
”Cool my ass, a hero's ending is always sacrifice,” Herlous protested. He still remembered Han Xiao's 'foresight'.
When they sneaked up to the doors of the government in the middle of the city, there were no more residents around. Herlous approached and reported his arrival. Very soon, a few military officers walked out and greeted him. These were matters of the Sunils; Han Xiao had no interest in listening, so he paid no attention along the way.
After talking for a while, Herlous beckoned the others, and they walked into the restricted military site, following the officers. After passing by metal gates one after another, they came to a sealed research lab. It was very spacious and even had a garage that stored machinery in the process of being modified.
They came to an experiment room. Herlous' Commander Class armor was placed on the experiment table. Ten or so researchers were surrounding it and testing its parameters.
The officer walked up to the researchers and said, ”This is General Herlous; he's here to collect his armor. These are the permits.”
Han Xiao's eyebrows shot up. He poked Herlous' back and softly asked, ”When did you become a general?”
Herlous grinned and replied softly as well. ”It's just on paper.”
The Head of Research was experimenting excitedly when he heard the officer. He glanced over Han Xiao and the others with an impatient expression, walked up to the gate, and said, ”I thought we agreed on giving it to me for research. Why are you suddenly taking it away?”
”I heard you have already achieved some results, so I want to take my armor back,” Herlous said. ”It's very useful to me.”
Unwillingness was clearly written on the Head of Research's face. ”How can we return it to you? This armor is related to Sunil's top technology; it's a national treasure and doesn't belong to you alone.”
”Er… but I was the one that gave it to the nation. I don't see what's wrong with me wanting it back.”
”Aren't you a national hero? Are you not even willing to make such a small contribution?” The Head of Research frowned.
Herlous sighed. He gave a look to the officer beside him, and the officer took out the documents that proved that Herlous' request was authorized by the superiors. The researchers saw it and had no choice but to obey the order. They took the armor, placed it into a metal box, and handed it to Herlous.
”I got it, let's go.” Herlous touched the box and smiled.
The Head of Research was trembling with rage. ”If the armor is with us, we will definitely be able to achieve greater results and provide more help for the race. You're too selfish!”
Herlous' face changed slightly, but he did not say anything. However, just as he was about to leave, he realized that Han Xiao's footsteps stopped.
Han Xiao turned around and walked up to the Head of Research. He grabbed his head, forcing the Head of Research to look him in the eyes, and coldly said, ”I remember when he followed me through difficult battles covered in wounds. I remember his misery when he lost an arm. I remember his agony when I planted a prosthetic into him. If not for your bullsh*t race, he could have a very comfortable life in the vast universe. So, what I don't understand is, how is he selfish?
”Is it because he's a good man, so you dare to insult him ruthlessly, knowing that he will not hurt you?”
Han Xiao suddenly turned into Void Form. His pitch-black eyes stared at the Head of Research as he gently said, ”But I'm not like him. If you dare speak another word of insult to my subordinate, I will stuff your head up your ass.”