TYMIMA Chapter 67

VOL 3 – TASMAN PIRATE NATION

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Gurgle.

 

Bubble.

 

Tiny bubbles trembled as they rose from the sunless deep sea, passing through icy seawater, gliding past whale dorsal fins, winding upward until touching sunlight’s tendrils, then breaking the surface to completely merge with the vast firmament.

 

On the endless open sea, a massive aircraft carrier slowly passed by. Its enormous body like a moving island cast a soul-stirring shadow on the sea surface. A flag fluttering in the sea breeze bore the five-clawed black dragon of Tasman Pirate Nation.

 

Woo—

 

A high, ethereal call came from the seabed, then was swallowed by the dark, profound seawater.

 

Coral debris shook loose from cliff edges, whitened fragments falling into the nearly lifeless trench.

 

At the trench’s deepest point, blue-black algae climbed an ancient massive iron gate, then were devoured by a passing black shadow.

 

The shadow swept past strange, eerie symbols on the iron gate, its swollen belly scraping off corroded rust.

 

—Portus exilis (Gate of Exile)

 

“I will kill you!”

 

“I will definitely kill you!”

 

Grief-stricken voices leaked from the cracks of that massive gate, then became tiny bubbles floating out of the trench.

 

Huge, heavy rare lead ore chains dragged through cold corridors. Thorny spikes pierced cruelly through the bound one’s tail fin, blood spreading through the nearly still seawater.

 

The superior raised a harpoon, trembling all over. The bound one was covered in wounds, gaze tender.

 

The sharp, poisoned harpoon finally brushed past, stabbing fiercely into the hard rock wall.

 

…

 

At noon, Dream Witch saw the door ajar, knocked twice lightly, and when no one answered, pushed it open and entered.

 

She immediately saw the bed made flat and neat, spotless, while Oliver in a thin sweater stood bent over on the balcony.

 

The weather was approaching winter. Harbor Tan’s sea breeze was strong, lifting Oliver’s soft golden curls and slapping them against his thin shoulders.

 

His profile and fingers exposed outside the sweater were somewhat red. The cold wind easily penetrated his skin barrier, but he seemed unaware.

 

His gentle, wave-like eyes were watching that fragile butterfly orchid. She saw him extend a finger, and the butterfly orchid seemed to sense something, leaning toward him.

 

His fingertip emitted pale golden light. That golden energy quickly spread along the withered leaves to the roots.

 

Dream Witch said helplessly: “Your own body is in such condition, yet you’re still thinking of saving it.”

 

Hearing the voice, Oliver immediately withdrew his finger and straightened up: “…Sorry.”

 

His body was indeed in poor condition, and transferring energy out was indeed reckless. He just feared this fragile little plant wouldn’t survive the winter.

 

“Sorry for what.” Sigh, such a pure and kind little golden retriever. His only flaw was being too good at studying—if he hadn’t gotten into university, none of this would have happened.

 

Dream Witch placed several onesie coral fleece pajamas on Oliver’s bedside.

 

This was her guilty pleasure.

 

She greatly enjoyed watching Omegas walk around in cute onesie pajamas, but unfortunately Mad Clown, Duma, and Lily all refused to cooperate.

 

Mad Clown just liked dark gothic things. The makeup he applied was also a challenge to his teammates’ tolerance.

 

Every time Dream Witch went on missions with him at night, seeing his suddenly grinning bloody lips and the occasional sinister laughter, she wanted to knock him out first before finishing the target.

 

Lily was at a rebellious, chuunibyou age. She disdained cute home styles but extremely favored ugly clothes that showed personality. Her remaining bit of normal aesthetic was reserved for family, not friends.

 

Duma was initially obedient, but he ran hot and would quickly become too warm, then stubbornly refuse to wear anything no matter how much coaxing.

 

To dress him cutely, Dream Witch always had to trade with Lego building. She’d go blind looking through thick instruction manuals for pieces.

 

Dream Witch guessed Oliver definitely wouldn’t refuse.

 

Indeed, Oliver walked in from the balcony, his gaze lingering for several seconds on those egg-yolk yellow, coconut green, and cream-colored onesie pajamas. His ears just warmed slightly as he stiffly looked away, saying softly: “Thank you.”

 

Dream Witch was satisfied. She walked toward Oliver, her slender fingers falling on his shoulder. Just as Oliver was at a loss, her bewitching pupils suddenly brightened slightly, and sea-salt scented soothing pheromones instantly enveloped Oliver.

 

Oliver was startled, but quickly realized Dream Witch was helping him.

 

He was a permanently marked Omega. Going long periods without Alpha pheromone comfort not only caused tremendous emptiness and loneliness, but also made him prone to becoming insecure and negative.

 

Though Dream Witch’s pheromones weren’t as effective as that person’s, for Oliver who had almost forgotten what being comforted felt like, it was like sending charcoal in snowy weather.

 

After a long while, Dream Witch withdrew her hand: “Your current physical condition can’t handle permanent mark cleansing. Wait a while and Fata will help you. Don’t worry, it won’t be too uncomfortable.”

 

The coldness on Oliver’s body had completely faded, and his glands no longer felt sore and empty. This month’s heat cycle probably wouldn’t be too difficult.

 

“…Thank you.” Oliver was very grateful. He hadn’t expected Dream Witch to be so thoughtful, knowing he had been enduring all along.

 

After all, he could never bring himself to ask another Alpha to comfort him.

 

Dream Witch tucked her wavy long hair behind her ear and smiled slightly. She could have so many lovers not just because of her graceful, proud appearance—she was also very considerate and romantic.

