My Tribrid System: More than a Monster

Chapter 398

"For some reason... none of you are lying."

The corner of Ray’s lips twitched almost imperceptibly.

"....."

Van and Chloe quietly let out the breaths they had been holding as they glanced towards Ray.

The memory of the previous night resurfaced in their minds, and faint smiles crept onto their faces.

Before they had gone to sleep, Ray had gathered everyone together and said only one thing.

"Leave the storytelling to me. Just back me up whenever you’re asked a question."

None of them had known how he intended to avoid exposing the fact that he was a werewolf.

But after everything he had done for them... after leading them safely through the Forgotten Lands and bringing every one of them back alive...

They chose to trust him.

His brains... and his brawn.

Patiently, he had explained exactly what each of them should say if questioned, carefully structuring every answer around the story he intended to tell.

And now, they were all left wondering the same thing.

How had Vanessa’s ability failed to react when Ray had hidden such a massive secret?

What the cohort didn’t know was that Vanessa didn’t actually possess a simple lie-detecting ability.

Her gift worked differently.

Whenever someone lied while holding her hands, her consciousness briefly brushed against their mind. If she sensed deception, a faint jolt travelled through her palms, allowing her to identify the lie.

But throughout the entire interrogation...

No jolt had come.

Because the moment Vanessa attempted to touch Ray’s mind, she found something she simply couldn’t penetrate.

His consciousness was heavily protected.

If even Nebula—an Emperor-rank beast—had failed to invade and manipulate his mind, then how could a Meta-human like Vanessa accomplish what an Emperor couldn’t?

That was exactly what Ray had been counting on.

From the very beginning, he had suspected the Corps would possess some kind of lie-detection method.

And he had prepared accordingly.

Now the Corps had obtained the answers they wanted...

...while the cohort walked away without exposing the System.

"You may all have your seats," Lincoln gestured.

Jake rubbed his face with a weary sigh before finally speaking.

"Ugh... it’s unbelievable. Every single part of your story sounds impossible, yet somehow every one of you is telling the truth."

He shook his head before allowing a tired smile to appear.

"Still... I’m grateful you’re all alive."

His gaze eventually settled on Ray.

"I’m still wondering why you suddenly look years older than before, but honestly..." he sighed again.

"...I’m too exhausted to think about it right now."

He paused.

"What I do need you all to know is this..."

Jake’s expression became serious.

"Even though you claim you don’t want to be heroes..."

"...you’ve already become them."

"...For some reason, all seven of you have gained public recognition."

"....?!"

"Huh?!"

The cohort exclaimed in unison, exchanging bewildered glances.

Rather than explaining it himself, Jake simply slipped a hand into his pocket, pulled out his phone, tapped the screen a few times and slid it across the table.

"Here."

The phone came to a stop before the group.

Its screen displayed a paused news broadcast.

Chloe reached over and pressed play.

A professionally dressed news anchor immediately appeared on the screen.

"Breaking News. One hundred civilians who mysteriously disappeared into a Gate from various human planets have been rescued safely."

"Out of the original three hundred victims, only one hundred have been recovered alive."

The anchor paused briefly as everyone around the table leaned in.

"...According to the information we’ve received, this incredible rescue was made possible by a group of Aspirants who themselves were trapped inside a Red Gate six months ago."

"After enduring the harsh and treacherous world beyond the Gate, these Aspirants located the survivors, defeated the world’s boss and escaped together—bringing every survivor they could back with them."

Another brief pause followed before she continued.

"Unfortunately, the Aspirant Corps has sealed every piece of information regarding these brave teenagers, so their identities remain unknown."

"But regardless..."

"...the entire world wishes to thank them."

"When faced with the choice between escaping alone or risking everything to save complete strangers..."

"...they chose the strangers."

"They are exactly the kind of warriors humanity needs in this war against the Aberrants."

"...Selfless heroes."

’What? Selfless? The fuck? I didn’t even take part in the rescue. Left to me, I would’ve left them to die. The hell?!’

Ray exploded inwardly, a deep frown settling on his face.

"....I still remain your favourite news anchor—"

With another frown, Ray paused the video before the broadcast could continue and slid the phone back across the table to Captain Jake.

The others exchanged conflicted glances.

None of them knew whether to laugh or feel guilty.

After all, the world had painted them as noble heroes who risked everything to save strangers.

In reality...

Only a handful of them had actually cared about rescuing the survivors.

If not for the circumstances, some of them would have escaped the moment the opportunity presented itself.

"The General was briefed yesterday," Jake began with a small smile, leaning forward in his chair.

"...And after everything that has happened, coupled with the news spreading across the planets..."

He paused deliberately, allowing the suspense to linger.

"...I’m proud to announce that the General has approved a special exemption."

His smile widened.

"You seven will graduate alongside the other Aspirants next week."

"So... congratulations."

".....?!"

Ray blinked several times.

So did everyone else.

For a few seconds...

Silence.

"W-Wait... we’re in?!" Van suddenly squealed, practically shooting to his feet.

Jake chuckled before nodding firmly.

"You earned more than enough merits through the rescue mission to compensate for the six months you missed."

"So yes..."

"...you all made it."

Ray’s eyes widened.

"So does that mean—"

Jake nodded before he could even finish asking.

"Yes."

"You’ll officially be free to join the Vanguard Order the following week..."

"...and kill as many Aberrants as you wish."

The Captain paused as excitement exploded across every face seated before him.

Even Trisha’s normally cold expression softened ever so slightly.

"I honestly don’t care what your personal reasons are for joining the Vanguard Order," Jake continued.

"But as long as you’re willing to stand on the battlefield and fight Aberrants..."

"...whether you realise it or not..."

"...you’ll still be protecting humanity."

"So go for it."

Almost instantly, the cohort sprang to their feet.

Bright smiles spread across every face—

Well...

Almost every face.

Trisha simply stood quietly, though the faint sparkle in her eyes betrayed her excitement.

Together, they saluted.

"Thank you, Captain! We truly appreciate it!"

Jake rose to his feet.

Lincoln followed shortly after.

The two officers returned the salute with proud expressions.

"We’re glad to have trained all of you over these past few months."

Jake’s voice carried a rare warmth.

"So go out there..."

"...and make us proud."

"Yes, Captain!"

Standing at ease, Lincoln stepped forward.

"Since you now have less than seven days before graduation, none of you are required to attend classes anymore."

"Use this free time wisely."

"Prepare yourselves."

"Because once the graduation ceremony ends, every Aspirant will officially choose which military force they wish to join."

He paused before adding,

"And if any of you decide not to join the military and instead wish to enter a private faction or another organisation..."

"...you’re free to do so."

"As long as you aren’t using the military’s signature Earth Ability."

Ray barely heard the last sentence.

His mind had already drifted elsewhere.

’Finally...’

’Finally.’

’My dream is finally becoming reality.’

’I... I’m really going to become a Vanguard.’

’Everything I’ve endured... it wasn’t for nothing.’

His vision blurred slightly as tears gathered in the corners of his eyes.

Not tears of sadness.

But relief.

Hope.

And anticipation.

Straightening himself once more, Ray raised his hand in another crisp salute.

The others followed.

"You are all dismissed."

With that, the seven Aspirants turned around and walked out of the Combat Hall together.

This time...

Not as survivors of a Red Gate.

But as future Vanguard candidates taking their first real step towards the battlefield.

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