Chap 164: What We Don’t Say
After the Meeting.
The room still smelled faintly of incense and old parchment, a stale, heavy air that clung to her clothes even after Tee shoved open the grand wooden doors.
The elders’ words—or rather, their quiet murmurs and their darting eyes followed her out like smoke.
She didn’t even slam the door. She barged through it, letting it swing back on its own. The echo down the corridor was enough to make a few passing Vergants glance her way before pretending they hadn’t.
Behind her, footsteps. Steady. Unhurried. Measured. She didn’t need to turn to know who it was.
“Persistent much?” she muttered under her breath.
When she finally glanced over her shoulder, her gaze was flat, dull. Not anger, not sadness, just an exhausted emptiness.
Kie was there, hands stuffed into his pockets, that unreadable expression painted across his face like he’d been born with it. He didn’t bother speaking right away, but there was something in the way he looked at her—as if with just one glance, he was still telling her to get the Seal, to wear the crest, to fall in line.
“What are you running from?” he finally asked. His voice was calm, almost too calm, like he wasn’t even expecting a real answer. “Someone willing to face Lilith one-on-one clearly doesn’t fear death.”
Tee scoffed, rolling her eyes. “Definitely not from you.”
She quickened her pace. Kie didn’t. He was the kind of person who could match someone’s speed without looking like he was trying.
She remembered—without wanting to—the way he’d fought beside her against Lilith, Ultramana sword in hand, cutting down enemy strikes with perfect precision. But that memory came with another. The way he’d told her, flatly, that she was worse than Karen.
Her jaw tightened. Maybe he was right. Maybe if she just got the Balance Seal, the others would hate her less. Maybe they’d stop whispering like she couldn’t hear them, like she wasn’t still human.
The thought made her chest ache. She needed someone to talk to—someone to fight with, even—someone who could help her sort through that mess. Against her better judgment, the Commander’s face came to mind.
She turned down a quieter corridor, the low hum of the ventilation system filling the space. Her boots clicked against the polished floor as she walked toward the Commander’s office.
That’s when she heard it again.
The voices.
Not loud enough to make out all the words, but she caught her name—dripping in disdain—and the kind of laughter that made her skin crawl. It was too clear to be imagined. Too cruel to be coincidence.
Her heart sped up. She pushed forward faster, ignoring the burn in her chest. The office door slid open with a smooth hiss, and she froze.
The Lieutenant was sitting in the Commander’s chair.
Her round glasses caught the overhead light, lenses flashing as she looked up. Her hair was pinned neatly in a bun, her lips pressed into a calm line. She didn’t seem surprised to see Tee. The hallway cameras showed her exactly who was coming.
The voices stopped.
Relief and unease tangled in Tee’s stomach. If no one was there… Was she imagining the voices? Tetra would say she needed counseling, and maybe Tetra was right.
Tee walked in and sat down in the chair opposite the desk. “What are you doing here?”
The Lieutenant set the photo frame she’d been holding back onto the desk, aligning it precisely. “I believe the more appropriate question is why are you here, Tee?”
“For my consultation with the Commander.” She leaned back, crossing her arms. “He said if I ever wanted to talk, I could come to him.”
The Lieutenant’s brows lifted slightly. “Strange, then, that it’s only after your secret came out—and after the… situation with your teammates—that you suddenly want to talk.”
“Fine, we can—”
“I’m here to talk to the Commander,” Tee cut in sharply. “Not his lackey.”
The Lieutenant inhaled slowly. A less controlled person might have snapped back, but she only let a faint, measured smile touch her lips. The calm, unflappable type—just like the Commander. Maybe it had rubbed off from spending so much time with him.
The Lieutenant leaned forward, resting her elbows lightly on the desk. “How is everything going now that your teammates know the truth?”
“It’s horrible,” Tee said without hesitation. “They talk about me like I’m not even human anymore. Like I’m just some mangy animal that crawled out of a sewer. I wish they never knew.”
“Well,” The Lieutenant said evenly, “You did lie and intentionally keep it from them for a long time. But you’re very strong. The strongest girl I’ve ever met. You’ll get through it.”
