Chapter 694
Chapter 694
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: uly
Chapter: 694
Chapter Title: Vanguard - Alien Invasion
-----------------------------------------------------------------
I didn't move alone but brought them along because they'd be helpful.
The average physical abilities of the Bractasians were inferior to those of Earthlings. The only reason they held the upper hand in war against humanity was their superior science and technology.
In other words, if I seized Bractasian weapons amid the chaos, the people behind me could provide plenty of support.
Screeeeech. Creak.
A tin-can robot blocked our path. Its sensors—shaped like a street trash bin—flashed from blue to red. Cracks split open across its body as gun-like weapons sprang out.
I drew my sword from the magic pouch. Regular bullets wouldn't scratch that thing.
'Moment.'
I activated the skill and closed the distance in an instant, plunging my blade into the robot's core. It was a tight fit, but true to form as Lord Saber, the sword pierced straight through.
Szzzzzt, crackle!
Electricity surged into my body through the blade. With my lightning affinity, it was barely a tingle.
The tin-can robot's functions ground to a halt. I ripped out its weapons, but they weren't the sort a human could use.
"…You. Not a special agent, but a hero? I didn't even see you move."
Raisi's father spoke in awe.
"I've got some skills, but nothing hero-level. They'll swarm us soon—we need to hurry."
"If they swarm, we're goners. Let's move."
"This way."
At the fork, I veered right.
"How do you know the way so well? No dead ends, like you know exactly where you're headed."
"Call it intuition."
My steps were sure and steady. I hadn't spent my prison time just sitting around. Whenever I could, I'd used Hacking to secretly probe the local systems.
'Lucky break, in a way. Who'd have guessed this was the Bractasian homeworld's capital?'
I'd mapped the buildings and gleaned intel. Their civilization outpaced Earth's by miles—purely mechanical. My Hacking skill was their worst nightmare.
Enemy presence at the corner. I signaled with my hand. They got it, holding their breath and tensing up.
Two Bractasians charged our way.
"Karlga gruk gogrok."
"Dodridag karlaga."
Incomprehensible chatter—their native tongue. They were coming from the direction of our prison. They'd noticed the disturbance and mobilized.
'Just two? The whole planet's in chaos, sure, but they're still underestimating us.'
I waited calmly until they rounded the corner. Then I lunged like a predator. My blade caught the ceiling lights in a flash, lopping off their heads.
Roll, roll, roll. The group swallowed hard at the sight of the heads tumbling across the floor.
"Grab weapons, and any gear you can wear—equip it all."
The Bractasian soldiers' guns were cutting-edge laser rifles. I cleared the area, killing troops and raiding the armory to gear everyone up. Now, even the Bractasians wouldn't dismiss us lightly.
"What's the plan now?"
"Hacked their computers earlier—scored us a prime spot."
"Prime spot?"
I flashed a grin.
"The commander's office."
"…We can reach that? It has to be crawling with guards…."
"Yeah. Most troops joined the invasion, but the command office has extra security. Still, I've got a way in."
"Which is?"
"The royal family's secret passage straight to the commander's office. We slip in undetected, take it over, and negotiate. Your contributions get recognized too."
Raisi's father eyed me with suspicion.
"…You learned about that just from their computers? You buy that? And you've been hiding your strength—suspicious."
The mood soured. With some breathing room, even those who'd been watching my lead started entertaining doubts.
'Half-ass an excuse here, and this blows up.'
I sighed and laid it out straight.
"Truth is, I'm an OPL agent on a mission. Sabotage deep inside Bractasia territory. That's why I'm prepped—I know the royal secret passages."
"Figured as much."
He took it calmly, surprisingly.
"…."
"My reaction catch you off guard?"
"Yeah."
"We betrayed humanity. Thought allying with Bractasia was safer, led to better lives. Wrong. They never planned to treat us right. Our betrayal's permanent stain, but stand with you, rack up merits—maybe some leniency. I don't wanna die here. You?"
The others nodded along.
"Damn. Thought we'd live like kings…."
"If we're dying anyway, on Earth—not this godforsaken alien rock."
"Dreamed of lording over whites, blacks, Asians as slaves…. Pipe dream now. I want freedom."
