Chapter 264: Multi-Layered Game

No wonder Max had no other proper Friends besides Edwin; those with similar Identity to Max no longer played with him.

As for those with lower Status than Max, they all came to flatter him, and he couldn't be bothered to associate with them.

"Furthermore, the Merit for the Xinhe Virus Origin was also erased..." Speaking of this, Max shot Li Yu a resentful glance.

Since Li Yu identified Dark Star, Max naturally had no part in it, at least no Merit recorded on paper.

Ignoring Max's look, Li Yu asked, "What's this emergency directive about me?"

"There is such a directive, but it's not urgent," Max said with a hint of envy.

"Not long ago, the Military completed the capture of Kalaitos and has sent it to the Laboratory to modulate the Gene Chain. They need some of your genetic characteristics for harmonization to avoid causing a rejection reaction."

"It just so happened that Klein told me you were in a bit of trouble, so I used this matter to concoct an emergency directive."

Li Yu's eyes instantly burst with brilliant light. A-Tier Lifeform, it's finally almost here.

"Then thanks a lot." Max forced two laughs, not taking Li Yu's words to heart.

Li Yu thought for a moment and headed straight for the Star Casting Palace.

"Boss, where are you going? The Military Laboratory isn't in that direction," Max asked in confusion.

"I'm going to find Her Royal Highness Klein first," Li Yu answered.

Max looked puzzled: "You're not eager to Advance to an A-Tier Lifeform, but going directly to Klein?"

"It seems the recent Rumors and gossip have some truth to them."

Hearing this, Li Yu paused his steps, frowning: "What Rumors and gossip?"

"Just... things like Klein opposing Queen Vimala for you, and falling out with Horus. Recently, Horus hasn't even been by her side." Max explained, teasingly adding:

"Some people also say Klein has taken a fancy to you, tsk tsk..."

Upon hearing this, Li Yu immediately felt something was wrong: "Who started spreading all this?"

Max was slightly stunned upon hearing this, then couldn't help but say: "Damn, it's true?"

Li Yu didn't deny it, but asked who started it, which was enough to prove some points.

"Are you sure you want to know?" Li Yu glanced at him.

"This..." Although Max was curious, thinking of Vimala's indifferent eyes, he shuddered, shaking his head: "Forget it, forget it..."

According to Max, this was a rumor that had only recently been circulating in the High Echelon of Return Star. Many people were watching the joke, mocking that Klein had fallen in love with a "Commoner".

This is aimed at Klein... and also dragged me into it, Li Yu pondered.

During the journey to Klein's Palace, Li Yu learned a lot of information through Max.

Although he wasn't gone for long, many interesting things had happened.

The Mermaid Princess left Return Star and went to another civilization. It is said that that civilization had just abolished the freedom of abortion for Female Beings, causing massive protests. They urgently needed a figure with Interstellar prestige to speak for them.

Also, Horus had been very prominent recently, starting because he was attacked for no reason by the soldiers of the Star Casting Palace.

"Attacked for no reason?" Li Yu's footsteps paused slightly, a half-smile on his face.

"Yeah..." Max was enthusiastic: "You don't know, this is just the beginning. During this period, Horus has been attacked a total of eight times, and all by ordinary people with no Strength."

"After investigation, it was found that they were all good people well-regarded by their neighbors and friends, yet they all attacked Horus for no reason."

"Haha... meaning Horus is a bad guy." Li Yu chuckled, then asked: "How were those attackers dealt with?"

"They weren't dealt with much..." Max explained: "Actually, strictly speaking, it doesn't count as an attack. They just threw some things with no lethality at Horus."

"So they were just Detained for a few days and released."

"Horus was incredibly depressed, he hasn't gone out these past few days."

"Haha..." Li Yu felt a secret thrill thinking about that Old Schemer's depressed face.

Klein naturally knew Li Yu had returned to Return Star, but she didn't expect him to come directly to her.

"What happened, so happy?" Seeing Li Yu grinning widely, Klein couldn't help but feel a bit cheerful and asked.

"Ahem..." Li Yu coughed dryly twice, forgetting to mind his expression. He shook his head and said, "It's nothing, just feeling sad for Lord Horus's recent encounters."

"Teacher Horus..." Klein's expression was peculiar, the corners of her mouth also involuntarily rising: "He has been a bit unlucky lately."

"Have you been to the Military Laboratory?" Klein was a bit confused; there didn't seem to be enough time for that.

