The Royal Military Academy's Impostor Owns a Dungeon [BL]

Chapter 1002: The Safest Place in the Empire

"Haaay..."

At the fourth sigh that seemed to come from the least frequented depths of the planet, one blonde sworn brother finally had to ask, "Brother, is everything alright?"

It was a very simple question that should’ve had a very simple answer, and yet, at that very moment, one previously excited Luca Kyros could only respond with another question.

"Brother, is something actually wrong with our flag?"

Luca said it with his brows furrowed, his face looking utterly forlorn.

"Huh? What do you mean?" Ollie asked, instinctively glancing behind him to check on the flag before continuing. "How could something be wrong with our flag?"

"Well... if nothing is wrong with it, then how come no one has come to take it?" Luca asked sincerely, deep concern etched across his face.

"!!!"

A small gasp escaped Ollie, almost like a hiccup, as the weight of that question hit him all at once.

And for some reason, he immediately broke into a cold sweat.

Because how was he supposed to explain this?

It felt worse than having to explain the birds and the bees to his youngest brother Owen, when the kid had once asked how to get another sibling so he, too, could pick on someone else.

But honestly, that one hadn’t even been hard.

After all, in a response that would’ve shaved years off the lives of parents across the universe, a young Oliver Mylor from a decade ago had simply explained that it was all about staying healthy, passing strict exams, and picking the best names while waiting for their appointment.

See?

Simple.

His parents made it seem like the world was ending when Owen regaled them about the conversation he had with the helpful mop, but clearly, his parents were worried about nothing, since this—his current situation—was the true definition of hard!

Just how was he supposed to tell Luca that no one was coming?

That the only people who would willingly approach their flag right now were those who wanted to meet their maker, both literally and spiritually?

Because contrary to the Federation’s earlier behavior, it seemed that no one else was that eager to dance with death.

And honestly, that was expected.

When these guests first arrived at the Empire, they had probably been filled with grand ideas of conquest, of power, of spoils. And those thoughts had likely reached their peak right before the spar began.

But all of that had collapsed just moments ago.

Right when Luca, with bright eyes and genuine excitement, declared that he would personally greet anyone who came for the flag.

Apparently, everyone heard that.

What the three and a half individuals thought was a small conversation within their own little world had somehow been broadcast to everyone and their ancestors.

"..."

"... "

Safe to say, at that moment, in the vast expanse of the universe as they knew it, there was probably no safer place than the vicinity of their flag.

But for one golden-eyed dreamer, nothing could have been more depressing.

"Uhhh..."

Luca looked like a sulking child who simply wanted to know why no one wanted to play with him. His eyes trembled slightly as he leaned closer to his brother, clearly waiting for an answer.

Ollie, meanwhile, leaned back just as much, as if physical distance could somehow save him from answering the question that everyone seemed to be waiting for.

Theo, noticing the precarious situation, finally said, "Maybe they’re just tied up... They’re looking pretty busy right now, after all."

He said it at the exact moment one of the Federation cadets met Xavier’s leg.

Yes, met. And not the other way around.

It was as if Xavier hadn’t made an effort at all, and yet the cadet’s head had somehow found its way into contact with his leg before being sent flying.

Ollie almost teared up.

He sent Theo a shimmering, wordless thank you, practically batting his lashes in gratitude.

But Luca, instead of being reassured, only tilted his head slightly and muttered under his breath.

"But how could that be when at least seven of them are just standing?"

"Huh? You mean their goalkeepers?" Ollie asked, latching onto the thought.

"No."

The listless guild leader shook his head slowly, his expression turning even more despondent.

"No, they’ve been hiding out since the match started."

"!!!"

This time, it wasn’t just Ollie and Theo who flinched.

Because somewhere across the arena, within the Federation’s side—

Seven cadets in stealth felt their spines tingle at once.

__

Unbeknownst to the Federation elites who had been revered back in their nation, in the logs of one little system, their family backgrounds, fame, fortune, and future potential had all been reduced to words like:

Capturer A, B, C, and D.

For the more interesting or memorable ones, there were titles like "Soft" or "Hard-Boiled Eggs." At best, the most notable had been "Eggplant Hair," a nickname given to the temporarily decommissioned Voss heir.

However, Luca and D-29 had a different naming convention for the unusual individuals who simply stood around while their friends fought for their guild.

And that would be Decorative Personnel A to G.

But by sheer luck, or perhaps karma, out of that group, the tale about to unfold was that of Decorative Personnel D, who really should’ve stayed home.

Then again, it was already too late. For the two well-meaning cadets of DG had already managed to ask, "What? What do you mean?"

"Brother, the spot you’re pointing at... there’s no one there."

The golden-eyed cadet was taken aback.

Right there on his extremely open face was the look of someone who had not expected to hear such words.

Then again, that was really because both Luca and his little system were truly caught off guard by their unexpected claim.

And while that expression would have been amusing under normal circumstances, that kind of amusement was not shared by the members of the Federation.

Thump!

Thump! Thump!

His heart pounded harder than it should have.

His sensors, which had been attuned to the environment to provide support and information to his teammates, reacted faster than they were supposed to.

And just as he tried to calm himself down, Decorative Personnel D made the worst possible mistake.

Instead of panning with his cybernetic eye, he looked straight ahead.

And when he did—

He saw it.

Luca Kyros.

The true madman of the Empire of Solaris was looking at him pointedly.

"!!!"

For a split second, Decorative Personnel D wanted to believe it was a coincidence. A lucky guess, or maybe a passing glance.

But all such thoughts were thrown away the moment Luca’s expression shifted.

He regained his smile.

It was genuine, bright, blinding, and arguably terrifying.

Yet, as if the universe was unsatisfied, the golden-eyed cadet further muttered, "Thank you, Brother. I just realized there were really more interesting things to look at!"

"And since they can’t seem to move by themselves, let me just see if I can personally visit them!"

Decorative Personnel D felt that in his reinforced bones.

And the moment Luca’s smile reached his eyes as he tilted his head ever so slightly in his direction—

The Federation cadet was certain he had just soiled his pants.