The moment they chose to follow me, their options narrowed to one.
"And success turns us from traitors to heroes. If you—my son-in-law—vouch for us."
"Could be…."
I trailed off. HQ already knew about the traitors. Everyone but me and Raisi faced arrest on return.
"Son-in-law. Do it."
"Uh, that's…."
"Knew you were married. Heroes are playboys—having a harem's standard. Everyone here's thinking it, right?"
"Spot on. Got over ten girlfriends myself."
"Thirty-plus for me."
"Power, wealth, women—hallmarks of a hero."
"So we were humanity's heroes, with all three."
"…."
The only sane one was Raisi. She glared contemptuously at the thirteen, her father included.
They were all elite society types. Raisi's dad alone was top-ten powerful in the US.
'Pharma CEOs, distribution moguls, finance overlords….'
Each wielded wealth and influence. Traitors now, sure.
"Son-in-law. Our networks still strong on Earth. Return safe, consolidate them… power's ours again. Assuming Earth survives, of course…."
"Impressive. But the government…."
I scanned the group. Eyes locked on me. An inexplicable familiarity washed over me.
"I've got the fix. Film our heroics. Video evidence means public backing—we become heroes. Government won't dare call us traitors."
"Leave it to me. Two networks under my belt—stirring up the sheep is child's play."
"…Oh. Jeradin. If you're in, that's solid. Never asked, though—why betray humanity?"
"Bractasia tech put me where I am. Saw it firsthand—how not betray? Thought Earth doomed. Coming here? Realized I'm doomed."
Strangers originally. Bractasia met them separately to prevent alliances.
"So, a favor."
"Name it."
"Bractasia tech. I want it. They held back. With it? Ruling Earth for centuries, easy."
"Hold up. I want it too."
"Not hogging it all, right?"
The quiet ones piped up, hashing a deal among themselves before I could.
"Ahem. You're the linchpin. No you, plans flop."
All eyes on me.
"…Join the plan—what's in it for me?"
"Fame first. Whole Earth singing your praises."
"Fame breeds support, support breeds power."
"Snag all the tech, share with us—you get rich. We're not moochers."
"Power and cash draw women naturally. We ally here—ironclad, post-Earth. You at the center."
Irresistible temptations.
I extended my hand.
"I'm in with you all."
"Same here."
Hands piled up. Raisi looked queasy but joined after glances from me and her father.
"Our resolve, here."
"Our resolve, here."
I led the chant; they echoed.
"Vow for humanity."
"Vow for humanity."
Humanity's vanguard was born right here.
The true Vanguard's genesis.
We all wore the same smile—greed incarnate.
'Power… money… power… money… women… women… women… women….'
Post-mission payoff couldn't come soon enough.
'…Wait. Mission ends, I'm yanked back to reality? Shit.'
Still, I'd grind for that happy ending.
???
Fully armed, we stood before the secret passage.
Underground sewers—reeking of filth.
"Son-in-law. This really the royal secret passage?"
"It is. Palace escape route."
I faced the wall. Looked ordinary. No normal way through—Bractasia high-tech lock.
'Not for me.'
The wall parted, revealing three passages. One to the commander's office, one to the warp gate, one to the Bractasian king's quarters.
"Step on this floor panel. Takes us straight to the commander's office."
They stepped on, tense.
Vvvvvvrrrr.
Engines hummed from below, wind kicked up. The floor lifted slightly; handles popped out. A windshield rose ahead. They ducked and gripped tight without prompting.
"Thirty seconds tops. Spare officers, kill all soldiers. They won't suspect the secret route, and invasion chaos means easy takedown."
"Got it."
The floor lurched forward. Slow at first, then accelerating wildly. Seconds later, it halted. Wall irised open.
The commander's office.
Bractasians gawked, fumbling for weapons. But we were ready.
'Moment.'
I charged first, sword sweeping. The head of the oldest Bractasian—bedecked in medals—hit the deck.
Next, the fancy-robed one's legs severed; I seized his head one-handed, pressing blade to throat. Prince Kukukarak of Bractasia.
"You speak English? Don't wanna die? Stay put."