She really wanted to ask Mo Chen in person, but she was too shy, too timid, especially when standing before someone she admired.
Every time she tried, she couldn't even string a full sentence together.
But this time—this time was different.
Vesti had made up her mind. She wouldn't give up until she had spoken at least three full sentences to Mo Chen.
She had even prepared exactly what to say!
For a girl like her, this was nothing short of an imperial expedition into the unknown.
However… plans never keep up with changes.
Just as she gathered all her courage, determined to find Mo Chen, her unit was suddenly ordered to depart.
And now, the others had already boarded the transport helicopter, leaving only Vesti standing there alone.
Eunhwa's footsteps suddenly halted. She turned around, her icy gaze locking onto Vesti.
"Why are you still standing there?" her tone was cold and sharp. "What, you want to stay here and keep the Raptures company?"
Vesti stammered weakly, "I… I want to wait for the Commander…"
She had barely finished speaking when Eunhwa's expression darkened instantly.
Seeing the slight redness in Vesti's eyes, her irritation flared into outright anger.
She strode forward, grabbed Vesti like a sack of potatoes, and dragged her toward the helicopter.
"Spineless!"
It wasn't clear whether she was scolding Vesti—or someone else.
Vesti desperately wanted to stay, but against Eunhwa's sheer physical strength, she had no choice.
She was helplessly dragged along, like a doll in the hands of an angry child, flailing between panic and frustration.
Then—her eyes caught something in the distance.
She saw something in the ruined landscape—or rather, someone.
Her eyes lit up.
"Wait—wait!"
Eunhwa, still fuming, completely ignored her.
"If you keep struggling, I'll throw you to the Raptures myself."
"I-It's the Commander!"
Those words hit Eunhwa like a stun grenade. She froze on the spot, her entire body going rigid.
In the next second, her head snapped around.
There, racing across the ruined battlefield, was a shadow moving at high speed.
Mo Chen, leaping effortlessly across the crumbling skyscrapers, landed right in front of them.
"Whew… made it just in time."
Seeing that they hadn't left yet, Mo Chen let out a relieved sigh and walked forward.
"Leaving without even telling me?"
Eunhwa released Vesti's arm, turned away with a small huff, and kept her face cold.
"Orders from the Ark."
Mo Chen raised an eyebrow. "And the Ark told you specifically not to say goodbye to me?"
Eunhwa looked away, still ice-cold as ever.
If this had been before, Mo Chen might not have understood why she was upset.
But now…?
Now, his emotional intelligence had improved.
"I know you like me," he said casually.
"And I know you're mad because I didn't come find you first."
"Thud—!"
A fist slammed into his face.
It was Eunhwa's.
If Mo Chen's face weren't so tough, it might've been flattened.
Mo Chen grabbed Eunhwa's fist, sighed helplessly, and said, "Can't you at least let me finish my sentence?"
Eunhwa was furious, so much so that even her stomach hurt from holding back her frustration.
She really wanted to curse him out.
She yanked her hand back, ready to turn and walk away—but before she could, he pulled her into his arms and held her tightly.
"I like you too."
Since the last time they had been together, they hadn't spent much time together, barely communicating. Even couples who had just started dating had more intimate moments than them.
Eunhwa froze.
She never expected to hear those words come from Mo Chen's mouth.
Nearby, Emma's jaw dropped in shock, and Vesti's mouth formed a perfect "O" shape.
In her mind, there was only one thought—
Commander is incredible.
By the time Eunhwa snapped out of it, she immediately struggled, trying to break free—but Mo Chen held her firmly.
"Stay still."
Eunhwa however was not the kind of person to just listen.
And so, Mo Chen kissed her.
Eunhwa froze again.
She hadn't expected this—not at all.
For a moment, she forgot how to react.
After a long while, their lips finally parted.
Mo Chen's voice came softly against her ear.
"Be careful on the way back. Message me when you get there."
His tone was just like a husband caring for his wife.
Eunhwa wanted to argue back, but in the end, she just nodded slightly—like a devoted wife.
"…Message your head."
After a moment of silence, they finally separated.
To be precise, Mo Chen let go, and Eunhwa escaped, turning around without looking back, walking away as fast as she could.
The usual sharp, composed, and ice-cold girl now looked like she was fleeing in embarrassment.
"…What are you standing around for? Let's go."
Behind her, Emma was covering her mouth, laughing secretly.
Meanwhile, Vesti took quick steps forward, stood in front of Mo Chen, and stammered nervously.
"C-Commander, I also… I also w-want to… w-with you…"
She had originally prepared herself to say it all in one breath.
But as soon as Mo Chen looked at her, all of her courage vanished instantly.
Mo Chen was speechless.
Did Vesti even realize what she was saying? When did lolis become so bold?!
And then—whoosh!
A blur of movement appeared in front of him.
Eunhwa swooped in, grabbed Vesti, and covered her mouth, shooting a glare at Mo Chen—like he was some kind of predator.
"She's still a kid. You're not allowed to corrupt her."
Then, without waiting for any response, she dragged Vesti away.
With her mouth covered, Vesti couldn't speak, so she could only stare helplessly at Mo Chen, making muffled whimpering noises like a kidnapped kitten.
And so, Mo Chen was left standing there—completely speechless.
"I didn't do anything!"
Aside from the special forces, the Matis unit, and Cafe Sweety, the Counter Squad also had to return to the Outpost base.
Not only did they have to report back to the Ark, but the base itself had come under heavy Rapture attack. They needed to reinforce it immediately.
Rapi said nothing, but Anis had many suspicions—telling Mo Chen to stay pure and not let that "fox" trick him.
Obviously, she was talking about Dorothy.
Territorial behavior?
Mo Chen felt helpless.
As for his apprentice, she was even more considerate—handing him a pack of birth control supplies.
It seemed she was worried about another Indivilia incident.
Mo Chen was even more speechless.
Marian, on the other hand, really wanted to go with Mo Chen.
But he was worried that if she followed him to Eden, things might get out of control.
The Outpost was safer, so he sent the scouting unit and Rose to escort her back—to ensure her safety.
"Amazing."
A soft, pleasant voice came from behind him.
Mo Chen didn't need to turn around to know who it was.
He turned back to see Dorothy, standing gracefully not far away, looking at him with a smile.
If an outsider saw this, they might assume she was his girlfriend.
"…What's so amazing?"
Dorothy held her parasol, walking forward with elegant steps.
Smiling gently, she said, "The relationship between Nikkes and their Commander has always been delicate. And yet, you've managed to make them serve you willingly. I must say… you're quite impressive."