Chapter 1127: This Was Never Random

“But… I already promised my squad captain I’d return. I can’t go back on my word,” Emily said, clearly torn.

“I’ll talk to your captain myself,” Henry said firmly. “From now on, you’re staying with Fallen Star Squad. No discussion.”

It was a rare display of authority from him—at least, rare outside of combat. But here, in front of his sister, Henry sounded different. More forceful. More decisive.

Even Ethan raised an eyebrow. It wasn’t the Henry they were used to.

“Henry, come with me,” Ethan said suddenly, then turned and walked toward the backyard.

“Okay,” Henry replied quickly, following without question. The others stayed behind, quietly giving them space.

Out in the backyard, Ethan lowered his voice. “Your sister told you about your parents, right?”

“Yeah.” Henry nodded, expression sinking at once. Grief flickered across his face.

“Did anything about it feel… off to you?”

“Off?” Henry looked confused. “Ethan, did you notice something?”

“I did,” Ethan said quietly. “I don’t think what happened to your parents was random.”

Henry frowned.

“In the apocalypse, everything revolves around survival and profit,” Ethan continued. “Your folks didn’t have supplies. They didn’t have enemies. So why would a group of people suddenly jump out and kill two defenseless civilians—on a public road—on their way to a compound? Not even bandits are that reckless. And if it was about… well, attraction to your sister, they wouldn’t try anything that bold in the open, especially that close to a secure zone.”

Henry’s face darkened as realization started to creep in. He hadn’t thought about it like that before—but yeah. It did seem off.

“I also asked your sister,” Ethan went on. “She said she had to use her ability on the way here. She used it in the open.”

Henry’s expression sharpened instantly. “You think someone saw what she could do—and set it all up to grab her?”

“Yeah. Whoever was behind it sent in expendables.” Ethan’s voice dropped to a near-whisper. “All those thugs that attacked? Heard they were wiped out. Their skills were decent at best—pawns, probably.”

Henry’s jaw tightened. “So who was pulling the strings?”

“Ask yourself—who benefited the most?”

Henry clenched his fists. “Silverfox Squad.”

Ethan nodded. “When I tried to bring your sister with me, their captain and a few of their higher-ups reacted… off. At first, I figured they were just upset I was taking their healer. But thinking back, their faces didn’t just show worry. There was fear.”

Henry’s eyes narrowed, fury building behind them. “So they really are hiding something.”

“It’s just a theory for now,” Ethan said. “But I’ll push the military to investigate it tomorrow. With their reach, something’s bound to surface.”

“Got it,” Henry said, voice clipped.

The two of them returned to the living room. Chris and the others were chatting in one corner, while Emily and Mia were in the kitchen, cooking together.

Ethan blinked. “Wait… your sister cooks?”

“Of course she does,” Henry said, a little proud now. “Back when we were kids and my parents weren’t home, she made dinner for me all the time.”

“Nice,” Ethan said with a grin. “Guess I don’t have to cook around here anymore.”

As they crossed the room, Chris popped up with a welcoming smile. “Hey, Henry! Come on, sit down. Got some water for you.”

Henry took the glass without sitting yet, suspicious. “Thanks… What do you want?”

Chris looked innocent. “Nothing. Just curious—how close would you say we are as friends?”

Henry didn’t miss a beat. “As long as you’re not thinking about my sister? We’re best buds.”

Chris’s grin faltered. “…Wow. Ice cold, dude.”

Henry squinted. “Wait. No freaking way. You are thinking about my sister?”

Chris held up his hands fast. “Relax. You’re overreacting.”

Henry kept staring. “So you’re not?”

Chris offered a noncommittal shrug. “Look, all I’m saying is… I already told the guys to stay away from her.”

Henry narrowed his eyes. “So now you’re what, claiming territorial rights?”

“I’m protecting her,” Chris replied, stone serious. “And if some random guy shows up and makes a move, I can’t guarantee I won’t ‘accidentally’ stab him in the back.”

“…”

Ethan gave Chris a long look and sighed. “And people wondered why you were the only one with a girlfriend back in the dorm.”

Henry just stared at Chris, completely speechless.

It wasn’t that Henry disliked Chris—far from it. He just couldn’t wrap his head around the idea of one of his buddies turning into his brother-in-law. That mental image was asking too much.

“That’s up to my sister,” Henry said. “Who she likes is her business. Besides, it’s the apocalypse now. Who’s got the time or energy to think about romance?”

“Fair,” Chris said thoughtfully. “But what if she ends up falling for Ethan? Wouldn’t that lead to a full-blown catfight between her and Mia?”

“…”

“Why am I suddenly in this equation?” Ethan asked, deadpan.

“I’m just saying!” Chris held up his hands again.

Henry shot him a look, but Chris leaned in, suddenly serious. “Listen, man. I’m being real with you. You gotta manage this right. If we start getting all twisted up over relationships, it’ll mess with team cohesion.”

“This part he’s not wrong about,” Ethan said, his tone switching from amused to firm. “Let me be clear: No matter what, no drama over emotions or romance. Anyone who stirs up conflict in the squad over this—I’ll deal with them personally. Harshly.”

“Relax, Captain,” Big Mike chimed in, snickering. “We’re in the damn end times. Strength and survival come first. Only someone like this walking pile of feelings,” he jabbed a thumb at Chris, “would still be dreaming about love. No wonder he got cheated on.”

“Big Mike—swear to God, you bring that up one more time, and I will throw hands!”

“What, can’t even take a joke? Can get cheated on but can’t get roasted?”

“…”

Ethan clapped his hands. “Alright, that’s enough. Chris—this stuff takes time. Focus on leveling up first. Everyone else, just keep some boundaries, got it?”

“Got it,” Chris muttered.

Meanwhile, in the kitchen, the two women were deep in their own conversation.

“Mia, you’re seriously stunning,” Emily gushed, wide-eyed. “Like, prettier than most actresses I used to see on TV. And your figure—how is it that perfect?”

Mia laughed lightly. “Come on, you’re the one who’s pretty. Didn’t you see the way Chris was staring at you? Guy practically had stars in his eyes. Compare that to how they look at me—totally indifferent.”

“Maybe they’re just so used to you, their eyes got tired of being blessed,” Emily said with a grin. “If you stepped outside, every guy would be looking your way.”

Mia just shook her head.

“In a world like this,” she said softly, “standing out too much isn’t a good thing. If your strength doesn’t match your beauty, that attention turns dangerous. If I hadn’t lucked into joining Fallen Star Squad… I honestly wouldn’t mind being less attractive.”

Emily nodded deeply. “Yeah… I get it.”

“But don’t worry,” Mia added. “You’re part of Fallen Star Squad now. No one here’s gonna dare cross the line. Do whatever you want, wear whatever you like—you’re safe.”

“Thanks.” Emily gave a small, grateful smile.

After a pause, she asked curiously, “Mia… seriously, you’re gorgeous, and this squad’s all guys. Are you telling me none of them have tried anything?”

Mia smiled faintly. “We’re teammates. That kind of thought doesn’t come up.”

Of course, she knew exactly why, but she didn’t feel the need to explain. It was better this way. She hadn’t come to Fallen Star Squad for romance. She was here to grow stronger—nothing else.

“I see… Then I guess they really are different from other guys. No wonder they’re so strong.”

“Anyway, food’s done,” Mia said, wiping her hands. “Let’s go call the others.”

“Okay!”