#professor lucien...good job-good job :) *tumbs up

[hakutaichou]

[CN] Main Story: Chapter 33-3 (Gavin Route)

⚠️ SPOILER AHEAD ⚠️

🚨 Warning: This post contains REALLY BIG spoiler from main story which some of them have not been released in JP, TW, Global, nor ASEAN servers. 🚨

A/N: cuz the cn server using “Wuhui”, in english means “ball, dance party, and prom”, I’ll use “ball” like victor’s dance date? 

- Part 0 -

It was getting late, and there was still about half an hour before the time agreed upon with Gavin.

Gavin seems to be very busy lately, and I don’t have much time to spare because of the show. During this period, we only made a hasty phone call in the village and agreed on a time for the ball.

Gavin and I were not too surprised by the fact that Commander Leto invited us to the ball.

I just don’t know what he is planning this time...

I thought about it, subconsciously looking at my wrist, the ginkgo bracelet shimmering in the light.

The complicated thoughts seemed to be sorted out in an instant, leaving only a clear thought in my mind.

MC: No matter what Commander Leto wants to do, I can’t hold back.

I must go forward, and retreat together with Gavin.

***

Gavin knocked on the door of the office, and walked in just after getting a response.

The middle-aged man at the desk a solemn and serious expression. He raised his head and looked around Gavin.

Middle-aged Man: How are you preparing for the ball?

Gavin: Everything is ready, except for one thing.

Middle-aged Man: What’s the matter?

Gavin: This, give it back to you.

It was something that looked like a communication controller. The moment Gavin put it on, the man’s face became very ugly.

He frowned. Although he couldn’t see the anger in his eyes, the air pressure in the office had already changed.

However, Gavin turned a blind eye to this and continued to speak in an official manner.

Gavin: In addition, I also removed all the automatic sniper devices that you arranged in advance.

The man at the desk snorted coldly, his expression wasn’t surprising.

Middle-aged Man: You still don’t understand.

Middle-aged Man: Animal are inevitable, and all useless kindness is to help or abuse.

Middle-aged Man: Commander Leto’s plan must fail. Once those people are used by him...

Gavin: Of course I know.

Gavin interrupted him, his voice wasn’t loud, but he was quite determined.

Gavin: But what you are willing to give up, I don’t want to.

Gavin: I will achieve my goals, in my own way.

The man smirked and leaned back on the seat, holding his hands on his chest, looking at Gavin.

Middle-aged Man: You’re still so idealistic. Do you think things are so easy to solve?

Gavin ignored his sarcasm, just continued to look at the man, his eyes burning.

Gavin: After this mission is over, I will apply to return to STF.

His tone was firm, not so much about making an application, as about notifying the opposite person.

Middle-aged Man: STF won’t accept traitors.

Gavin: You know I’m not.

Gavin: And after tonight, STF will need me.

Middle-aged Man: You did it because of her again.

Gavin: I do it for myself.

Gavin: For so many years of persistence, for the people who used to fight alongside me, and...the future of this world.

The middle-aged man fell silent, but his expression wasn’t too surprised, as if he had expected such a day a long time ago.

Gavin didn’t say anything any more, he took off the micro badge on his chest, paused, and even the black gloves were taken off and placed on the table together.

No need to state.

Just when Gavin turned and left, the man finally opened his mouth again.

Middle-aged Man: Wait.

He opened the drawer, took out an envelope and placed it next to his black gloves, and stopped talking.

There seemed to be invisible pressure colliding with each other in the silent air.

Gavin hesitated, then turned around, picked up the envelope, and opened it. The moment he saw the contents, his eyes widened in surprise.

This is a personal recommendation letter that has already been prepared.

The sunlight from the west slid into the room, and fell on the signer who was both familiar and unfamiliar.

Gavin put the envelope away, saluted the middle-aged man, and the left without looking back.

***

After the door closed, Gavin walked briskly and took out his mobile phone, dialing the very familiar number.