"No..." Li Yu looked like it was a matter of course: "After coming back, I came directly to find you. The Laboratory can wait, no rush."

Klein was slightly stunned, and hurriedly lowered her head. Her slender fingers slid back and forth on the Holographic Screen, seemingly looking up some information. Her hair covered her exquisite face, making it impossible to see her expression.

"Your Highness..." Seeing Klein delaying getting to the main topic, Li Yu could only hint: "...the plan..."

Klein suddenly realized, feeling a baffling slight sense of loss. After adjusting her mood, she looked up and said: "The High Echelon has approved the Bounty."

"The person who solves the Xinhuo Virus can obtain the [Sword Bearer Medal], ten years of usage rights to a large Laboratory, and a reward of one hundred billion Star Coins..."

There were many other detailed rewards, but compared to the three main ones, they all paled in comparison.

The [Sword Bearer Medal] is a high-level medal of Return Star, extremely precious. This medal hadn't been awarded in nearly fifty years.

A large Laboratory refers to one that can independently research a complete branch of Technology; only then can it be called a large Laboratory.

To some extent, such a reward is indeed very generous. One would definitely not get this level of compensation in a normal transaction.

What Li Yu valued was only the large Laboratory. This thing burns money too fast; you simply can't play with it without trillions of Star Coins.

With this large Laboratory, he could let Peyton research the advanced Genes obtained from various worlds.

Although it was only for ten years of usage rights, since it fell into his hands... who knows what would happen.

"However, going too far with this matter... if it's only you, you will easily become a public enemy," Klein added.

She suggested issuing a Bounty, and Li Yu immediately produced the solution over here. This was too fake and too excessive.

Li Yu nodded and said: "I've already thought it through. Bringing Max along, with General Aethel's help, should be able to share some of the fire."

"That's for the best..." Klein pondered for a moment, agreeing with Li Yu's proposal.

Regarding the Ordos Incident, Klein didn't ask too much. Perhaps she guessed something, but she just glossed over it.

"There's one more thing..." Klein subconsciously bit her lip, then let go.

This was her habit when nervous in the past. Since "turning dark," she hadn't done this for a long time.

"Recently someone is spreading... rumors, they should be aimed at me. I just had the intention of entering the decision-making circle, and someone is already targeting me."

Li Yu's expression remained normal, nodding: "Max has already told me. If there's anything you need me to do, just say it directly."

Klein looked out the window, her eyes flowing with emotion, and said in a low voice: "I just feel very embarrassed dragging you into this too."

Li Yu... why is this woman Dragging Her Feet?

The two chatted idly for another half an hour, bonding and solidifying their ship of friendship, lest it be capsized one day.

Max squatted at the entrance of the Star Casting Palace, his eyes sweeping left and right, taking in all the beauties.

Although with his Status, many girls would throw themselves at him with just a beckon, this way of appreciating them always made his heart flutter.

"Stop looking, let's go..." Li Yu patted Max awake.

"Oh..." Max was still leaving wanting more, subconsciously saying: "The Military Laboratory is already prepared. I've never seen someone like you. The opportunity to become an A-Tier Lifeform is right in front of you, yet you're dawdling."

"Not going to the Laboratory, we're going to find your father first," Li Yu shook his head.

"Find my father?" Max scratched his head, somewhat hesitantly asking: "Why find my father? He's been overwhelmed with work lately."

"The Sword Bearer Medal... do you want it?" Li Yu glanced at him.

"The Sword Bearer Medal!?" Max exclaimed in shock, attracting the Attention of nearby Pedestrians, who cast puzzled glances.

"Keep your voice down!" Li Yu scolded.

"Boss, really... don't lie to me, my little heart can't take being deceived," Max grabbed Li Yu tightly.

"If you want it, cut the crap and take me to your father quickly."

Although Max was suspicious, thinking he had nothing to lose, he led Li Yu to find Aethel.

Aethel held a high and powerful position; he wasn't someone an ordinary person could just meet if they wanted to. If it weren't for Max, this "Internal Traitor", Li Yu probably wouldn't have been able to see him and would need a series of complex procedures.

Led by Aethel's personal guard to the study, Aethel was wearing casual clothes, his brows tightly furrowed.

According to Max, Aethel had been frequently summoned by Digor these past few days, discussing unknown matters.