The words hit her harder than she expected. Strength. Not skill, not power—strength.
“Let me tell you a true story,” The Lieutenant continued.
Her voice softened, almost like she was telling a bedtime story.
“There was a Vergant woman who fell in love with a man from the modern world. They had two children. The Vergants hated modern worlders—hatred deep from history—and they ambushed the family, killing the mother. The father fled with his children back to the modern world, raising them where they were safer.
“But they never truly belonged anywhere. The Vergants refused to accept them, blinded by that same old hatred. The children learned to erase their Vergant side, just to survive. And even now, they’re still spoken of as traitors. Yet… they never held a grudge against the Vergants, even after what happened to their mother. Sometimes, you have to be the wise one. You do the right thing anyway. For you, Tee… that starts with the Balance Seal.”
Tee’s temper spiked. There it was again. The Seal. Everyone always circling back to it, as if it was the one solution to every problem in her life.
She stood abruptly, muttering something about having somewhere to be, and left before The Lieutenant could press the point further.
The Next Day.
the Commander’s voice carried across the training grounds like the crack of a whip. “Group combat. Same rules as before— ut Tee…” His gaze lingered on her. “Try using your Ultramana abilities this time. They’re more effective against the Harbingers.”
The training grounds were a wide, open arena made of pale stone tiles, surrounded by broken pillars and scattered rock formations for cover. Parts of the floor were uneven, with shallow dips and raised platforms to make the fights more challenging. Above, a high, arched ceiling of glass-like panels let in the daylight, while faint blue energy shields lined the edges to keep attacks from spilling out.
It wasn’t fancy, but it was big enough for team battles, with plenty of room to move and obstacles to use for cover. The stone underfoot was scarred with burns, cracks, and impact marks from years of combat drills.
Tee smiled, slow and deliberate, and let the dark mana rise in her instead. Black tendrils coiled around her hands, and her eyes flooded with shadow.
Zod, Saeda, and Miko all instinctively stepped back. No one wanted to spar with her like this. No one, except—
“Hey, pee brain!”
She turned. Kie was already forming his Ultramana sword, its energy radiating like sunlight through glass.
“Let’s make a deal,” he called out. “If I win, you get the Seal.”
Tee tilted her head. “And if I win?”
He shrugged. “Your call.”
She smirked. “Aren’t you afraid you’ll trigger the MegaSapian by fighting me?”
He answered by slashing his sword through the air, sending a wave of pure Ultramana energy tearing toward her.
Her eyes widened — she threw up a dark energy force shield just in time. The impact shoved her back several feet, boots scraping against the ground, but she stayed upright.
Annoyed, yes. But she couldn’t help the small grin tugging at her lips. What if… it wasn’t fear of mutation that made him save her from her teammates? What if it was something else?
Around them, Zod, Miko, and Saeda carried on their own skirmishes — until they stopped. One by one, their attention shifted to the clash happening at the center of the field.
Light versus dark. Ultramana constructs slamming against jagged blades of shadow.
Energy waves colliding midair, bursting into shockwaves.
Tee’s sonic scream cracked through the air, meeting the sharp, crystalline hum of Kie’s sword as he blocked.
They moved too fast to track—bursts of movement, near-misses, and strikes that shaved victory by mere fractions.
It wasn’t just a fight. It was a display. A challenge. Maybe even a conversation neither of them wanted to have out loud.
But the ground beneath them was less forgiving. Their blows cracked walls, shredded pillars, and weakened the structure around them until the whole place began to collapse.
Dust filled the air, blinding and choking. Kie was suddenly beside her, one arm raised. His Ultramana force shield flared to life, enveloping them both. With a push of energy, it lifted them above the falling debris.
Below, Zod carried Miko in his own energy. Saeda retreated into her orb.
When they landed safely away from the wreckage, Tee glanced at him. “Who won?”
“Clearly I did,” he said, still holding the shield around them.
She grinned. “Well, since I didn’t name my side of the bargain, it wasn’t official. No deal.”
The shield vanished. She dropped to the ground, bending her knees to keep from face-planting.
