Another Side Of The Universe

Chapter 73 : Till We Meet Again

"How's your hand?" Rum asked.

"Getting better. I can move my fingers a little bit now," said Axion.

"It's amazing how your hand can heal after frostbite. People would normally have their hands amputated," said Ramenman.

"Indeed. This power you called magic, it's very astounding," said Albi.

"How exactly does your magic work?' Kaizo curiously asked.

"Hmmm... It's hard to explain. Let's just say I have some sort of regeneration cycle in my body," said Axion.

"Regeneration cycle?" Rum asked.

"Yes. Imagine there's a stream of magic, flowing inside my body like how blood flows throughout the body. The stream of magic can manipulate how your body functions. It could stabilize or even enhance your body state," Axion explained. "By meditating or focusing, I can accumulate magic power and keep it in my body as some sort of magic reserve. This reserve will automatically heal my body when I'm harmed. Of course, this doesn't mean I'm an immortal. There's a limit to how much magic I can reserve as there's a limit on how much I can heal myself."

Kaizo listens to her explanation closely.

"This spell could reduce risk from wounds and raise your chance of survivability. But if you were to shoot me in the head, I would still die," Axion chuckled. "By the way, have you heard from Admiral Maskmana? When are we going back to Astraeus station?"

"If things go smoothly, we can go back to Astraeus station in 3 days," said Rum.

"Well, that's fast. I know Intergalactic Police will take care of everything, but I thought Maskmana's role as an Admiral would keep him occupied much longer," said Axion. "Ah, speaking of which. My ship...."

"Rum and I will drive your ship back to the station. So you don't need to worry," said Lahap.

"Yes. This ship has a better medbay than your ship. So you should stay on this ship with the Admiral and the others until we reach Astraeus station," Rum adds.

"I see. Then I'll leave my ship in your hand," said Axion.

"Don't worry. We won't fly far from the main fleet," said Rum.

Kaizo walks towards the door.

"Kaizo?" Rum asked.

"I still have things to do," said Kaizo.

He left the room without saying more.

Kaizo walks through the corridor. His mind is filled with so many things. The memory of her fight, images of her powers keeps repeating inside his mind. He stopped walking.

He remembers again the moment he saw Axion's hand froze. Suddenly, the memory of his childhood overlaps.

He remembers when Bora Ra attacked his family. A turning point in his life that makes him follow Admiral Maskmana. He swore to get stronger.

Kaizo punched the wall in frustration. His head hangs low.

"Why can't I be stronger...?" he mutters.

If he were stronger, he could've protected his family. If he were stronger, he could've protected his friends. If he were stronger, he could've done more for Axion.

Kaizo raised his head.

"There's no time to feel down. I need to get stronger," he thought to himself.

"Back from visiting?" Admiral Maskmana asked as he approached him.

Kaizo gives a salute. "Yes, Admiral!"

"I see. Her recovery is amazing isn't it?"

"Yes...." Kaizo replied, short.

"Well, then. I'll see you after I check on her." Admiral Maskmana put a hand on Kaizo's shoulder. "You've done well. Don't overwork yourselves, Captain."

"Yes, Admiral!"

Kaizo watched as Admiral Maskmana walked away.

"I should be going back to my people," said Albi.

"Rubrum army is going to stay for a while, right?" Rum asked.

"Yes. We're helping the Guruhan Army providing forces to guard criminals," said Albi.

"I see. Our meeting may be temporary, but it was worthwhile," said Axion.

"I have a feeling that our path may cross again, Lady Axion," said Albi as he bowed.

"Oh, Lahap. You should call Vion for adjustment in my ship. My stealth ship is actually more complicated than it looks," said Axion.

"Will do," said Lahap.

"We better start preparing your ship then. Knowing you, I probably would have a hard time trying to understand your ship's control," said Rum nervously.

Axion laughed. "Don't worry. Vion is the best assistant I ever have. He'll help you."

As soon as Rum, Lahap, and Albi leave, Ramenman starts another conversation with Axion.

"So, are you going to keep in touch with Albi?" Ramenman asked.

"Obviously."

"That man comes here every day with a bouquet of flowers. Rumors have already spread that you have something with Albi," said Ramenman.

Axion lightly smirked. "Love is not something you can force, Ramenman. It's sad that Albi has to get my rejection in the end. But I'm not someone who would put someone else's need above myself."

"Then stop talking to him. Stop showing him chances. Make him stop chasing you," said Ramenman. "You're giving him hope even though you're not going to accept him."

"Albi is a stubborn man. Even if I were to avoid him, he would still chase me," Axion replied.

Shortly later, Admiral Maskmana comes in. Ramenman stood up and gave a salute.

"Good day. You both have been recovering well?" Admiral Maskmana asked.

"Yes, Admiral," Ramenman replied.

"I heard it from the doctor. You don't need to use a sling bandage anymore, but you shouldn't do the heavy lifting for a while," said Admiral Maskmana. "Anyway, I'm here just to make a quick check on your health so I can be sure of our dispatch schedule."

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Albi walks out from the Astraeus spaceship. He saw Kaizo on his way out. They stood still, looked at each other for a moment.

"You're not giving up on her," said Kaizo.

"...no," said Albi. "Her work as a bounty hunter surprised me. But, I don't intend to give up."

Albi looked at Kaizo with determination. "Let's have a fair fight, my love rival."

Kaizo looked sharp at him. "Well, whatever," he coldly replied as he walked away.