"Your Gene Chain is almost ready. Why are you looking for me?" Aethel's tone wasn't very polite. His gaze fell on Max, who was acting like a Quail beside him, and his frown deepened.

Li Yu didn't mind Aethel's tone, getting straight to the point: "I have a Sword Bearer Medal that I want to give to Max."

The moment these words came out, Aethel stood straight up. An unimaginable Aura rushed towards him, making Li Yu feel as if he were facing a top Universe predator.

Golden light flickered in his eyes as he glanced at the personal guard beside him.

The personal guard understood Aethel's meaning, bowed his head, tapped a few times on his Smart Terminal, then nodded to Aethel and walked out.

Aethel's tone was profound, staring intently at Li Yu: "So Klein's proposal ultimately reflects on you. Good calculation..."

"You misunderstood..." Li Yu shook his head: "I also just found out about this. My Friends are from the Dimensional Camp—a powerful Research Institute. They just developed a solution and told me not long ago."

"Although I have the heart to solve problems for Return Star, because these two things are too coincidental, they will be misunderstood by those with motives, so I came to seek your help."

Aethel sneered. Naturally, he didn't believe Li Yu's words. He slightly narrowed his eyes and instead brought up another matter:

"Shortly after you identified Dark Star, Dark Star stated through his speaking channels that you were the virus spreader. Many people scoffed at this, believing it was retaliation out of Rage."

"Now it seems... that's probably not the case."

Li Yu's heart skipped a beat, and he said in a deep voice, "I only know that the Star Glory Empire is the one spreading the virus on Return Star."

Aethel fell silent, his gaze resting on Li Yu. Li Yu wasn't afraid and met his gaze calmly.

For Aethel, although he loved Return Star, this didn't conflict with seeking his own interests.

Max, who was standing to the side, was somewhat dumbfounded. What the hell were his father and Li Yu talking about? Why couldn't he understand?

"This matter is too egregious, the way you're eating is too ugly..." Aethel shook his head, but glancing at Max, the Sword Bearer Medal was enough to erase the stain on Max, and besides...

He gritted his teeth and added, "We have to find another person to share this medal."

Li Yu was instantly amused. Aethel couldn't put aside his pride.

This matter was indeed quite egregious. It really felt like having a solution but not bringing it out, desperately grasping for benefits, which looked very ugly.

Li Yu pondered for a moment and suggested, "How about Edwin?"

"Prince Connor?" Aethel suddenly remembered that when Klein proposed the Bounty, Prince Connor had even supported it.

Presumably... when he learns of this, his expression will probably be quite spectacular.

As for refusing the Sword Bearer Medal, Aethel believed Connor wouldn't refuse.

Even if the three of them jointly received the Sword Bearer Medal, it was enough for Edwin and Max to gain considerable political capital.

Under normal circumstances, opportunities to obtain a medal of this level were simply too few. Even if there were, it wouldn't be awarded easily and would be stalled by other big shots.

But this time, it was a rare collective approval because no one ever thought the solution would appear within Return Star itself.

As for whether he could solve the Xinhuo Virus, Aethel didn't ask Li Yu too much at all.

Deceiving Max and deceiving Aethel were two entirely different concepts.

What made him consider more was Klein. If this matter was accomplished, he would largely lean towards Klein.

This was unavoidable because Li Yu was Klein's person.

However... behind Klein was Vimala, and the influence of this Iron-Blooded Queen was already very high...

Aethel's eyes flickered... unknown what he was pondering.

...

"...You're saying you have a method to solve the Xinhuo Virus, yet the High Echelon is about to issue a Bounty externally..." Max was completely dumbfounded after figuring it out.

You can play it like this?

Isn't this... isn't this... the privatization of state assets?

Damn it, I'm stupefied.

Oh... so I'm a beneficiary too, then it's fine.

Li Yu glanced at him like looking at an idiot: "Alright, stop being shocked, go find Edwin and tell him about this."

"He's much smarter than you and should understand what's going on. No need for me to go, I'm heading to the Military Laboratory."

Max didn't hear Li Yu's teasing. He felt as if he were floating as he walked, nodding blankly. Only after Li Yu left did he recover, murmuring in a low voice, "I definitely didn't acknowledge the wrong Boss."

Although this matter might not sound good if spoken of, "Disgrace of the Second Generation" was already hanging over his head. When the time comes and the medal is worn on his chest, he would hold his head high and puff his chest out no matter who he saw.

(End of this chapter)