“Jerk” she yelled up at him.
He stood above her, balanced on an energy construct, grinning despite himself.
“I’m never getting that Seal!” she called out.
The smile slipped from his face.
Crap.
After failing miserably at group combat training against Kie, Tee wasted no time. She got dressed at record speed, eager to escape before he could corner her. She swore his stalking was getting out of hand.
The beach would be her refuge.
As she made her way there, her thoughts wandered to her short return to her home district. She remembered the old swing—the one that made her feel like she was flying. Whenever life felt too heavy, that swing had lifted her above it all. That memory sparked an idea.
Oddly, the mission base was silent. No The Lieutenant, no the Commander. She headed to the Commander’s office, hoping to find The Lieutenant there. Instead, the blond snake himself greeted her.
“I’m just here to get some rope,” she blurted out before he could speak. “Really really strong rope.”
The Commander’s brow rose sharply. “Your secret is now out.” His voice carried a note of suspicion as his brows knitted. “What exactly are you planning to do with rope? Cadet… are you sure getting the Seal isn’t better?”
They stared at each other, a silent battle of wills.
Finally, the Commander sighed. “Fine. You can get rope.” He stood, motioning for her to follow.
In the storeroom, he handed her a fat coil of Spectra rope. It was strong enough to tow a ship, yet Tee slung it easily over her hip.
“Thanks,” she said quickly, turning to leave.
The moment she was gone, the Commander activated a hologram. “Cadet,” he said, Kie’s face appearing mid-shave. “I hope you haven’t forgotten our arrangement. Tee is heading to the beach. Monitor her.”
Kie had just finished shaving one side of his face, white foam still clinging to the other. His hair was damp from the shower, and he looked seconds away from arguing. But the hologram cut off before he could speak.
He stared at the mirror. The Commander expected him to mess up his freshly washed hair just to go see what Tee was up to? He groaned, remembering his demotion. That was reason enough.
Meanwhile, the Commander rested a hand lightly over a large red button beneath his desk, eyes fixed on the live feed of Tee. He watched her throw the rope over a high branch and secure it. His finger pressed gently… then relaxed when he saw what she was doing. Just a swing. He leaned back, still plotting how to convince her about the Seal.
By then, Kie had crossed the windy fields, towel-drying his hair as he walked. Tall trees swayed ahead, their shadows cutting the evening sun into golden shards across the sand. It was almost peaceful.
Tee had just finished tying the swing when her senses prickled. A quick use of her foreseeing vision confirmed it—Kie.
Of course.
She hid the extra rope, kicking sand over it, and decided to intercept him before he could see what she’d made.
They met halfway, eyes locking.
“You’re a horrible sneaker,” Tee said, stepping from behind a tree. “I heard you coming from a mile away.” She crossed her arms, face hard. “What are you doing here? And don’t bother with the Seal speech. I already know.”
“That,” he replied evenly, “and you should be wearing a crest.”
“Never. And stop following me.”
Kie inhaled sharply. “I wonder what goes on in that thick skull of yours. Are you even thinking? Just get the damn Seal—”
“I’m not letting them win!” she cut him off, voice rising to match his. “Why can’t you use your head and see they’re trying to kill me?” Her eyes bled to black, fangs lengthening.
Kie didn’t flinch. He was used to that transformation by then.
She stared at him, mind whirling. What was she doing? He probably wanted her dead too.
“I will get you to take that Seal,” he said firmly. It wasn’t just about regaining his honor. He feared what she might unleash.
His hair caught in the wind, revealing more forehead than usual. Tee noticed and smiled. Oh, she was definitely going to tease him about his big forehead later.
She turned and headed back to the swing. Kie followed, her annoyance clear, but she eventually stopped trying to chase him off. They were both stubborn.
Kie spotted the swing and scratched his head. “Haven’t seen one of these in years.”
Tee feigned surprise. “It’s a swing,” she said with an exaggerated tone.
He walked past her and sat in it. “Is it sturdy?”
The audacity. She hadn’t even tested it yet. But then an idea crept in—better he be the crash-test dummy than her.