Gavin: Are you at home, how are you prepared?

The girl’s soft noise came from the other end of the phone, which made him follow the person who unconsciously lowered the voice.

Gavin: Mm, I will pick you up right away.

.

- Part 1 -

Men and women in various dresses gathered in the hall with wine glasses in groups.

Necklaces and leather shoes dazzled the night under the crystal chandelier.

Guest A: I heard that the people present today are all big figures in the business and political circles, and Victor, CEO of LFG will also come.

Guest B: It’s not just business and politics. Professor Lucien from Ultima Bioresearch Center was also invited, the one who developed the vaccine before...

Before the words were over, there was a tumult at the entrance of the venue, an extended Lincoln stopped in front of the door, and reporters swarmed up.

Kiro got out of the car, and walked slowly into the venue in countless flashing lights.

The dark clouds have blocked the moonlight at some time, and the sky in the distance is pitch black, it seems that it’s about to rain.

I walked into the hall holding Gavin’s hand, and cautiously looked around.

The ball was a lot more lively than I thought and I never saw Commander Leto’s shadow.

Gavin: Looking for Commander Leto?

MC: The ball has already started, but the organizer isn’t there, It’s so strange...

Gavin: Mm, but this isn’t an ordinary ball.

Obviously, this is a “Hongmen Banquet”

[Note: “Hongmen Banquet” is a idiom to describe a situation where it appears to be festive, celebratory, fun, an opportunity for pacification, but it is really a situation that is dire, dangerous, or even deadly.]

.

We walked to the corner of the venue, I took out a small piece of paper from my handbag and handed it to Gavin.

MC: By the way, I compiled the guest list this time.

Since receiving the invitation letter that day, I started to inquire about the relevant information about the dance.

The hard work paid off, and I finally got this list before coming to the scene.

In order to avoid being discovered by other people, I deliberately lowered my voice and explained it carefully to Gavin.

MC: Commander Leto’s reason is high-sounding, saying "Open the ball to all Evolver" and "Promote the relationship between ordinary people and Evolver"...

MC: But the people he invited were actually big figures in all walks of life.

MC: He must have some ulterior motive...

As Gavin heard about it, he browsed the list in hand.

He raised his hand to rest his chin, his eyes slightly narrowed, his expression focused and serious.

At this moment, there was a sudden commotion in the crowd, and Gavin and I looked towards the door.

Commander Leto walked in with a few special officers. The guests' expressions were brilliant. Some raised their glasses to him with a smile, while others turned their backs impatiently.

It seems that there are many of Commander Leto's cronies at the scene, but there are also people like us who had to come for some reason.

Thinking like this, Commander Leto walked straight in the direction where Gavin and I were.

He looked at Gavin, with a hypocritical smile on his lips.

Leto: Long time no see, Gavin. Welcome.

Gavin: No need.

Gavin's tone was cold, which made Commander Leto's expression a bit ugly. He cleared his throat and turned his head to look at me.

Leto: It's really surprising that Miss MC also came.

Gavin frowned slightly, but before he could speak, I took the conversation first.

MC: What is unexpected about this. Didn’t you invite me by yourself?

After hitting the wall twice in a row, Commander Leto sneered, and finally no longer vacillated.

Leto: I hope that this time you won’t escape in such a haste like last time.

Of course I knew that he was referring to the incident that had been pursued by STF before, and I felt annoyed.

MC: Isn’t there someone else who wants to escape?

I probably didn’t expect that I would say so directly, Commander Leto was taken aback for a moment, then frowned, and left without looking back.

Looking at Commander Leto, who was gradually disappearing into the crowd, I couldn’t help but “Hmph” triumphantly at his back.

Gavin: You are today...

MC: Hm?

I turned my head to look at Gavin, and found that he was looking at me intently, with a faint smile on his eyes.

Gavin: It feels a little different from before.

I was taken aback for a moment, and my cheeks were slightly hot.

MC: Am I being to aggressive just now...

Gavin: No, that’s great.

