Chapter 386: ARROGANCE AND DEFIANCE

"But Administrator, this fool is acting out of place. He let them go when he should have—""Shut up!" the administrator shouted.

His voice thundered through the confined space of the control room, raw with fury and exhaustion.

The sharp command silenced the general mid-sentence, the man’s mouth snapping shut as veins pulsed at his temples.

The administrator’s chest heaved, his face flushed under the harsh emergency lights, the air thick with the lingering scent of ozone and sweat-soaked fear.

"Thank you, Jordan, for helping us. If not for you, I would likely be dead alongside these disgraces of generals," the administrator continued.

His tone softened as he turned to Jordan, gratitude shining through the weariness etched in his eyes.

The words carried genuine relief, a quiet acknowledgment of the young man’s pivotal role in their survival.

"I am honored by your praise," Jordan replied.

He held his head high, posture straight and unyielding, the starry glow in his eyes reflecting faintly off the console screens.

Confidence radiated from him like a subtle aura, undiminished by the chaos that had unfolded.

"When you pay respect to the administrator, your head should be lowered!" the general struck once more.

His voice rose in petty indignation, but a menacing glance from the administrator, sharp as a blade forced him to swallow the rest.

The general’s jaw clenched, resentment simmering beneath his armored exterior.

"Sir, the support has arrived," one of the soldiers came forward.

The young officer stepped briskly into the room, saluting crisply, his voice cutting through the tension like a fresh breeze.

The distant hum of incoming vessels vibrated faintly through the walls, a promise of reinforcement.

"I see. Let’s meet them at once. Jordan, stick with me," the administrator said.

He turned to Jordan, his tone protective as he gestured for the young man to follow.

The invitation was clear, ensuring his safety amid the shifting power dynamics and unknown enemies.

Jordan nodded in understanding.

He fell into step behind the administrator, his boots echoing softly on the metallic floor.

They left the envious general behind, the man’s glare burning into their backs like unspoken venom.

---

"Welcome. Thank you for your timely arrival," the administrator expressed his gratitude.

"We can discuss more later. Where are the enemies?" Nick asked impatiently.

His reptilian eyes scanned the surroundings, voice laced with urgency.

He stepped forward confidently, his presence dominating the open space, the subtle scales along his jaw catching the bay’s harsh lights.

"Pardon me, are you in charge?" the administrator asked.

He stole glances at Lilian standing behind Nick, confusion flickering across his features.

He had expected Lilian to lead, her renowned strength and composure well-known even here, her elegant form a familiar silhouette against the arriving troops.

"Yes, I am. I am Nick, leader of the attack team, as well as the new governor," Nick informed calmly.

His words dropped like a stone into still water, rippling through the group.

A faint, self-assured smile played on his lips, his posture exuding unchallenged authority.

"Governor?" the administrator echoed in shock.

His eyes widened, struggling to process the claim.

The title hung heavily in the recycled air, uncertain whether it was bluff or brutal truth.

His hands clasped tighter, knuckles whitening subtly.

Lilian stared at Nick in shock as well.

Her lips parted slightly, surprise and disbelief warring on her refined features.

The revelation struck her like an unexpected gale, her composure cracking for a fleeting moment amid the hum of idling engines.

"You...?" Lilian asked.

Her voice carried a mix of accusation and hurt, eyes searching his face for any sign of jest.

"Did I not tell you? Well, pardon me perhaps the pressing matter made it slip my mind," Nick replied to Lilian.

A bright smile spread across his face, insincere warmth masking the triumph in his reptilian gaze.

The words twisted like a subtle barb, savoring her reaction.

"We shall continue the conversation in a much better setting. For now, let’s handle the task we came for," Nick said calmly.

He waved off further discussion with a casual gesture, redirecting focus with practiced ease.

"So, Administrator, where are the enemies?" Nick asked once more.

Impatience edged his tone again, his foot tapping faintly against the platform grating.

"Pardon me, my lord, for not paying my respects," the administrator said quickly.

He lowered his head in a deep bow, the gesture hasty and deferential.

Lilian’s stricken expression was all he needed to realize the possibility and peril.of Nick’s claim being true.

"And actually, my lord," the administrator continued hesitantly.

"The enemies have retreated," he finished.

His voice held a note of apology, eyes darting nervously to gauge Nick’s reaction.

"What do you mean?" Nick asked coldly.

His aura flared subtly, a predatory pressure that made the nearby guards shift uncomfortably, the temperature seeming to drop in his vicinity.

"You know false alarms are a heavily punishable offense, right?" Nick pressed.

His voice lowered, imposing and threatening, reptilian eyes narrowing like slits.

"Not at all, my lord," the administrator pleaded innocence.

His hands raised placatingly, sweat beading anew on his brow despite the bay’s chill.

"They retreated, my lord," he reaffirmed quickly.

"Retreated? And why is that?" Nick asked suspiciously.

His gaze bored into the administrator, unblinking and intense, the subtle scales along his skin glinting ominously.

"Thanks to Jordan, who came to our rescue, we were able to ward them off. If not for him, we would all have been dead before your arrival, my lord," the administrator explained.

Praise for Jordan flowed genuinely, a lifeline in the tense exchange, his gesture toward the young man carrying quiet admiration.

"You are the Jordan? What’s your origin?" Nick asked.

His attention shifted sharply to the young man standing nearby, curiosity and calculation mingling in his tone.

"I’m Jordan Hayes, a native of the now-vanished galactic cluster," Jordan replied evenly.

His starry eyes met Nick’s without flinching, voice steady amid the echoing bay.

"And you were able to ward them off. Why couldn’t you do so for your galactic cluster?" Nick asked suspiciously.

Doubt colored his words, probing for weaknesses like a predator testing prey.