“Yeah,” she said with a grin. “It’s sturdy.”
He eyed the ropes overhead. “You built this.”
She stayed silent.
“I can see the crappy craftsmanship.”
Her lips pressed together.
“Where’d you get the rope?” he asked, studying the knotwork.
“The Commander,” she finally replied.
Kie blinked.
She deepened her voice in mockery. “‘That cadet, I’m not sure what you’re planning to do with this rope, but before you decide anything crazy—know you can talk to me about anything.’”
Kie snorted. “Tch, that man lets you have your way too much.”
She didn’t respond—just pushed him in the swing.
“Wow—hey—what are you doing?”
“I’m pushing you.”
He chuckled behind a hand as the swing carried him forward.
“Something funny?” she asked, peering over his shoulder.
Grinning, he said, “Isn’t the guy supposed to be doing the pushing?”
“I’ve never heard that rule before.”
His chuckle turned mischievous, and she narrowed her eyes.
“You have such a dirty mind!” she blurted.
“What?!” He tried to sound offended but ended up laughing. “You’re the one with the dirty mind. I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
She laughed, holding both ropes above his head. But then she remembered—she hated him. She shoved him hard, sending the swing forward, and it spun slightly on return.
“Watch it!” he barked, bracing a foot to stop the spin.
The motion reminded her of swinging with Jack, how he’d let her twirl until she was dizzy.
When Kie steadied, she leaned close, her lips near his nape. He leaned forward to prevent the touch and glimpsed back at her.
“What are you doing?” he asked.
“Neither of us officially called off our relationship, so I figured—”
“What?!” he blurted.
“Friends with benefits—”
“No. We are over!” he barked, veins standing out in his neck.
Tee scoffed. “Of course. Because I’m a Xeno-victim.”
“Not only that—you’re a manipulative liar. Probably a psycho.”
Tee gasped, clutching her chest. “Excuse me?”
“Anyway,” he said, cold, “if you think I’m leaving, forget it. You’re getting that Seal today.”
Tee hissed, backing away. “No. I’m not ready to die. There are still things I want to do. Pity I’m stuck at Primus.”
She dropped into the sand at the base of a tree.
“What if I ask the Commander to let us go out?” Kie asked from the swing.
Her voice spiked. “Just you and me?”
He noticed the change in tone but said nothing. “You’d have to wear a crest,” he added.
There it was—the catch. She stood immediately, losing all interest.
“Where are you going?” he called, irritated. “I swear you’re walking around like a lunatic.”
“Somewhere I won’t have to see you.”
He followed. She’d probably sulk in her room. He considered tying her up with the swing’s rope and dragging her to get the Seal. Would it hold?
Then—
The ground shuddered. Birds erupted from the trees in a single black cloud. A deep, heavy pressure sank into their chests. Tee turned to Kie, their eyes wide.
It was rare for the Commander to personally attend a low-level mission. His voice over their telecoms was tense as the five Sentinels stood on shimmering Ultramana constructs in the air, staring at the massive, unblinking eye embedded in a mountain’s side.
“That’s not a Leak,” the Commander said.
“What exactly are we looking at?” Zod asked.
The eye remained open, huge and alien.
The jet they’d arrived in hovered nearby. The Commander’s green jacket whipped in the wind as he peered through spy-tech glasses, feeding intel back to the elders.
“This is the source of the tremor,” he explained. “A Yllithor beast. Not from across the Veil. They’ve existed for thousands of years—sleeping, even during Severin-Reign. This one rests beneath Primus. The Elders believe its awakening is tied to the same forces of the planet making the Fragments detectable.”
“So it might wake up and destroy Primus?” Zod pressed.
“And you five,” the Commander said flatly, “will have to pacify it.”
Tee turned toward him in disbelief—but her senses screamed.
A sharp shove threw her aside.
Kie’s forceshield flared, taking the brunt of the white energy beam that blasted from the beast’s eye—but it shattered instantly.
The Ultramana platform under them cracked apart, dumping all five Sentinels into a long, deadly fall down the jagged mountainside.