Hearing this, I couldn’t help but laugh with him.

The time passed by minute by minute, finally reached the time for the official opening of ball.

Commander Leto walked to the stage amidst the applause of the crowd, took the microphone and began to speak, but they were all clichés that have been told countless times in the news.

I was a little bored of hearing, and had to listen patiently. At this moment, Gavin’s voice suddenly got into my ears.

Gavin: MC.

Gavin: Your marksmanship isn’t still strange, right?

I looked at it suspiciously, and was stunned for a moment.

The amber eyes have completely eliminated and turned into another sharp look, with a war spirit engraved in the deepest part.

***

Quite contrary to the bustle of the dance floor, the parking lot was so quiet that nothing but me and Gavin footsteps were left.

There were no cars parked around, but there was a sudden noise not far away, and a group of young people in NW uniforms appeared in front of us.

And behind them, is the source of the noise--- the door of the carriage that opens slowly.

All kinds of unnamed guns and weapons piled up the entire carriage, and suddenly filled my sight, making me speechless in surprise.

Gavin: The situation in the field is as expected. Has the demolition person gone?

NW Team Member: Has successfully sneaked in.

Gavin’s voice brought me back to my senses. While he was talking to the people around him, he took a pistol from his waist and placed it in my palm.

Gavin: This is for you, just in case.

Those amber eyes reflected my appearance, and I nodded solemnly when I saw myself taking the pistol.

The body of cold gun seemed to still have his temperature, and the familiar touch evoked many memories.

This time, we have to fight together.

I clenched my pistol and made up my mind secretly. Suddenly, there was a faint sound of music in the direction of the ball.

Gavin’s body was slightly stagnant, and there was a little regret in his eyes looking at me.

Gavin: I can’t dance with you today.

I shook my head, but laughed instead.

MC: Didn’t you say that, this isn’t an ordinary ball.

MC: As for dancing, I’ll make it up next time.

As soon as my voice fell, an abrupt voice sounded behind me.

“Kacha” is the sound of a bullet.

I turned my head abruptly and pointed my gun at the uninvited guest in front of me.

It turned out to be Eli!

Behind him, stood a large group of people wearing uniforms specially exposed to STF. They all held guns in their hands, and they didn’t know when they were surrounded by us.

Eli’s eyes were so dark that he couldn’t get rid of it, he looked at us with a cold tone.

Eli: Sorry, I’m afraid there’s no “next time” for you.

.

- Part 2 -  (Mission Stage)

.

- Part 3 -

Gavin didn’t seem to be surprised by Eli’s appearance. He raised his hand and pulled me behind him a little bit, facing the gunpoint of STF without fear.

Gavin: You really appeared again.

Eli: But today is different from before.

Eli: I’m here to solve your problems.

Eli’s expression and tone were extremely cold. With a wave of his hand, the team member behind him were immediately ready for battle.

Upon seeing this, NW teammates around him immediately entered a fighting state, and the air was filled with the smell of rattling.

The melodious music continued to come from the direction of the dance, but it couldn’t relieve me the tension on the scene.

One piece just ended, and the second piece began to play. The short and tactful beat was a bit ethereal, but it was a little weird.

Gavin immediately changed his face when he heard the music.

He quickly pulled me behind the pillar and put his hand on my ear.

MC: Gavin...

When I was about to ask a question, Gavin shook his head, and took out two miniature earphones from nowhere to put them on for me.

I just noticed that he was wearing such a headset, and there was a guess in mind.

MC: Is there any problem with this music?

Gavin: It can control Evolver.

Just now, the music is like a signal. At this moment, gunshots have sounded everywhere in the parking lot.

Gavin didn’t explain to much. After confirming that the surrounding teammates were all right, his eyes fell on me again.

Gavin: Be safe, I will be back soon.

MC: I’m going with you!

I subconsciously pulled his cuff, but touched something hard and cold.

I was taken aback for a moment, Gavin looked at me, pulled up his cuff, and a needle with cold light appeared in front of me.

