The Rise of the X Legion

It was yet another tranquil night in New City, nestled within a serene café. Such establishments were rare jewels, found only in first-tier cities; in second-tier cities like Black Whale or third-tier ones such as Godo and Lanser, they were practically nonexistent.

To savor a cup brewed from coffee beans directly preserved since the Great Purge here would cost hundreds of Alliance credits.

Yet, those who indulged in such an oddly flavored brew cared little for the price.

Jason sat alone in a shadowed corner, gently stirring his coffee with a silver spoon after dropping in a cube of sugar, lost deep in thought.

Suddenly, a few figures pushed open the door. Wearing a pristine white shirt, Hebraeus glanced around and spotted the despondent Jason. He strode directly toward the corner.

The others trailed behind, settling casually in nearby seats.

Hebraeus took a seat opposite Jason, who glanced up and forced an awkward smile. "Sorry, I was lost in thought."

"You old fox, what's got you so absorbed?"

Jason shook his head. "I've been pondering how our two families can endure in the future."

"What do you mean? Things aren't so bad now, are they?" Hebraeus said, but inwardly he shared Jason's unease.

"Things may seem fine, but we once believed that if we had our own armed force, we could break free from the Alliance Army's grip and no longer live at their mercy. Now? We do have our military, our weapons... but these people are wolves. As soon as they grew stronger, they cast us aside. And what they'll do next will only make things harder for us."

Hebraeus nodded solemnly. "You're right. I never imagined things would turn out like this. Have you ever wondered—if it weren't for your son and Kelly getting close, would we have come this far? Maybe Xiao Feng would be courting Kelly, and we'd still control the entire X Legion."

Jason sighed. "I admit my son played a part, but it's unfair to place all the blame on him."

"Enough bickering. I know you called me here to talk. So, what's on your mind?"

"I've thought it through. Since the X Legion has abandoned us, we must seek another armed force. We cannot be controlled any longer." Jason's voice was resolute.

Hebraeus nodded again. "I've considered that as well. You possess cutting-edge technology; we have formidable arms production. Finding another force would be advantageous, though such a faction is exceedingly difficult to locate."

Jason produced a small box and slid it across the table to Hebraeus. Inside lay a tiny chip. "Look at this. I've shown it to only one other person. Don't let anyone else know. Think carefully about it."

Hebraeus regarded the box with surprise, realizing this was the true reason Jason had summoned him for coffee.

He nodded once more. "Understood."

"No matter how this world changes, as long as we have technology, and as long as you maintain your manufacturing might, we won't be consumed."

"Let's hope so..."

Since dining at Allen's house that one evening, Xiao Feng had grown deeply fond of Allen's wife's cooking—a flavor and warmth no wealth could purchase. The longer Xiao Feng spent with Allen, the more they enjoyed each other's company, and invitations to visit became frequent.

Xiao Feng was cautious during his visits; he didn't want outsiders aware of how close their relationship truly was.

On this night, accompanied by Pandora and two bottles of red wine, Xiao Feng returned to Allen's home. After sharing dinner with Allen and his beautiful wife, they slipped quietly out of the gated villa community, heading toward a distant shopping mall. Xiao Feng always parked there to avoid drawing attention.

Pandora wore a short skirt that evening, her slender, fair legs and alluring curves catching the lamplight. Her exquisite beauty radiated a fierce, wild charm that could captivate any man instantly.

Xiao Feng looked at this radiant woman beside him and thought: if Pandora weren't a machine, he might very well fall for her. But knowing she was mechanical, she was to be admired, not desired.

They exchanged sparse words as they reached the parking lot. Xiao Feng had just opened the car door when a familiar female voice called out, "Xiao Feng..."

He turned to see Kelly approaching, dressed in an elegant suit. Behind her stood a man—William, Jason's son, whom Xiao Feng had encountered a few times before.

Kelly appeared more mature, her meticulous makeup unable to conceal the faint weariness beneath. As the heir to the Brom Corporation, she still had much to learn.

Xiao Feng's expression darkened as he regarded Kelly. "Kelly. It's been a long time..."

She stepped forward while William lingered nearby, eyeing Xiao Feng with thinly veiled hostility.

Kelly's voice was soft. "It's been a while. I didn't expect to run into you here..."

Her gaze flickered toward Pandora, who approached with an untamed, almost primal allure—a magnetism that could effortlessly conquer any man's heart. Jealousy suddenly flared within Kelly.

Pandora recognized William, who furrowed his brow in puzzlement.

Xiao Feng smiled bitterly at Kelly. "Haha, you've got many surprises. How's life with William? Happy, I suppose?"

Kelly faltered. "I've wanted to explain for a long time, but never had the chance. Maybe we can find somewhere to talk properly?"

"Forget it. What is there left to say? I wish you and William a lifetime of happiness." His tone icy, Xiao Feng slid into his sports car.

Pandora caught the grim look on Xiao Feng's face and understood his genuine anger—an expression he rarely showed.

She cast a hostile glance at Kelly before moving to the passenger seat.

Xiao Feng started the engine, ignoring Pandora, and with a deft maneuver shifted into reverse, then drive, flooring the accelerator. The roaring engine shattered the serene night.

Kelly watched the car vanish around a nearby corner, tears welling in her eyes.

William draped an arm around Kelly's shoulders. "There's no need for this."

Kelly collapsed into his embrace, sobbing. William's eyes hardened, cold as ice.