A Chemist's Interstellar Saga
Chapter 258: Different Choices

Chapter 258: Different Choices

In the beginning, Inferno wasn’t the polluted mess it is now. It was once the most popular tourist planet in the Empire of Eden, boasting a pristine environment that rivaled untouched natural worlds. Such a lush and green planet naturally attracted the Celesterrors, who adored it.

Nearly all the Celesterrors in the Empire of Eden called this planet home. It was a major draw for both domestic and foreign tourists, but it also caught the eye of some unsavory characters.

An illegal research lab, known for capturing Celesterrors for experiments, secretly set up shop on Inferno, building their lab deep underground.

By the time the Empire of Eden realized what was happening, it was already too late.

Though they swiftly executed the criminals responsible, the damage was done. Many Celesterrors had been infected by the virus, transforming them into mindless creatures known as Fallen Beasts.

The most terrifying aspect of this virus was its extreme contagiousness. While humans could avoid infection with the right precautions, the infection rate among Celesterrors was a grim 100%.

With no cure in sight, the Empire of Eden had no choice but to quarantine the entire planet.

However, maintaining such a strict quarantine came with a hefty price tag, draining hundreds of billions of costs every single day.

Despite the minister’s moral compass telling him to keep the virus contained, the financial strain became unbearable.

After a few months, the treasury was nearly empty, forcing the minister to abandon the quarantine efforts.

Even then, he couldn’t stomach the thought of the virus spreading across the galaxy. So, he devised a plan: turn the planet into a competition site for the upcoming mecha tournament.

His hope? That perhaps the brilliant minds from other nations might find a way to save the Celesterrors on the planet.

After hearing the minister’s explanation, Sykes and the others found it difficult to blame him further.

Yet, Roland’s gaze remained icy as he remarked, "No matter how you try to spin it, you still turned it into a contest where Fallen Beasts are killed for points. Deep down, you never really believed those students could save the Celesterrors, did you?"

The minister of Eden, seeing his true motives laid bare, didn’t get angry. Instead, he responded with resolve, "The Empire of Eden tried for five months and couldn’t find a way to save the Celesterrors. How can you expect me to believe a bunch of teenagers could?"

The harsh reality was that the minister had no faith that these students could crack the mystery of the virus plaguing the planet.

His decision to use the planet as a competition site wasn’t driven by hope for a cure. It was a calculated move.

If, by the end of the tournament, the virus remained unchecked, he could justify wiping out the entire planet.

After all, destroying was easier than saving. Sacrificing the Celesterrors on one planet to protect countless others across the galaxy—that was the safest choice.

Just as the minister’s determination grew stronger, Admiral Sykes interrupted him with a simple question.

"What if I tell you Arix is there?"

Sykes spoke calmly, but his words hit like a bolt of lightning. The minister froze, the resolve in his eyes crumbling in an instant. His lips trembled as he glanced at Sykes.

Yes, Arix. The same Arix who had beaten a disease that had plagued humanity for centuries. And now, he was among those children.

The minister fell into a deep silence. The thought of Arix finding a way to conquer this new virus during the competition was too overwhelming.

...

Back at the competition site, Cirilla and Elio returned with disappointing news.

Of the four major countires aside from the Alliance, only the Empire of Sacred Moonlight had been held back by Cassian.

The Kraiton Empire, under Celesterror’s influence, had agreed to stop hunting—for three days.

If no cure for the virus was found by then, the hunt would resume.

The other two countries? They didn’t even bother with the Alliance mecha team, dismissing them as delusional.

"The Empire of Merman doesn’t care if these creatures are Celesterror or not," Elio said through gritted teeth. "Even if they are, it doesn’t matter to them!"

"You’re lucky. The Empire of Eden thought I was lying to them. I almost didn’t make it back," Deanna added, shaking her head.

After hearing everyone’s reports, Drexel wasn’t surprised. He had already predicted this outcome.

The competitors of these freshman mecha competitions had killed their allies previously, so targeting Celesterrors was a natural thing. If it wasn’t for Cassian and Arix’s engagement, the Empire of Sacred Moonlight might’ve kept hunting as well.

Drexel sighed, ready to offer some words of encouragement. However, suddenly, an emergency alert popped up on all the participants’ opticomputers.

Notice: Due to special circumstances, the judges and referees have unanimously decided to suspend the killing of Fallen Beasts for five days. Additionally, if any mecha team can develop a cure for the virus within those five days and submit it to the Inferno competition base, that team will win the competition, regardless of previous points.

Drexel’s eyes widened, and his planned comfort speech got stuck in his throat. The Alliance mecha team exchanged looks before breaking into cheers.

"This is amazing! Someone out there must be looking out for these Celesterrors!" Arix was practically bouncing with excitement.

"What are we waiting for? Let’s head to Inferno’s capital city!" Cirilla urged, grinning.

Drexel smiled too. With a quick gesture, the entire Alliance mecha team vanished, ready for action.

Meanwhile, other mecha teams were busy cursing their luck.

...

"Captain, what now?" The Alphas of the Elden turned to their leader, frustration in their eyes. They had been leading the competition by a mile, but now, with these sudden rule changes, all their hard work seemed pointless.

Blaze, however, appeared unfazed. He had seen this coming. An understanding glint flashed in his eyes.

"No need to panic. This could actually turn in our favor," Blaze said, a mysterious smile playing on his lips.

...

As for the Empire of Sacred Moonlight...

"Is Eden’s leadership stupid or what? Why would they suddenly change the competition rules?" Kares grumbled.

"Not that it matters. We weren’t going to win anyway. Prince Cassian already promised the Alliance team he wouldn’t kill those Fallen Beasts," Galen replied, chomping on a chicken leg he’d somehow acquired.

Kares just stared at him.

"Damn love-struck fool. Go find us some wild veggies or something!"

The members of the Kraiton mecha team were frustrated.

"What is the Empire of Eden thinking? This was supposed to be a mecha competition, and now it’s turned into some kind of research contest, and we’re supposed to develop a virus cure? Who are they kidding?"

Liron, who usually worried about everything, surprisingly took a laid-back approach this time. "Well, we already agreed with the Alliance mecha team not to kill any Fallen Beasts for three days, so a couple more days won’t hurt."

"But why would the Empire of Eden suddenly stop us from killing the Fallen Beasts? Could it be that the Alliance mecha team was telling the truth?" Branson suddenly said, with a hint of doubt.

Liron looked at his usually carefree captain in surprise. He didn’t have time to check what was happening before Branson’s words drew him in. Thinking back to what the Alliance mecha team had said earlier, his mood suddenly grew heavy.

’Could those ugly Fallen Beasts really be the soft and adorable Celesterror?’

Unlike the other mecha teams, who were just grumbling, the Sirens were absolutely furious. The Empire of Merman already had few doctors, and none had come to participate in the competition. Now, the rules had changed to focus on virus research...

The tallest merman among the Sirens, with a cold and sinister look in his eyes, said, "If we can’t develop a cure for the virus, then no one else should be able to either! Wouldn’t it be better if we all lost together?"

The Sirens exchanged glances, and suddenly, they all started rubbing their hands together mischievously. "Heh, that sounds good!"

When it comes to sabotage, Sirens are the experts!