Chapter 178: Promotion? Major General?

"You, you, you..."

Syuen pointed at Mo Chen, stammering like she'd seen a ghost, unable to form a coherent sentence.

Mo Chen strolled into the laboratory, his gaze sweeping over the surroundings.

Countless experimental instruments filled the space, with numerous devices running in the background.

He picked up a test tube from a nearby rack, giving it a slight shake. The emerald-green liquid inside rippled like jade, casting faint reflections with each movement.

"Quite professional, I must say."

Suddenly, Mo Chen's eyes landed on a crimson substance floating like mist inside a glass container on one of the lab tables. It emitted an eerie, blood-like glow.

Syuen noticed his gaze and panicked. Her legs, which had been trembling with fear, somehow found the strength to move. She dashed over, spreading her arms wide to block the experiment.

"Pl-please leave! Or I'll call the A.C.P.U. forces!"

She couldn't let him find out!

What she didn't know was that it was the A.C.P.U. who had let Mo Chen in.

"Not letting me see?" Mo Chen walked toward the flustered Syuen, a playful glint in his eyes. "Hiding something?"

Syuen backed away in a panic until—clang—her back hit the lab table. There was nowhere left to retreat.

Thud.

Mo Chen placed one hand on the table beside her, caging her in. Syuen's face turned ghostly pale, fear etched into every feature.

"Y-you stay back! This is the Ark! If you dare bully me again, you're dead meat!"

Her threatening words were undermined by her trembling voice and fearful expression.

Again, huh?

Elegg's mind flashed a question mark as she glanced at Mo Chen, surprise written all over her face.

Meanwhile, Trony continued to shiver in fear, her face ashen, mumbling incoherently, too terrified to process anything.

Noticing Elegg's confused look and Trony's terrified state, Mo Chen waved dismissively.

"This doesn't concern you two. Leave."

Trony nearly collapsed from relief, saved only by Elegg's quick reflexes.

"Thank goodness…"

Compared to Mo Chen, she was more afraid of Syuen.

Once they left, Mo Chen turned back to Syuen.

"Relax. I'm not here to hurt you."

Syuen's fear only deepened.

He kicked them out, leaving just the two of them in the room.

What was he planning to do?!

Seeing her trembling like a frightened bird, he decided not to tease her further.

"I'm here to ask for a favor."

However, with their faces barely a breath apart, his words didn't exactly sound convincing.

And at such a close distance, Mo Chen couldn't help but notice certain… details.

Syuen was wearing her usual style of clothing—but clearly not the exact same outfit from before.

After all, the original had been torn to shreds by Mo Chen.

"Stop messing with me!"

Syuen, fueled by some sudden burst of strength, shoved Mo Chen away with both hands, clutching her collar tightly as she glared at him with a mix of indignation and fury, as if she'd been gravely insulted.

Help? Coming all the way here just for that?

What does he take her for, some tool to satisfy his desires?

Just a hormone-driven primitive creature!

Utterly shameless! Even if it cost her life, she'd never help him!

Tears welled up in her eyes, but her defiant glare remained locked on Mo Chen, ready to go down fighting if needed.

What the hell is going on in this girl's head?

Mo Chen was speechless.

Even if he couldn't read her mind, her actions spoke volumes about her misplaced assumptions.

Just then, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed from outside. Moments later, a squad of mass-produced Nikkes stormed into the lab, rifles raised and aimed squarely at Mo Chen.

"Suppressive rounds, prepare to fire!"

Mo Chen turned slightly, glancing at Syuen.

"You called them?"

Syuen ignored him completely, one hand still clutching her chest while the other pointed at him, her voice filled with venom.

"Shoot him!"

The Nikkes raised their rifles, ready to fire.

Mo Chen arched an eyebrow.

Mass-produced Nikkes were no threat to him. However, fighting in the lab would risk damaging sensitive equipment and experimental data.

As he contemplated the best way to neutralize them without causing collateral damage, something unexpected happened—the Nikkes suddenly lowered their weapons, halting their attack.

Mo Chen blinked, slightly puzzled.

Syuen, seeing them hesitate, exploded in frustration, shouting at the Nikkes.

"Useless scrap metal! Don't you understand me? I said shoot him!"

The Nikkes didn't even glance at her. Instead, they formed ranks and marched up to Mo Chen, saluting crisply.

"Good day, General!"

Syuen froze the moment she heard those words from the mass-produced Nikkes.

General?

It wasn't just her—Mo Chen himself was baffled.

Since when am I a general?

"You must be mistaken," Mo Chen replied, raising an eyebrow.

The Nikkes finished their salute, their tone respectful as they explained, "Major General Mo Chen, based on your outstanding performance during the Ark Defense Operation, where you safeguarded the Ark from external invaders and protected the lives and property of its citizens, the Ark's artificial intelligence, Enikk, has officially announced your promotion to the rank of Major General as of this morning."

"The official appointment notice has been delivered to your temporary residence. If you have any questions, you may contact the Ark AI directly."

Mo Chen was stunned.

Syuen was even more shocked, staring at him in disbelief.

He's been promoted?!

What left her even more devastated was the realization—she couldn't command the Nikkes anymore.

Panicking at the thought of being completely at his mercy, Syuen lunged for one of the Nikkes' rifles in a desperate attempt to shoot Mo Chen. But in her frantic rush, she'd forgotten just how heavy those weapons were.

With a loud clang, the rifle slipped from her grip, crashing down directly onto her foot.

"AAAHHH—!"

A blood-curdling scream echoed through the lab.