MC: This is...

Gavin: Anesthetics.

Gavin: I can’t shoot Eli, but I can’t let him go.

MC: Are you going to pretend to be controlled by music and approach him...?

I quickly understood Gavin’s intentions, he nodded, his eyes sinking a little, but the determination in his eyes couldn’t hide.

Gavin: MC, cover me.

MC: I got it.

Hearing my answer, Gavin raised the corners of his mouth lightly, nodded at me firmly and confidently, turned and walked towards the fierce battle.

My eyes were chasing after me, the parking lot was already in chaos, and fighting was everywhere.

Gavin was walking towards Eli’s position, his steps were a bit stiff, like a puppet being manipulated.

Knowing that he wasn’t affected by the weird music, I was so nervous that I tightened my gun and tried to evoke my Evol.

Seeing Gavin approaching Eli’s expression step by step, there was no change.

He didn’t have the joy of the plan’s success, or did he face the emotions of his former comrades in arms. His eyes were always cold, even numb.

Finally, there was only a gun’s distance between the two of them, and Eli raised the muzzle to Gavin’s forehead.

My heart beats like a drum, silently gathering power at my fingertips, ready to attack at any time.

Then the moment I held my breath, things suddenly changed.

The pistol turned around in Eli’s hand, he put down his right hand, handed the gun to Gavin’s eyes.

Eli: Do it yourself.

MC: !

Is he testing whether Gavin is really controlled? Or is there another purpose?

The unexpected unfolding made me unable to help my mind, at at the same time, I didn’t dare to slow down, watching their every move closely.

Because Gavin’s back was facing me, I couldn’t see his expression clearly, only saw him slowly stretch out his hand, about to touch the gun on Eli---

At this time, the music that had been surrounding him suddenly stopped.

Eli and I were both taken aback. He quickly retracted his gun and moved towards the venue. I also looked quickly, but only saw the door that closed suddenly.

Then, the continuous gun replaced the gorgeous movement, and the heart-piercing screams made my heart tense.

MC: What happened...

The ominous feeling enveloped me. Before I had time to think, Eli’s voice sounded.

Eli: The plan failed, start the aftermath.

Eli: All Evolver, killed immediately!

Under the cold command, the members of STF reacted, and the attack became more violent.

Eli went straight to Gavin, his expression instantly changed.

He decisively raised his right hand, and the muzzle of the black hole aimed at Gavin again.

That’s too late!

Action before thinking, I quickly clapped the back of my hand, and a pure white light exploded in front of Eli’s eyes.

While he was drawing attention, I hurriedly stepped out of the cover of the open pillar, raised my gun and aimed at him.

However, Eli’s reaction was extremely fast. The moment he found me, the muzzle immediately turned its angle and aimed at where I was.

Then he pulled the trigger mercilessly.

Between the electric light and flint, Gavin stepped violently, firmly held Eli’s shoulder from his side and pressed hard, and then quickly withdrew the needle from the cuff...

Two gunshots.

I slumped on the ground, breathing quickly, and my brain fell into a short blank.

There was a bullet embedded in the wall beside him. It was the bullet that Eli shot at me.

I looked forward and saw Gavin picking up the gun that had fallen from the ground, his eyes a little complicated.

And Eli was falling at his feet, losing consciousness.

.

- Part 4 -

The night was getting darker, but outside the ball hall was very lively. 

The entire venue was surrounded by people from NW, and the door of the hall was cordoned off.

Gavin sent Eli, who was in a coma, to the car. At this moment, a team member hurriedly walked in front of us.

NW Team Member: Captain Gavin, the things have been removed.

He held a small instrument in his hand, which looked complicated and delicate.

MC: Is this the source of the music just now?

Gavin: Yes, Commander Leto wants to use this sonic filter to influence the brain waves of other people, thereby controlling them.

MC: The people in that venue...

Gavin: To him, the people inside are nothing but chess pieces.

Gavin: If there’s no way to control it, it’s better to destroy it directly.

