Developing Superpowers in Another World

Chapter 299 – The Haenden Star System Needs You

 

“You are not from a wasteland star; you come from a world completely different from the Haenden star system. That world also has strange creatures, though they’re called differently—’alien species.’ The biggest difference between alien species and alien beasts is that some alien species possess an inner core. When humans consume the core, they can gain extraordinary abilities, like super speed, super strength…”

Tu Ran listened quietly, resting her chin on her knees, eyes half-shut, her fingers playing with bits of gravel on the ground.

If she ever found out who had explained everything so clearly, she would make sure to tell “him”.

Tu Ran pressed her forefinger and middle finger together, and a stone three centimeters thick split cleanly in half.

Ye Hongci stared at Tu Ran’s fingers, words caught on her lips.

Tu Ran dusted off her hands, stood up, then brushed the dirt off her backside. She looked back at Ye Hongci. “General, let’s stand and talk. A little wind might help us stay alert.”

Ye Hongci braced herself with one hand and stood up.

As soon as they left the shelter of the large rock, the wind that ran wild through the stone forest wrapped around them.

Tu Ran faced the wind, her loose hair dancing wildly in the gusts. “General Ye, aren’t you afraid that, by revealing everything so directly, you’ll ‘push the dog to jump over the wall’?”

“Push the dog to jump over the wall?” Ye Hongci chuckled at her phrasing. “This is the first time I’ve heard someone describe themselves that way.”

Tu Ran raised an eyebrow. “Is the idiom derogatory?”

Dogs are so cute, just like Pangpang.

She missed Pangpang.

It was so much more comfortable being with Pangpang; the only worry was what to eat next, with no need to be troubled by these chaotic matters.

“Of course not,” Ye Hongci replied, smiling as she shook her head. “But I suggest choosing a different phrase; a cornered dog will jump over the wall only if it is pushed into a corner, I’m not going to push you that far.”

The strong wind blew Ye Hongci’s usually neat short hair into disarray, scattering it like wild grass.

“I’m asking you.”

The smile on Ye Hongci’s face had disappeared at some point, leaving only the seriousness and sincerity of a leader. “Your former world saw you as an enemy. They hunted and pursued you, trying to seize your inner core, claim your abilities, and deprive you of the freedom to choose.”

“In that world, you were alone, struggling to find a place where you could belong. So I’m asking you, please stay in the Haenden star system.”

Ye Hongci’s voice was gentle yet resolute, blending with the fierce wind that swept across Tu Ran’s face.

“The people of the Haenden star system will honor you, grateful for all you give. You will be the hero in the hearts of the next generation here. No one will want to take or strip you of your abilities. You will remain yourself, free to use your powers within the bounds of the law. I hope you stay here in the Haenden star system, which, at this moment… greatly needs you.”

Tu Ran looked at the leader in front of her. She was no longer young; wrinkles lined her brow, and her hair was touched by the hardships she had endured. Yet her gaze was unwavering, her face resolute, her posture always straight. For the future of the Haenden star system, she had willingly spent decades walking the line between life and death.

Tu Ran understood why, among so many leaders in the Haenden star system, only Ye Hongci had become everyone’s spiritual pillar. It wasn’t just because she was a symbol of victory, but also because of her unbreakable spirit.

If Tu Ran had been born in the Haenden star system, she too would undoubtedly see Ye Hongci as a role model, someone to follow.

But, unfortunately, this was not her world.

Nor was she a part of the Federation.

She wasn’t without a place to go. The Federation had put her on a wanted list? It didn’t matter.

She had a true homeland.

And her homeland was better than any of these worlds.

…Although she still hadn’t found a job.

“I appreciate your good intentions, General Ye. It’s an honor to receive your favor. But unfortunately, you’ve overestimated me. I sympathize with everything the Haenden star system has endured, but there’s only so much one person can do,” Tu Ran said, her face expressing regret.

“As you know, General Ye, I do indeed have abilities—immense strength and the ability to move instantly. But these powers are insignificant in the face of mechas. Even these abilities would struggle to fight the alien species in my former world. I hope General Ye has a clear understanding of my powers and doesn’t hold too many illusions.”

Her tone and expression were both very sincere. “Finding that brown bear really was just luck. My perception is slightly sharper than most, and with a little more luck, I found it. That was also possible because General Ye told me there was a leader in the beast herd. Without your reminder, I would have been groping around blindly.”

Tu Ran’s attitude toward the Haenden star system remained unchanged.

She didn’t want to get involved.

She was just a passerby.

Once the “gate” appeared, she would leave without hesitation.

The Haenden star system wouldn’t immediately fall apart just because she left.

As she said, her powers were limited, and she couldn’t save the world.

Ye Hongci, who had been rejected, showed a brief flash of disappointment, but it vanished quickly, so quickly that Tu Ran wondered if it had been her imagination.

“I respect your decision.”

Tu Ran, who had been let off so easily: “?”

Was that it?

She blinked in surprise, unsure where to place her hands.

Just like that? Wasn’t she going to say something else? Or try to force her hand with some pressure or inducements?

Since leaving the first world, it was the first time Tu Ran had been treated so kindly, and she was a bit at a loss for what to do.

Ye Hongci clearly noticed Tu Ran’s unease and gave a helpless yet compassionate smile. “If I forced you to stay here, would you be willing to use your abilities to help us?”

“Of course…” I don’t want to.

“Well, that’s it then.” Ye Hongci wore a faint smile, though it carried a hint of bitterness. “The human rights in the Haenden star system are actually quite good.”

“Ha, yes… indeed.” Tu Ran avoided Ye Hongci’s sincere gaze, lowering her eyes as she nodded along, a bit distracted.

There was nothing more to say. Ye Hongci looked up at the sky, then glanced back at Tu Ran with a playful tone. “You may not stay in the Haenden star system, but you’ll still have to deal with the beasts on 4344 before you can leave.”

“Okay.” Tu Ran responded dully, feeling uneasy, like a weight was pressing on her chest for no apparent reason.

“I’ve also been notified about the mecha situation. The drones haven’t located it yet, but once they do, I’ll do my best to help you get to it, based on the circumstances,” Ye Hongci continued, giving more instructions.

Once she had finished speaking, Ye Hongci turned and walked toward her resting area.

Watching her retreating figure, Tu Ran had the urge to chew on her nails but resisted, feeling it would be too unrefined. Instead, she scratched her neck.

What was going on? It was the first time she wasn’t being threatened with a knife at her throat, and it felt so… uncomfortable?

Is she a masochist?