New Kind of Insectoid

"It's something we had never seen before. It looks like a human, but it hits harder than any insectoid we've encountered so far," the female soldier explained as Ella shook in horror at the bloodshed that had occurred.

The strange humanoid creature, which appeared to be female and was completely naked, had a pair of long, dull, angular insectoid wings on its back and two antennae running down its hair, similar to how Liam would hold them, except these were much longer.

At the base of its spine was a long, thick scorpion tail that was extremely agile.

The figure blocked attacks with its wings and was also capable of fast flight while stabbing and tearing apart its victims with its tail.

"Those who survived her attacks started to dissolve into blue liquid within a few hours..." The female soldier's face turned green as she visibly trembled. No matter how much she tried, she couldn't erase the horrifying scenes of her comrades' flesh melting away.

Ella wanted to say something, but she was at a loss for words. It wasn't over yet.

Not only did the creature have the ability to tear through heavy armor, but it could also shoot green energy balls, identical to the one Liam used yesterday, except these were bigger and more powerful.

And it didn't stop there—it could do much more: energy shields, blades, armor, you name it.

"Does the public know about this?" she asked, returning the tablet with the scene still ongoing, showing the creature feeding on its victims.

After seeing this, she understood why Colonel Tyro wanted her on board. After all, she had personally gone to inspect the insectoid nest with chambers where they discovered insectoid experiments on human beings. It was the same nest where she had found Liam.

They thought that was the only one since they couldn't find similar cases afterward, but it seemed they were terribly wrong, and now they were paying the price.

Ella also felt she was to blame because, at the end of the day, she had been raising such a powerful creature under her roof and treating it like a human.

"So far, no. This is treated as top-class classified information until we find a way to deal with it."

"Good, keep it that way," Ella said, biting her lower lip and glancing behind her where Liam had left. The video made her wonder if she was raising a weapon to save humanity or if he would eventually decide to follow his instincts.

'No... What are you thinking? Of course, he wouldn't turn against us. The creature shown was something entirely different,' she thought, feeling a strong desire to punch herself in the forehead for even considering that Liam might turn against them. He was a good son.

"Is everything all right?" the other lieutenant asked after finally turning around and noticing how Ella flinched. Even while talking with his superior, he was still listening to the situation behind him.

"Yeah, sorry. I'm still on edge after seeing all that," she replied with a nervous smile, wiping the sweat from her forehead.

"Understandable, ma'am. Take a few moments to organize your thoughts," the man said, showing a hint of emotion for the first time. He was indifferent when it came to dragging people into war, but that didn't mean he was happy watching them die in this never-ending conflict.

"Anyways, we have orders to take the boy as well," the man added after a short pause.

His words made Ella gulp, but as much as she wanted to protest, she didn't. If they were going to win this war, humanity would need Liam, and he would be able to keep Ava safe for her.

"Fine," she answered. As soon as she spoke those words, Kevin appeared behind her, still in his pajamas, holding his arms behind their children.

"Honey? W-what's going on?" he asked, ignoring the strange looks he got from the soldiers.

Ella glanced over her shoulder. Her forehead wrinkled, and her chin trembled, but no tears came. Only a quiet "sorry..." escaped her lips, audible only to herself. Agreeing to the orders felt like she was selling them.

"Thank you for your cooperation," the male soldier said, his tone indifferent and flat again. He told them to wait a moment while he went to grab uniforms for the teens.

"They have one hour to get changed, pack their belongings, and say their goodbyes," he instructed, handing Ella the clothes for the future cadets.

'Is this it?' Liam thought, his chest tightening as the soldier's words sank in. He had dreamed of this moment, but now it felt like a trap closing around him.

Unconsciously, he moved closer to his father and grabbed his sleeve. It felt warm and comforting, in contrast to the new and foreign uniform.

He had felt excited at the thought of joining the military at first, but now, when the time had finally come, he wasn't so sure anymore. The young hybrid knew that the moment he put on the uniform, his old life would be gone.

The kids, along with their dad, watched as Ella exchanged a few more words with the two strangers before she approached them, handing them their new uniforms.

"So, it's time..." Kevin asked his wife with a sad tone. He had known this day would come, but it had arrived too soon.

"I'm afraid so..." Ella replied, rubbing Ava's and Liam's cheeks, feeling their warmth.

The air around them grew heavier. The house, once filled with laughter, was now completely silent, save for the quiet sobbing coming from Ava, who couldn't hold it in any longer.

She had tried to stay strong and keep it cool, but her brave act crumbled when the time to leave finally arrived.

'Is Ava... crying?' Liam felt a pang in his chest. He hated seeing her like this—hated that he couldn't help her.

He stepped closer to her, his hand hovering above her shoulder for a few seconds before he placed it on top.

"Mom... Dad... I don't want to go..." Her voice trembled as she spoke, letting out everything she had been holding inside.

"Oh, my sugar bunny..." Ella went to hug her daughter, placing her head on top of hers.

She squeezed her tightly in her embrace before letting go. "I know you don't want to go... but it's something you have to do."

Ella broke the hug, gently wiping the tear that rolled down Ava's cheek. "I didn't train you for nothing these past few years. Go and kick their asses, all right?"

A small smile cracked through Ava's sadness when her mom said those words. She was right—it was inevitable, but at least she could show them who was boss.

"Besides, you'll have me by your side too... okay?" Liam added, forcing himself to sound cheerful, though his voice came out lower than he intended.

"Liam's right. Now go get ready and pack your stuff, kids. Don't keep them waiting too long," Kevin said, rubbing the backs of his children. As much as it hurt, he didn't want them to forget anything in their rush.

Liam looked at his dad and nodded in agreement. He gave him a hug and stayed like that for a few moments before heading back to his room to get ready.

No words needed to be spoken; the family bond spoke for itself.