I shuddered when I thought of cry and scream I had just heard.

Gavin briefly confessed to the team member again, then turned and walked to the front of the team.

He took off his suit jacket and put in on his arm, raised his hand and pulled on his tie but his expression didn’t relax.

Gavin: How long have we waited?

NW Team Member: It’s almost ten minutes.

Gavin: There has been no response inside?

The person being asked was stunned, and the answer was a little hesitant.

NW Team Member: ...Do I need to warn again?

Gavin looked at the closed door ahead, squinted his eyes slightly, and the night and neon were reflected in those popper-like eyes, adding a bit of depth to it.

Gavin: No need to talk nonsense with him.

He leaned on the door of the car with one hand, with the other hand in his pocket, and gently raised his finger to give orders.

Gavin: Go straight in.

With a bang, the door of the ball was completely destroyed.

The smoke was in the air, and I couldn’t help but cough quietly, and Gavin had already led the crowd into the smoke first.

MC: *cough

I was just about to follow when I suddenly heard another slight coughing around me.

I hurriedly turned my head to look at the car parked beside me, and Eli had already opened his eyes!

I was a little nervous, for fear that he pointed his gun at me again, and quickly touched Gavin’s gun from his pocket and held it tightly in his hand.

Eli: MC? How came I...

Eli held his head, his eyes looked a little confused, and he was different from the coldness before.

MC: ...Here is the ball held by Commander Leto, don’t you remember?

Eli: Ball? oh.....yes, ball...

As if finally remembering something, he straightened up abruptly.

Eli: Are you and Gavin okay? I remember that I seemed to...shot you?

MC: We’re all fine. But...have you fully recovered?

Eli: Recover?

Hearing my question, Eli’s expression became more confused. I hurriedly found the NW team member beside me, and got the sound wave filter for Eli.

MC: You were previously controlled by Commander Leto with this sonic filter.

While speaking, the dust scattered in the air gathered again, and the violent wind gushed out from the inside of the ball hall, and the momentum seemed to sweep the world.

MC: ...Gavin!

I was uneasy, and immediately ran to the venue with Eli.

***

My vision was blurred by the dust, but the gunshots in my ears were constant, and I vaguely caught a few sounds.

NW Team Member: Commander Leto was shot!

NW Team Member: Who hit it?! Arrest them all!

After one after another shouts and gunshots, there was an extremely clear voice.

Gavin: PUT DOWN ALL WEAPONS!

The scene suddenly became quiet, and the moment the dust cleared, I saw Gavin standing in the middle of the venue from behind.

He was surrounded by a group of STF members who holding guns, but they didn’t dare to approach him, unconsciously separated from him some distance.

Gavin was straight, he looked around and repeated it again.

Gavin: All, put down your weapons.

His voice formed an invisible air pressure, and in the next second, someone really shivered and put down the gun in his hand.

But there were also angrily holding the gun tighter and shouting.

Special Officer: You traitor to STF!

Special Officer: Why should we listen to you! You, you...

His volume became lower and lower, and in the end he couldn’t speak, only swallowing nervously.

Because Gavin has pulled out the gun, and ran it against his forehead.

Gavin: Every bullet of STF should be fired for justice. Now who is your gun aimed at?

The person being questioned was taken aback unable to speak.

Gavin didn’t continue to look at him, but maintained the motion of raising the gun, and looked around at the STF members again.

Gavin: The guests of this ball, are all innocent.

Gavin: I don’t know what Commander Leto used to deceive you, but now, you must listen to me.

Gavin: Put down the gun.

There was a low voice of discussion from the crowd, and many people put down their weapons, but more people were still hesitating.

The two sides were in a stalemate. At this time, Eli took a step forward.

The person who was pointed at with the gun by Gavin raised his eyes, unexpectedly Eli took the gun from behind his waist and placed it on the ground.

Special Officer: Captain Eli...

Seeing Eli’s actions, the man’s expression loosened a bit, and finally put down the gun in his hand.