 

“Besides [Bewitch], my ability also includes [Memory Invasion]. I can invade others’ Spirit Realm systems and cut their memories, but… for you, I’d probably have to start cutting from before university.”

 

“Ah.” Oliver was first surprised, then somewhat lost in thought.

 

Forgetting was indeed a good way to escape. He wouldn’t need to die or travel through time—just throw away all these years’ memories and return to the happiest days.

 

But he would also forget his teacher, forget losing his brother, forget Mr. Lauen who had shown him mercy, forget he once had Pine.

 

Even in such a painful life, there were things he couldn’t bear to forget.

 

“It’s indeed a difficult choice. If you ever make up your mind, remember to find me. Oh right, Duma wants you to help him build Lego. This child is a bit autistic and doesn’t express himself well. His little brain really can’t understand the instructions, so help him when you’re free.”

 

“Alright.” Oliver agreed.

 

“Have you thought of what to call your codename? Calling yourself Olive Tree might be too revealing. How about just Little Golden Retriever?”

 

“…Hm?”

 

“I’m joking. That thing is very casual—think about it slowly, no rush.”

 

Little Golden Retriever sounds really nice, won’t you really consider it!

 

Leaving Oliver’s room, Dream Witch sent Lance a text—

 

[All tasks completed, my only little brother. When are you dropping out to come home?]

 

Lance’s phone by the pillow lit up, displaying the message content. Just as Zhan Pingchuan looked down, Lance quickly shoved the phone under the pillow.

 

Zhan Pingchuan raised an eyebrow slightly: “What are you hiding? What tasks completed?”

 

He had only seen the first half of the sentence before Lance interrupted, but he was still sensitive to the word “tasks.”

 

Lance took a deep breath.

 

In one breath, his brain raced. He had to find a reasonable excuse to convince the little idiot who was currently particularly energetic and vigorous.

 

Zhan Pingchuan reached out to lift his chin, looking down at him. His face still wore a lazy smile, but his gaze was full of scrutiny.

 

“Just confirmed our relationship and you’re hiding your phone from me, hm?”

 

Lance swallowed, raised his innocent amber eyes, and opened his arms to hug Zhan Pingchuan’s neck.

 

“Acting cute? Useless. Explain clearly.”

 

Though he said this, Zhan Pingchuan still bent down, letting Lance’s arms successfully climb onto his nape.

 

The fragrant, soft little fox pressed close, reddish-brown long hair loosely scattered, pajamas hanging precariously on his shoulders.

 

Lance used himself to distract Zhan Pingchuan’s attention while racking his brains to think.

 

Zhan Pingchuan supported Lance’s bottom with one hand and simply lifted him up, making Lance completely lose his footing and only able to rely on him.

 

He wasn’t in a hurry either, just watching with interest as Lance kept hiding against his shoulder: “Now you’re being held. You can talk.”

 

Lance breathed steadily, fingers gently brushing Zhan Pingchuan’s glands. His moist red lips finally opened, uttering two flawless words—

 

“Farm work.”

 

Zhan Pingchuan: “?”

 

Lance raised his chin, gaze moving down to indicate the phone he’d hidden.

 

Zhan Pingchuan dubiously carried him back to the bedside. Lance sat on the bed and pulled the phone out from under the pillow.

 

His gaze fixed on the phone screen for an instant, a flash of light passing through, then he calmly unlocked the phone with his fingerprint, found that text, and handed it to Zhan Pingchuan.

 

[Sister: All tasks completed, my only little brother. When are you dropping out to come home?]

 

The text flashed before Zhan Pingchuan’s eyes. Lance had already woven his lie flawlessly.

 

“My sister works day and night in the golden fields, but life is still difficult. Yesterday dad suddenly broke his leg driving the tractor. She wants me to drop out and come home to take care of him.”

 

“Holy shit?” Zhan Pingchuan was stunned, obviously shocked by the dramatic plot twist.

 

“I don’t want to drop out. If I drop out, I won’t see you anymore.” Lance’s eyes misted over, his eyelashes curling together damply.

 

Zhan Pingchuan was deeply shaken, not expecting little fox to bear such a heavy family burden.

 

“Baby…”

 

“You’re so mean.” Lance turned his face away, about to pull his hands back.

 

“I was wrong.” I really deserve to die!

 

Zhan Pingchuan cursed himself.

 

He quickly straightened Lance’s pajamas, but Lance still pushed him away, even turning his back to face the wall, curled into a ball.

 

He was afraid if he kept looking at little idiot’s bewildered expression, he’d feel too fond.

 

Zhan Pingchuan quickly knelt on one knee like an anxious little beast whose courtship had failed, sometimes smoothing the red hair with his paws, sometimes kissing the nape, sometimes nuzzling the shoulder with his nose tip.

 

“I’ll never doubt baby again. Don’t cry. You don’t need to drop out—your husband will handle tuition and living expenses from now on.”

 

Lance thought he still couldn’t overact. Star University’s tuition and living expenses were nothing to High Tower Guild, but would definitely be a big burden for Zhan Pingchuan’s bicycle-stealing dad. He couldn’t really let little idiot support him.

 

So Lance turned around and rolled back into Zhan Pingchuan’s arms: “No need. I can get first-class scholarships.”

 

Zhan Pingchuan lovingly kissed Lance’s wet eye corners, patting his back while coaxing: “It’s fine if you can’t get them. Your husband can buy Star University for you.” Just the matter of one top-tier underground city.

 

Lance couldn’t help tugging at the corner of his lips, fingers tracing Zhan Pingchuan’s slightly trembling Adam’s apple: “Bragging.” But cute.

 

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 (advanced chapters available on kofi)