Gavin also put down his gun, and Eli nodded at him and looked at the member of STF

Eli: Regarding to Commander...Leto, I have something to say to everyone.

He took out the instrument I gave him just now, and explained it loudly.

Eli: This is a sound wave filter, which can control human brain waves through music.

Eli: Commander Leto installed this filter in both the accelerated evolutionary energy and today’s ball.

The crowd was in an uproar. I hit the iron while it was hot.

MC: There’s also an over-evolution supervision office. Many Evolver in it haven’t over-evolved. They have all become experimental subjects in the accelerated evolution cabin.

MC: Both Gavin and Eli can prove this. If you still don’t want to believe it, I still have the test data of the Evolution Chamber as evidence.

Gavin took a step forward, took my word and continued.

Gavin: Commander Leto has already escaped, and NW will take over the next thing.

Gavin: STF won’t be held accountable for the ball, but if someone chooses to continue to be a tiger...

Gavin didn’t finish speaking, his eyes swept across the crowd, not angering himself.

The STF members on the scene fell silent, some were angry, some at a loss, and looked at each other.

I don’t know how long it took, there was a noise in the crowd, and someone put down their weapon.

Voices rang out one after another, and more people also put down their weapons. Finally, the atmosphere of tit-for-tat was completely weakened.

I breathed a sigh of relief, and subconsciously looked at Gavin beside me, and he was looking to me, with a faint smile on his mouth.

Eli: Next...

Gavin: You take the team back first, and I will take care of the rest.

Eli nodded, and he seemed to feel much more relaxed.

Eli: I got it.

Eli: I will pay attention to Commander Leto’s whereabouts and tell you as soon as I have news.

Under the leadership of Eli, the member of STF all left, and at this time, the ambulance finally came to the scene.

Many people were injured in the ball, but fortunately there was no sacrifice.

Seeing Gavin busy in the crowd, I couldn’t help but smile, ready to leave quietly, not to disturb him.

Unexpectedly, just turning around and walking out a few steps, a familiar voice sounded behind me.

Gavin: Going back?

MC: Mm, I think you are still busy, so I didn’t say hello to you.

Gavin: Wait for me.

Gavin turned around and called NW team member who was passing by, gave a few words, and then walked towards me.

The ends of his hair raised in the night looked high-spirited.

Gavin: Everything is arranged, I will take you back first.

Without a word, he took my hand and walked deeper into the night.

***

Gavin and I walked home through a park. The moon was hanging in the sky, and the starry sky was twinkling. People couldn't help but slow down.

In the flower bed in early spring, a lot of flowers bloomed, and the air was faintly fragrant.

It’s always been a long time since the two of us walked home together...

What happened just now is still vivid, and the tranquility now makes me feel a little dazed.

The street lamp casts a circle of light to envelop us, and the night breeze gently blows our hair.

I wish I could do this every day in the future.

Before we knew it, we had already walked downstairs to my apartment.

MC: Arrived

Although I feel reluctant, I opened Gavin's hand with ease.

My fingertips just left the warmth, but Gavin suddenly stretched out my hand, holding my hand tighter in the palm.

MC: Gavin?

I tilted my head suspiciously, but caught a little smile at the corner of his mouth.

Gavin: One more thing...

Before the words fell, Gavin pulled me into his arms and jumped up.

The wind quickly gathered under our feet, holding us upwards, until completely immersed in the night.

The lights of the city became far away in an instant, but the starry sky above his head was extremely clear.

I felt that something familiar had returned to Gavin's body, his scorching eyes were long-lost publicity and unruly.

Gavin's smiling voice rang in my ears, as close as, his body temperature.

Gavin: The dance that I missed, is now for you.

He took my hand tightly, led me to dance, in the wind, and under the night sky.

I also squeezed him back firmly, and looked deeply into those bright eyes.

A long night finally came to an end at this relaxed and tender moment.

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Next: [F4, Assemble] Chapter 33-4